8mm Forum: Troubles with Projector Workshop?

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Topic: Troubles with Projector Workshop?

Evan Samaras
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 513
From: Queens, NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2015

posted December 04, 2015 03:45 PM

WARNING: Long Post =D (Forgive my errors in spelling and grammar in this rant)

I debated writing this post for some time now. However, I felt it may prevent others from running into a similar issue, or maybe I will stand corrected by others who are familiar with the individual. I am new to this field and feel taken advantage of. Many people from the forums have been very helpful, but I should have known better than to generalize this statement to all of the individuals in this hobby/line of work. Here is my story:
I purchased my first Super 8 projector on eBay, and knew that it would require repair for the price I picked it up at, and the fact that it was sold “as is.” It was an Elmo ST1200D. When I opened it I could tell the belts needed replacement, they had melted. I found Projector Workshop, ran by Sam E Misshula, also known as bionicspinnner on ebay. We spoke on the phone and he asked me to bring the projector to him the next morning. He quotes me $150. Deal. He called me back about an hour later, and told me that it required further work and he was sorry but that the price had to be $225, but that I was getting a deal. I was upset, but what could I do, I told him fine, I can pick it up later tonight. A few hours pass and I received another call, this time he stated that the posts on the projector were broken, and he had to use epoxy to repair them, and that the price is $275 and I could pick up the projector, “it’s ready… you won’t be disappointed… I wouldn’t bullsh*t you.” I have since come to learn the last line is his favorite to use, especially since he is doing just that. If I had known the repair would cost that much I probably would have never had it repaired in the first place. I was upset that he hadn’t phoned me for an approval before finishing the work. However, the man completed the work, and I decided to pay him knowing I would have a running, serviced projector. The case on the back of the projector hangs loosely off of it even with his repair. The projector runs fine, even though I had to wipe off what smells like WD40, perhaps not the “special lubricants” he mentioned having to use.

Shortly after, I was in the market for a 16mm projector. RB Multimedia quoted me on a good price for an Elmo 16CL, which included warranty. Since Sam from Projector Workshop was so close I gave him a call and spoke to him about various projectors to make sure I was getting what I wanted. He asked me to come by. I am only about a 20 minute drive away, so I said fine. When I arrived he said, I know Rich, he’s a good guy, but that projector isn’t what you want. He convinced me to buy a Bell & Howell 2592, at a higher price than he had listed on his ebay page (I found this out later). He also did his best to convince me to purchase additional items, and a telecine blade, that he said I should not install myself, but to give him a call whenever I wanted the blades switched out. We completed the transactions with him using my phone to complete the purchase as a friend/gift. He also sold me a film which turned out to be in poor condition, with many damaged sprocket holes and spliced using everyday scotch tape. I sent him an emailing thanking him but telling him some of the things that upset me, such as overcharging me. He scolded me and explained that the projector on ebay is a picture of the one he sold me but they are not the same. “I gave you the better belts, and a better worm gear, I wouldn’t bullsh*t you.” I arrived home, plugged in the projector, and the projector ran well for a few seconds and then what I believe is the film gate began to bang fast and loud. I called him and he said the projector is in great condition. I had him hear over the phone and he asked me to bring it in, I couldn’t because I had to go to work. I called him when I was at work and told him I didn’t want to leave on a bad note, but it has only been about an hour or so, and I would like a refund. He told me “No, I can’t I’ve already used the money, just bring the projector by and I will check it out.” At this point I was feeling frustrated. I tried to have PayPal change it from a gift to a service so we can sort things out, but we all know that is impossible.

Was I wrong? Has anyone had any interactions with the individual? I guess I am posting this because I am still feeling upset and would appreciate any objective opinions. Thank you!

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