8mm Forum: Help! Can't Find a Good 8mm Sound Projector...

8mm Forum

my profile | my password | search | faq | register | forum home

next oldest topic

next newest topic

»	8mm Forum » 8mm Forum » Help! Can't Find a Good 8mm Sound Projector... (Page 1)

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Author

Topic: Help! Can't Find a Good 8mm Sound Projector...

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 03, 2013 04:24 PM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

So I've been looking around my local Los Angeles area for a good, working Elmo or Eumig sound projector. So far I've looked a 2 Elmo ST600 and 1 ST800...none of which worked for various reasons. I've also seen a Eumig Mark S810 that was missing all necessary accessories to allow conversion from 8mm to Super 8mm.

So it looks like I'll end up searching eBay. I'm seeing many Bell &Howell, Chinon and Sankyo projectors but I don't really know anything about them.

Does this forum have as a reference anywhere a listing of all these various projectors and how they fall in the hierarchy of "good" to "bad?"

Even within the Elmo and Eumig families I'm getting lost as to what should be better than the others.

Thoughts?

Thanks for any help,
Lee

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 03, 2013 05:51 PM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

All the Elmo's are top quality projectors, assuming you get one that has been looked after. The GS1200 is the top of the Elmo line, but also the one that requires some TLC from time to time.
The Eumig 800 series are all good to excellent. They are built like tanks, but many have been run to death. The best Eumigs by far are the 930 thru 940 series.
Sankyo's are high quality machines with an excellent reputation for performance and quality.
Bauer's are superb.
Avoid Bell & Howell, GAF, Chinon's - they all have questionable reputations.

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 03, 2013 06:01 PM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Excellent feedback.

Thanks!

| IP: Logged

Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 04, 2013 12:29 AM

Email Steve Klare

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Hi Lee

There are Super-8 sites on the 'net which have comparitive data on cameras, projectors and other equipment.

My favorite, the Super-8 Data Base, seems to be down if not out.

This site is made from the same set of data:

Super-8 Wiki

I've found goofs and gaps in this information here and there, but it's generally useful.

--------------------
All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted June 04, 2013 12:37 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

If you can find a nice ST-1200HD MO, I'd go for that. If you do need the Regular 8 though, it doesn't support that.

http://www.fosterfilms.co.uk/accessories.htm

He has one of those, but they are 220V, but I reckon about that price is correct

| IP: Logged

frank arnstein
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 534
From: Gold Coast. Australia
Registered: Jan 2005

posted June 04, 2013 02:02 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Hi Lee,

In case you didn't know, the Eumig Mark S810 is a straight Super 8 projector and it can't play Regular 8 movies. It has a delivery spindle that is fixed for Super 8 reels only and it never came with the accessories needed to change over guages to Regular 8. It also had a special claw with 2 pins that can't play Regular 8 films.

So if you want to buy a Dual 800 series Eumig then look for the designation "D" as in 810D or 807D or whatever model Eumig it is from the 800 or 700 series. They should have the extra aperture plates and sprockets that you will need to swap guages and it will have the special claw with only one pin. This magic claw can play both guages of film using only the 1 thin pin.

Good Luck on your continuing search. Perhaps reconsider the Elmo ST-800 you looked at earlier as its probably only something simple needed to fix it.

dogtor frankarnstein [Smile]

[Smile]

[Wink]

--------------------
At Projector Heaven the Focus is always on Detail.

____
[o:/o]<|=- dogtor@projectorheaven.com.au
//``\\
-----------------------------------------------

| IP: Logged

Vidar Olavesen
Film God

Posts: 2232
From: Sarpsborg, Norway
Registered: Nov 2012

posted June 04, 2013 02:36 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

If you can find a nice ST-1200HD MO, I'd go for that. If you do need the Regular 8 though, it doesn't support that.

http://www.fosterfilms.co.uk/accessories.htm

He has one of those, but they are 220V, but I reckon about that price is correct

| IP: Logged

Maurice Leakey
Film God

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

posted June 04, 2013 02:44 AM

Email Maurice Leakey

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Lee
Click on the projector icon to bring list of projector makes, then click the makes which will then bring up the maker's various models.
Finally, click on the model for full details.
http://www.super8data.com/

--------------------
Maurice

| IP: Logged

Roger Shunk
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 604
From: Phoenix, AZ
Registered: Nov 2011

posted June 04, 2013 02:51 AM

Author's Homepage

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Lee,
Sent you a PM
Roger

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 04, 2013 04:27 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

All - You folks are awesome!! This information goes above and beyond what I was looking for.
The Eumig model I referred to above is listed as a "D" model so I assume it should be capable of dual 8mm playback. That's not a need for me but if I were to buy a projector that could playback both I'd sure like to have the parts that make it happen.

I'm partial to the Elmo line as I had one when I was a teenager (I think it was an 800...) so am a little familier and perhaps nostalgic for the brand.

Frank - In your opinion what would be a reasonable price to offer for the Elmo 800 with the playback issue?

Roger - I've replied to your PM.

Thanks again to all,
Lee

| IP: Logged

Winbert Hutahaean
Film God

Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 04, 2013 04:41 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Lee, I have an Elmo ST-800 like new in box. The original box is still strong nothing break or tear.

