8mm Forum: Ampro projectors

This is topic Ampro projectors in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on January 10, 2007, 11:45 AM:

Does anyone have any experience of the Ampro Simplex range of Stylist projectors?

I am seriously toying with venturing into the 16mm world as well as staying with 8mm, so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Going back more years than I care to remember, my school used to have the Ampro Premier range of projectors, and I recall, even at that young tender age, and as a budding engineer, being impressed with both the picture and sound quality.

I think the Premier range might be a little long-in-the-tooth for today, but the Stylist models do appear from time to time.

Comments anyone??

Posted by Paul Spinks (Member # 573) on January 10, 2007, 05:50 PM:

Hi David,
late model Bell and Howells and Eiki/Elfs are reliable and spares are always available. If you want to dip your toe into the 16mm world you can't do better than these machines.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on January 11, 2007, 01:39 AM:

Hi Paul,

Thanks for that. Next question - optical or magnetic sound - or both? Which films are more prolific in 16mm, or are they about equal?

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on January 11, 2007, 08:54 AM:

Hi David,I have recently got into 16mm films,and i think it would be fair to say that most of the films are optical sound,a few magnetic sound films are around but not as common.Both my machines are Elf optical only machines and are easy to get spares for,plus they are an inexpensive way into 16mm.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on January 11, 2007, 09:20 AM:

Sounds encouraging, Mark.

Just out of interest, do you shoot any 16mm films? I might also be looking for a 16mm movie camera at some stage!

I've had varying degrees of success with shooting Super 8, even though I have a couple of 'top-of-the-range' Bauer cameras. Shooting Standard 8 with my trusty Sankyo Auto 5X has NEVER been a problem. Results are always 100%!

Just wondered.

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on January 11, 2007, 04:21 PM:

Hi David,no sorry i don't shoot 16mm,I'm the same as you with super 8 but since Kodachrome K40 was stopped i haven't done any.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on January 12, 2007, 05:48 AM:

Nobody seems to have commented on the Ampro projectors themselves. [Frown]

Is this because they are crap, or that nobody has one?

They do appear to be well engineered machines, as far as I can make out; plus the fact that I like the look of them - not of paramount importance, I know, but there it is! [Cool]

Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 442) on January 19, 2007, 01:02 PM:

My first machine was a Super Stylist. I found it quite noisy with so-so sound, and quickly traded it for an RCA400 (this was back in the mid-1960's). Unless you're interested in obscure older machines I'd take a pass. For a daily user stick to an Elmo or Eiki (Elf).

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on January 20, 2007, 04:58 AM:

Thanks for your input, Jeff.

I must admit the older machines do fascinate me, and I have just been offered an Ampro Stylist Major Mark 3 in mint and virtually unused condition.

I'll see what it's like and then proceed with an Eiki or Elmo if it turns out to be rubbish - but it will be fun finding out. As it's in such good cosmetic condition, I could always just hang on to it as a show-piece.

Other film buffs I have conversed with also recommend the two machines you mention, so I am sure that will be the way to go next.

BTW, have you seen the Ampro Premier 20 on eBay at the moment? Item No. 150081638805. It's only £15 ($30) with no bids.....could be interesting too, as another collector's item!!

Best,

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