8mm Forum: Bell & Howell 1585 Broken Autoload Switch?

This is topic Bell & Howell 1585 Broken Autoload Switch? in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Bryan Couch (Member # 4407) on August 11, 2014, 04:23 PM:

I'm new here to the forums, so I'd just like to take the opportunity to say hello to you all! Nice place you've got here.

I'm pretty new to the film world, as I just recently found a Bell & Howell 1585 in a thrift store for $40. There were no films to fully test it with, but I was able to plug it in and confirm that the lamp & lens were alright and all the little bits that looked like they should move moved.

I did some more reading after I took it home and found how to properly load it, but it seems like the Autoload switch that clamps everything down doesn't function properly. Everything goes down as it should, but refuses to stay in the locked position.

Any ideas? I'd like to restore it, but if it's beyond repair, I suppose $40 isn't too bad to eat.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on August 11, 2014, 04:54 PM:

Hello and a warm welcome Bryan.I speak for all on here I am sure.

Apologies as I know nothing of note about your projector as Super 8mm is my bag. What I will say is you are most definitely in the right place coming here with any queries regarding projectors or indeed anything film related. On here, there is an expert on everything and I am certain it will not be too long before you get an accurate helpful response to your problem.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 12, 2014, 02:35 AM:

Bryan

Open the door and watch as you operate the auto-thread button, two parts below the bottom sprocket mate together, when tension is applied to the film after threading the two parts spring apart. This opens all the previously set auto-thread guides.

Over time, the latch wears, thus not locking the parts together. One way is to hold down the top button whilst at the same time use your other hand to manually mate the two parts.

If you continually have problems, it is relatively simple to manually lace (thread) the projector.

Posted by Bryan Couch (Member # 4407) on August 12, 2014, 12:32 PM:

Thanks, Andrew. It appears you were right! [Smile]

----
Maurice:

I knew there was some small part that must've worn out.

Manually threading the film seems like the best course of action, if it's possible. How do I go about doing that? I've seen some Youtube videos on how to thread manual models, but I'm not sure if it's a similar process.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 12, 2014, 03:07 PM:

This YouTube shows manual threading procedure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc2qcj8HUfI
You might like to buy a copy of your projector's Instruction Booklet which will give a lot of useful information.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Bell-Howell-1585-1590-1592-Autoload-16mm-Sound-Projector-Instruction-Manual-/191222430840?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c85bebc78

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