8mm Forum: Which projector is best for my needs?

This is topic Which projector is best for my needs? in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://8mmforum.film-tech.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000856

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on October 30, 2004, 12:49 PM:

I only watch film, I don't re-record sound or edit ot anything "fancy-shmancy". Which projector would be the best without having to spend an arm and a leg? I don't need alot of "bells and whistles" just a good reliable unit to show my family and friends a film from time to time.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on October 30, 2004, 01:41 PM:

Hi Brad, I like the Elmo ST-800 or ST-1200 optical/magnetic projectors. Well made and fairly easy to maintain. The ST-800 uses a 100 watt bulb and has an 800'reel capacity. The ST-1200 uses a 150 watt bulb and has a 1200' reel capacity. You can buy 1200' size reels with a smaller hub that will hold 1600' of film. Both have internal speakers and an auxilary line out for external amplification. The prices vary on eBay. If you keep watch you can find these on eBay from $150.00 to around $600.00. I bought an ST-800 for $180.00. Usually the belts need to be replaced when you receive them. [Smile]

Posted by Tony Milman (Member # 7) on October 30, 2004, 01:51 PM:

Brad

ST1200 HD Mag/Opt for me or Sankyo 800 Stereo

Tony

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 30, 2004, 04:47 PM:

Hi Brad,
I like Eumigs, they are very well engineered machines, very solidly built, and extremely kind to film. Look for the 802, 810, or 820 Sonomatic. There are lots of them on eBay- but make sure the seller has tested the sound system before you buy. Avoid any of the dual guage Eumigs, that is those machines which will play both standard 8 ( not to be confused with single 8, which is the same as super 8 at the projection stage) and super 8 film. These particular projectors have compromises in their claw design, which can damage super 8 film. Also, in the more recent 900 series machines, avoid any of the co-axial reel designs (900 thru 930), these are a pain in the neck because of the coax arrangement and the sprocketless feed. Anything above 930 is ok, because Eumig saw the light and went back to a conventional 2 sprocket design. The best projector Eumig ever made is the magnificent 938 or 940. These are very hard to find, but if you can get one, it will give you the best stereo sound quality that you have ever heard on super 8.

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on October 30, 2004, 05:44 PM:

Another range of projectors, which are seriously under rated [hence relatively cheap] are the Sankyos. The 700, 702 and 800 are all good, have good optics, are well made and very kind to film. My preference is for the 800 which has the benefit of Stereo Sound, 800ft reel capacity, 150w lamp and the option of Sankyos excellant F1:1.0 Hi-Pro Zoom lens.

Mike [Cool]

Posted by Chris Quinn (Member # 129) on October 30, 2004, 06:30 PM:

Brad,
I have to agree with Mike, if you want to keep costs down the Sankyo range would do you a treat, or go for a Eumig.
I personally had a Chinon some years ago, i found it very adequate and very reliable, sorry can't remember the model no.

Chris.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on October 31, 2004, 05:57 PM:

Brad, a good ST1200HD is what you want. Vary straight forward with no bells and whistles. For stereo then I would agree with Mike and say that you should go for a Sankyo 800 as they are very good machines especially if you can get one with an f1.0 lens but if you want the 1200 ft spools then it has to be the ST with an f1.1 or 1.0.

Kev.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on November 01, 2004, 06:57 PM:

My vote for a playback only machine would be an Elmo ST1200. You can playback stereo on it (you just can't record stereo) and you've got the 1600' capacities. Also if you wanted to do the Marc 300/350 arc conversion, it's pretty effortless...and you can also go the 2 bladed shutter route without much pain.

Kevin also touched on perhaps the most important possibility of the ST1200...that magnificent f1.0 lens! Absolutely buy one if you ever see it come up. It REALLY makes a huge difference in the picture quality.

Posted by Tony Milman (Member # 7) on November 02, 2004, 02:27 AM:

Brad,

Can you give me a little more detail about the MARC conversion?

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on November 02, 2004, 03:13 AM:

Broadsky and Treadway originally published the paper on how to do it with a GS1200 back in the late 70s or early 80s. A friend and I took that basic idea and adapted it to work in a Eumig S926, and then later in an Elmo ST600, and ST1200. I still have that ST600 and whenever I get the time I can take pictures of it showing how it was mounted.

If I don't post the pics within a month, it means I forgot and just bump this thread back up reminding me.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on November 03, 2004, 08:19 PM:

I would like to know how to do the Marc 300/350 conversion also. [Confused]

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2