8mm Forum: Bell&Howell autoload 8mm projector

This is topic Bell&Howell autoload 8mm projector in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Mike Lewis (Member # 4984) on July 31, 2015, 11:00 PM:

New user wants to know what precautions to take when starting to use projector that hasn't been used in 40 years. No manual, but new bulb.

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on August 01, 2015, 12:11 AM:

Hi, I guess this isn't the right way to do it but I usually plug it in and see if the film wheels turn etc,then if not I look and check belts etc.
Or before plugging it in use the inching knob and see if the film reels turn etc. Or take the back off and see if the cogs look greased and the belts/chains are ok.

Trial and error works for me but I did seize a 16mm projector (very old model)motor once! [Smile]

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on August 01, 2015, 02:46 AM:

I do as Clinton : I plug the projector in (without film) and see what happens. If it turns without any suspicious noise and seems to go at the right speed it is encouraging. So I clean the gate with alcool and a cotton bud (Q tip), then I use an air spray to remove the dust. When everything seems ok I try with a film. When the projector is very old (if it is a model that needs to be lub by the owner) I put a drop or two of (sewing machine) oïl where I can see red dods. For obvious reasons I take caution about electricity with these old machines and I don't directly touch the metallic knobs the first times as you never know. What I don't do (and which is a mistake) is having spare belts (I have bulbs however). If you have only one projector it may be a good idea to have spare belts (and at least one bulb).

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