8mm Forum: 2 Blade Shutter Conversion

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Topic: 2 Blade Shutter Conversion

Patrick McGrath
Film Handler

Posts: 97
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted May 08, 2012 03:27 PM

Just thought I'd report on my little upgrade project.
Last year I purchased my first Elmo while on vacation in Japan.
A nice ST-180MO sitting on the shelf of the used electronics store needed a home and I was happy to oblige.
After being tempted many times reading about two-bladed shutters in Steve Osbourne's Reel Image, I decided to take the plunge and see if I could successfully complete such an operation.
Of course, upon getting deep inside the machine I neglected to take any photos. It just went by so fast and I was so concentrated on getting it right I never thought to document it properly.
The result was indeed successful and it really is a huge improvement. The ST-180 is only a 100w lamp but side by side with my Sankyo 800 and its 150w, the ST is noticeably brighter.
I also converted a small barrel 16mm 2 inch lens for longer throws and even though it is F1.6 it is still brighter than even my Yashica F1.3 which is a standard lens I know, but was always my brightest even compared to the Sankyo.
I can't wait to try it out in the backyard this summer!

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Joe Taffis
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1592
From: United States
Registered: Jun 2003

posted May 08, 2012 04:21 PM

Glad to know you got the 2 blade job done Patrick. I've been thinking about converting one of my ELMOs for quite a while, but I'm not too sure if its something I can handle. Approximately how long did it take you?

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Joe Taffis

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Patrick McGrath
Film Handler

Posts: 97
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted May 08, 2012 06:39 PM

Altogether, it took about 3 or 4 hours, over two weekends, but I was being very careful so as not to lose track of where things go. A great learning experience.

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David Weintraub
Junior
Posts: 2
From: Binghamton, NY, USA
Registered: Aug 2016

posted August 14, 2016 03:06 PM

I am unable to find a video for changing the shutter wheel on an Elmo ST 180-M. What is the difficulty level of this project? Can anyone share tips. Perhaps, Patrick or Joe. Or maybe point me in the direction of an instructable. Thank you!

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