All accessories are there that includes the soft case.

I am asking $175 + shipping.

I guess shipping to USA is $39.

Email me at winbert (at) hotmail (dot) com if you are interested.

--------------------
Winbert

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 04, 2013 05:09 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Hi Winbert. I just emailed you.

Tanks,
Lee

| IP: Logged

Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 04, 2013 05:52 AM

Email Steve Klare

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

This sounds like a better deal!

There's one on e-bay right now that looks nice (Don't they all?), but has no information but the technical specs. These basically describe the machine as it was built and tell you nothing about what condition it's in 30+ years down the road.

I like to know that the seller has some idea whether the thing works or not!

When they say they can't test it because "They have no tapes" (unless they are selling for like 5 bucks), run away!

--------------------
All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 04, 2013 06:47 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Steve - If your referring to the Elmo 800 on eBay for $200 with the blue background in the picture, that's the one local to me where the reels didn't turn in forward or reverse. ..

| IP: Logged

Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 04, 2013 06:51 AM

Email Steve Klare

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Oh Wowww!

So I stand corrected: the seller might actually know this machine doesn't work?

Maybe we should be mean and ask some questions?

--------------------
All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 04, 2013 06:54 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

He knows it as of two days ago. He was selling it for a friend... He was going to go back to his friend to see if he could get it to work but so far haven't heard back from him.

| IP: Logged

Hugh Thompson Scott
Film God

Posts: 3063
From: Gt. Clifton,Cumbria,England
Registered: Jan 2012

posted June 04, 2013 11:56 PM

Email Hugh Thompson Scott

Edit/Delete Post

Lee, my advise would be to forget ebay,Winbert has a good
machine on offer,no doubt it will be in excellent condition, and
on here you should be quite safe in buying stuff.

| IP: Logged

Raymond Glaser
Master Film Handler

Posts: 318
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Registered: Sep 2009

posted June 05, 2013 01:49 AM

Email Raymond Glaser

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I have a Sankyo 500 Super 8 Sound projector if you're interested. It's in great condition for $150.00 including shipping

| IP: Logged

Zechariah Sporre
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 557
From: Ladysmith, WI U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2010

posted June 05, 2013 03:31 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

If you are still looking, I have a Eumig 810 High Quality Sound super 8 projector. It would be $195 with free shipping.

--------------------
There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 05, 2013 03:59 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

I made a deal with Winbert yesterday to purchase his Elmo 800 so it looks like I do have a really nice projector coming in about a week.

Thanks to all for your help on this search. I'm pretty excited to be getting back into this hobby. I had a Elmo 800 when I was a teenager back in the 1970s along with a small collection of films.

Lee
| IP: Logged

| IP: Logged

Paul Adsett
Film God

Posts: 5003
From: USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted June 05, 2013 05:32 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

A very wise move Lee.

--------------------
The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection,
Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade
Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar
Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 05, 2013 06:04 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Thanks Paul. I think so too.

I must say I've been very impressed by the membership of this forum. It's really unusual on the internet for everyone to be so supportive and helpful to one another. It only adds to my excitement to get back into this hobby.

Lee

| IP: Logged

Barry Fritz
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1061
From: Burnsville, MN, USA
Registered: Dec 2009

posted June 05, 2013 08:39 AM

Email Barry Fritz

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Uhm. Maybe I missed something but based on the title of this post it is an 8mm sound projector Lee is looking for. I don't think the 800 Elmo plays 8mm. Isn't it a super 8 machine.

| IP: Logged

Lee Bombard
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 139
From: Santa Clarita, CA, USA
Registered: May 2013

posted June 05, 2013 09:39 AM

Email Lee Bombard

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Barry is correct...partially.

Super 8 was a "must have" where regular 8 was a "would be nice."

| IP: Logged

Robert Crewdson
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1031
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2013

posted June 26, 2013 07:53 AM

Send New Private Message

Edit/Delete Post

Did you finally get a projector? I bought my Eumig 810D in 1975 and still going, never damaged any film. In the 1970s a UK cine mag ran a test to find which projector was capable of running a film the longest before it started to disintegrate. They had a continuous loop of film and just let the projectors run for a couple of days. The winner was Noris (German), I think Eumig came 2nd or 3rd. Avoid Chinon at all costs, they had a reputation for making good cameras, but not projectors. At one time Derek Simmonds of Derann wouldn't allow you to hire a film from him if you owned a Chinon projector. You could buy a film for about £35 or hire it for £12 or £15; a film was being sent out once and coming back with torn sprockets. Chinon was sold exclusively by Dixons in the UK, another of their brands was Prinz. They brought out a Super 8 film on Polyester base, which they claimed would make the image sharper: I tried a roll, and not only was it not sharp, but weird colours, biased greens and browns.

| IP: Logged

All times are Central

This topic comprises 2 pages: 1 2

Move Topic

Delete Topic

next oldest topic

next newest topic

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Visit www.film-tech.com for free equipment manual downloads. Copyright 2003-2019 Film-Tech Cinema Systems LLC

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2