Author
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Topic: AT LAST - OWNER OF A 16mm PROJECTOR
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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted February 10, 2007 04:31 AM
I have at last acquired a 16mm projector. Having read and taken on board the recommendations of various members, I decided to look for either an Elmo or an Eiki (Elf).
I missed a couple of Elmo machines on eBay, a beautiful 16AA and a CL, due to being away. Carried on looking for an Eiki, when I came across an Ampro Stylist Major Mk2 for £54.
Went to take a look at it, against all advice, and I have to say it was in absolute showroom condition, finished in a stunning silver/grey hammer, black and chrome. I couldn't say mint, but not far short. The matching speaker, and a 1,600ft reel of cartoon compilations was included, together with a spare 1,000-watt lamp and a spare exciter lamp. Not only that, but no less than 3 lenses; a one and a half inch, a two inch, and a two and a half inch!!!
I reckoned that, for that price, I couldn't go wrong, and I could always resume the search for an Elmo or Eiki.
Anyway, got it home, stripped it down and gave it a thorough servicing, having purchased all necessary manuals from OTC.
No detectable wear on rollers, sound drum or anything. Seems it was hardly used.
Well! I have to say that I am a very happy bunny. Contrary to popular belief, it is a very quiet performer. The optical sound is sharp, crystal clear, with plenty of depth and dynamics. The picture is razor sharp and bright. This model has optical sound only, but has drillings in the casting and cover plates to accommodate magnetic facility if required.
I know I started off by thinking about an Ampro, as I remembered them from my schooldays and was impressed at that tender young age as a budding engineer. Obviously things have moved on considerably since then, but I must admit I do get a kick out of running this machine - as indeed I do with my Standard 8 Elmo E-80.
The E-80 uses a 750-watt A1/9 115-volt lamp, and the Ampro uses the same; or a 1,000-watt A1/59 115-volt for a long throw or large screen.
Therefore, in all honesty, I think I will be quite happy with this machine for a while, but if I get itchy feet, an Elmo or Eiki it will be.
So, sincere thanks to everyone who offered the benefit of their advice and experience - which was not ignored - just a quirk of circumstances.
Got to get a 16mm camera now for those family occasions and local nature and wildlife shoots!
Once again, thanks and best to all.
-------------------- Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination! Early technology rules OK!
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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted February 13, 2007 11:23 AM
Hi Barry,
Thanks for the info. I can't make up my mind about which lamp to use.
A friend and Ampro expert reckons that the 750-watt is the best choice - avoids overheating, less chance of the switch contacts arcing and burning out, and cooling is OK when running at silent speed. He has even had a 1,000-watt lamp melt and become distorted - and it's not lack of maintenance - he is an engineer!
I note that the manual for the Premier series says that you should only use a 1,000-watt lamp provided the machine is not run at silent speed, because the cooling is inadequate with the blower running slower. The Major manual doesn't mention this, although the cooling principle is the same.
I like the idea of a brighter picture, but not the chance of overheating. What are your thoughts and experiences?
Best,
-------------------- Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination! Early technology rules OK!
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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004
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posted March 13, 2007 06:34 AM
Hi Barry,
Meant to respond to this thread much earlier, but other issues had taken over.
To get back to the lamp question, the thing is, is that I usually mix sound and silents when showing films. It's a difficult one, as I don't want to sacrifice a brilliant picture when showing some of my own silent 16mm local nature and wildlife films; and swapping lamps during a showing isn't really practical. Some people say they can't tell the difference in screen brightness between a 750-watt lamp and a 1,000-watt lamp. Yet you reckon a 1,000-watt lamp "really does the business".
Other than obtaining a second Ampro machine, and using one exclusively for sound and the other for silent, I'm still in a quandary.
As I said previously, why does the Premier Series manual state "only use the 1,000-watt lamp for sound speed", whereas the Stylist Major manual does not???
-------------------- Dave.
Valves and celluloid - a great combination! Early technology rules OK!
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