8mm Forum: Bell and Howell 644 Disassembly guide.

This is topic Bell and Howell 644 Disassembly guide. in forum 16mm 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=5;t=001575

Posted by Daniel Elliott (Member # 5483) on March 12, 2017, 11:08 AM:

Hello everybody.
I was recently given a Bell and Howell 644 16mm projector plus around 30 films. As far as I can tell it's mostly functional except for a few things. It's missing the exciter lamp and it will only run in reverse. When I turn on the amplifier I hear a humming just like a valve powered amplifier so I assume that is normal.
I was going to open it up however I cant find the proper way of removing the back knob which prevents the cover from being removed and I dont want to go randomly pulling on things in case I break it.

I've tried to buy a service manual but I keep getting errors when ordering so if anybody knows where I can buy / download one that works I'd be grateful. Also some words of advice on where the problem may lie would me much appreciated too

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on March 12, 2017, 01:37 PM:

The inching knob remains in situ when the back is taken off. Look closely and you will see a plastic ring around it with slots, the cover pulls away from it.
The amplifier is switched on by the volume control knob.
The exciter lamp is a G40 (6volt, 1 amp).
Are you sure you have not set the control knob to reverse.
Oldtimer Cameras can supply what you want. I highly recommend them.
http://www.oldtimercameras.com/manuals/camera-manual-bell-and-howell-644-1184.asp

Posted by Daniel Elliott (Member # 5483) on March 12, 2017, 05:02 PM:

Thanks for the info.
I just ordered myself a repair manual from the site you linked to me so that should be helpful.
The control knob is definitely in the forward position. There is a small clanking noise then everything stops.
When I use the inching knob, I can see that the claws in the gate get stuck when try and push out to grab the film from top to bottom, however, it all works perfectly in reverse.

I'll post an update response when I take a look inside which will likely be tomorrow.

Many thanks.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on March 13, 2017, 03:31 AM:

Don't forget that the lower control knob operates the still position which "clunks" when selected.

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.1.2