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Topic: Question for Mr Elmo

David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 05, 2007 06:25 AM

Kevin,

There are a couple of Elmo CL-16 machines on eBay right now, and I was considering placing a bid. Is there anything in particular to be aware of with these machines? I already have several vintage mint Ampro 16mm projectors as you know, but I thought it would be nice to have a 16mm companion to the ST1200-HD. The urls for the machines are:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ELMO-CL-16-OPTICAL-SOUND-FILM-PROJECTOR-W-COVER-MOVIE_W0QQitemZ170175460610QQihZ007QQcategoryZ15254QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Elmo-16-CL-16MM-Optical-Movie-Projector-Japan-Vintage_W0QQitemZ110200777617QQihZ001QQcategoryZ15254QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

Perhaps you would be kind enough to take a look and advise me, or else any questions I should ask the sellers.

With many thanks,

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Rob Koeling
Master Film Handler

Posts: 399
From: Brighton, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted December 05, 2007 09:55 AM

David,

Why look at a machine at the other side of the pond? Shipping will be a killing and then there is the 120V/60Hz thing.

There is a nice looking machine on Ebay UK at the moment:
CL ob Ebay UK

- Rob

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 05, 2007 10:45 AM

Hi Rob,

Missed the one you are talking about [Embarrassed]

However, shipping is only £50, so a machine for £100 isn't unreasonable. The voltage and frequency isn't a problem for me at all.

However, the one you mention looks really good if the price doesn't run away towards the end of the auction.

Thanx, Rob.

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Jean-Marc Toussaint
Film God

Posts: 2392
From: France
Registered: Oct 2004

posted December 05, 2007 11:51 AM

David, I've been using CLs for quite a while. There are two things that require attention:
1 - channel rubber rollers. With age, they tend to get gooey and turn into tar, like the shutter wheel belt on the st1200HD. Replacements can be find, however.
2 - Take-up wheel assay. Early versions feature a smooth belt. When the assay is getting old and isn't properly looked after, the take-up spool will stop turning as the belt might stretch and get loose. Later versions feature toothed belts and cog-like wheels and washers, meaning that the take-up won't stop because the reel is becoming too heavy. There was a conversion kit to fix earlier machines but I never saw one...

Apart from that, it's a great little machine. Very quiet, great picture, superb lens. Gentle on films. There's no loop restorer, so the only way around damaged sprockets and bad splices is to stop the projection and restart it.

--------------------
The Grindcave Cinema Website

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 05, 2007 12:19 PM

Thanks for the pointers, Jean-Marc. Most helpful.

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Rob Koeling
Master Film Handler

Posts: 399
From: Brighton, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted December 05, 2007 04:01 PM

Jean-Marc,

The take-up reel upgrade kit can be bought from Urbanski Film in the US. I just replaced the smooth belt with the new belt on my recently acquired CL xenon and it made the machine as new. I took me less than an hour to fit. The kit is something like $60 or $70.
You are right about the rollers. I had to replace some on a back-up machine. I just bought replacement rubber tires for the rollers which worked perfectly (cleaning the rubber goo of was a bit of a challenge). Complete rollers are also still available.

The CL is a very nice and trouble free machine. It is also a quiet projector. Highly recommended!

David, did you end up with the 16mm print of the General that was up on Ebay.co.uk a couple of weeks ago?

- Rob

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 06, 2007 03:42 AM

Hi Rob,

RE: THE GENERAL

No. I decided to pass on that one. Can't quite remember why, now, but there was something about it that put me off. Still looking, though.

With regard to the 16-CL it looks like I might go for it. I contacted the seller and apparently he has only used it a few times. He reckons it is pristine, with absolutely no deterioration to the rollers. He will let me know about the toothed belt before the auction ends.

Thanx for your interest, guys.

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Jean-Marc Toussaint
Film God

Posts: 2392
From: France
Registered: Oct 2004

posted December 06, 2007 12:42 PM

Rob: Thank you! I've just ordered the kit from Larry...

--------------------
The Grindcave Cinema Website

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Kevin Faulkner
Film God

Posts: 4071
From: Essex UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted December 06, 2007 01:08 PM

All those rollers are available new from Wittners.

David, there is nothing more to add to what JM has told you.
The CL is probably the quietest 16mm machine ever produced. That one has the later modified take-up so you will be ok on that score. You can tell by looking at the shaft mounting. That one is metal and the early unmodified ones were black plastic.

Kev.

--------------------
GS1200 Xenon with Elmo 1.0...great combo along with a 16-CL Xenon for that super bright white light.

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 08, 2007 10:58 AM

Wait for it [Embarrassed]

Just wondering if I'm beginning to turn into a 16mm "anorak" [Roll Eyes]

I already have 3 superb and pristine Ampro machines, and am searching my conscience for a reason as to why I would need a fourth.

Other than the fact that it would be "nice" to have another Elmo - either CL or AL - I can't really think of one.

At the moment the lineup stands as follows:

Standard 8
Elmo E80 (silent)
Elmo F80 (silent)
Ampro Futurist 8 (silent)
Eumig Mark S (sound)

Super 8
Elmo ST1200-HD (sound)

Dual
Eumig S810D (sound)

16mm
Ampro Stylist Standard (sound)
Ampro Stylist New Educational (sound)
Ampro Stylist Major Mark 2 (sound)

That's 9 machines already!!

HELP
Where do I go from here [Confused]

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Jean-Marc Toussaint
Film God

Posts: 2392
From: France
Registered: Oct 2004

posted December 08, 2007 11:32 AM

quote:
HELP
Where do I go from here [Confused]

You're doomed... [Big Grin]

I've been through that phase of wanting more and more projectors. Now, I'm seriously considering thinning the collection in order just to keep the ones I'm really using... And the three built-in screen Elmos (SC8, 18 and 30) which I really love... And the... Argh, here I go again...
(I still want to buy an Elmo CX350 or 550, though...)

--------------------
The Grindcave Cinema Website

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted December 08, 2007 11:50 AM

Trouble is, J-M, that I'm in love with them all!!

It must almost be as dangerous as being in love with 9 ladies!!

- - - Though of course I wouldn't know about that!!

--------------------
Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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