8mm Forum: Kodak Moviedeck 455 Questions

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Posted by Roger Faires (Member # 4147) on March 20, 2015, 12:00 PM:

Hey Folks,
I was wondering a few things about the Kodak Moviedeck 455:

Does it run at 24 fps also or is it just 18 and less? If not do any of the Moviedecks run at 24 fps?

How easy or rough is it on the film?

And how is the sound?

thanks
Roger

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on March 20, 2015, 12:10 PM:

It appears to be a silent projector.
http://www.super8data.com/database/projectors_list/projectors_kodak/kodak_moviedeck455.htm

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on March 20, 2015, 12:23 PM:

There are sound Moviedecks, and they do 18 and 24FPS.

I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for these machines, since my first projector was a Moviedeck 447 (silent), but because of the tendency Kodak projectors have towards gears becoming embrittled and then breaking, I could never recommend one of these for purchase.

-you could have a machine come from the seller running like a champ, and 5 minutes or 5 days later have it die on you in an instant!

Mine has always been gentle on film, but there are just certain things about them that are on the disturbing side of funky:

For one thing, (at least on the model I have) you can't thread up without the lamp on. This means either you stick a book in front of the lens or your audience sees a blinding white screen and then the leader.

Rewind is either through the gate (no!, no!!, NOOO!) or in an unrollered slot on the back of the machine. Either is asking for trouble if some foreign object gets in the way.

The gate is buried deep inside the machine and very difficult to clean. I doubt I've ever had mine completely without some fuzz around the edges.

For not a lot more than one of these, you can do better.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on March 20, 2015, 12:27 PM:

Maurice is correct...the 455 is a silent projector and only runs at 18fps. I currently have 2 Moviedecks...a 265 and a Supermatic 20. These are sound projectors with variable speed control from approximately 17 -24 fps. I find the Kodak Moviedecks to be uniquely designed and when in good working order they are extremely gentle on film. My only complaint is I wish mine had wider lenses so I could fill my 86" screen from 15 ft...but other than that...a great little projector.

Posted by Roger Faires (Member # 4147) on March 20, 2015, 12:29 PM:

Hey Maurice, thanks for the quick response! Why didn't I think of hitting up the data base?! Yikes! My profile may say I'm a Junior but I'm certainly having more Senior moments as of late.
Thanks and Cheers!
Roger

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on March 20, 2015, 12:47 PM:

I see that Steve and I differ a bit in our assessment of these machines [Roll Eyes]

I agree the Moviedeck is definitely more complicated in it's design. If there is something wrong with it...getting into the machine itself can be more than daunting. I'm very fortunate to have found two machines in excellent working condition...no broken gears. One had some broken film stuck in the path that I was able to easily remove. I did disconnect the auto re-wind feature on the Supermatic 20...it was more trouble than it was worth.

I agree that the Moviedeck is more of a novelty projector and there are plenty other models that would probably be more practical for your needs.

BTW Roger...how are things in Portland? I was born in Portland and I have family in Gresham and Sandy. I'm hoping to make a trip up there this summer [Smile]

Posted by Roger Faires (Member # 4147) on March 20, 2015, 01:32 PM:

Janice, Portland is just wonderful. Having been a Californian for half of my life and an Angelino working in the film biz there I can't tell you how much better I prefer it here.
I get out to Sandy all the time on my scouting for locations. Joe's Donuts!!

Anyway, I do have an Elmo ST1200HD for all my revered film screening needs. In other words the super 8's I made myself and hopefully will keep making. But I've always wondered about the Kodaks of the 70's. Those decks are the coolest idea but I've never even been around one. Thought I might pick up a good one on Ebay sometime.

Anyway, thanks for your input everyone! Keep Filming!!

Roger

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on March 20, 2015, 01:38 PM:

Janice, I wouldn't say we disagree that much on these.

-I do like the machine!

I actually spoke up for it once:

The Kodak Challenge

I just like some others even more!

That thing with the autorewind will come back to bite me some day I'm sure. Some film I haven't watched since the Carter Administration is stashed away with the tail anchored to the reel. One of these days I'll find it and discover my Elmo or Eumig doesn't speak "autorewind"!

Posted by Roger Faires (Member # 4147) on March 20, 2015, 03:13 PM:

Hey Steve,
Just read your Kodak Challenge post. Super interesting.
Whether that design is in a 70's stereo, an early vcr or the Kodak Moviedecks, it's what I consider the height of design. Everything that comes after, be it my super duper Mac Laptop or a new Hybrid car is for squares. But that compact, attaché style is way to cool to even need to work right!

Roger

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on March 20, 2015, 03:46 PM:

The Kodak Challenge...nice thread Steve [Smile]

I keep saying I'm going to sell one of my Moviedecks. Then I take it out and run it...it's just so cool [Cool]

...and then I put it back on the shelf.

If you really want a Moviedeck Roger...maybe you can talk me out of one them, but I'll have a hard time deciding which one to part with [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Roger Faires (Member # 4147) on March 20, 2015, 04:39 PM:

I appreciate that , Janice but you hold on to your movie deck's. Think I'll start snooping on Ebay and CL for one. Like the idea of variable speed and sound though.
Ive never shot 18 fps so I would have nothing to show on it if I did get the early 70's model.
Think you got the right idea.

Roger

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