8mm Forum: My "New" 642

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Topic: My "New" 642

Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted October 30, 2008 11:53 AM

I have just taken delivery of a "new" Bell & Howell 642. As members will know this model dates from around 1962.

My service engineer used four scrap projectors (plus a brand-new animation worm) to construct this beauty. The sound from the valve amplifier is far superior to the later transistorised Bell & Howell amps.

The normal lamp used is the A1/207 Truflector (amongst others). I would like to fit the later A1/242 (1000w 240v) lamp as its light is more white.

I am asking if any members have these lamps for sale.

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Maurice

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Graham Ritchie
Film God

Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006

posted October 30, 2008 11:34 PM

Hi Maurice
The B/H 642 is a really good solid projector and was my first 16mm projector. I think it has a 3 bladed shutter ideal for home movies and transfers to video. I have just looked through my box of old lamps but cant find any, must have given them away at the time the projector was sold, however I am trying to think back that there was a mod to replace those large 750/1000watt lamps with a 24/250 watt reflector type the article was in an old "Movie Maker" will see if I can find it, certainly those large lamps draw a lot of current and put out quite a bit of heat, I remember that.

Regards Graham.

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted October 31, 2008 03:47 AM

Graham

With the weather we've been having lately the 1000 watt lamp makes the space around the projector quite cosy!

I have a large stock of the A1/207 Truflector lamps, both in 240 volts and 115 volts. I have a separate Bell & Howell transformer for the latter. As you know the projector has a four-pin plug which will feed the two different voltages direct to the lamp (not via the operating switch.)

Thanks for your offer to find the Movie Maker mod. However, I would not wish to spend any more money on the 642.

I also have two 655QE projectors which both have the useful conversion to use the A!/259 lamp.

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Maurice

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Simon McConway
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1085
From: Doncaster, UK
Registered: Jun 2004

posted October 31, 2008 06:51 PM

Yes, the 642 was also my first 16 mm projector. I found the lamp house/lamp holder mount subject to excessive vibrations, something I figured didn't help the lamps last very long! I think I paid £35 for mine (secondhand) and it served me very well, all through univerisity. Eventually, I upgraded to the TQIs with halogen lamps. B & Hs are the best and kindest to all film. Elfs are fine (and easier to service by far) but the B & H are more refined. And after servicing/repairing dozens of 'em, I think I'm qualified to say.

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