8mm Forum: Marc 300 lamps? A futile exercise?

This is topic Marc 300 lamps? A futile exercise? in forum 16mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Stuart Reid (Member # 1460) on June 16, 2018, 02:54 PM:

I'm interested in the Fumeo Marc 300 that CHC currently have for sale. I've heard that the lamps are very rare these days. I would like a machine that can fill a 16ft wide screen for some outdoor shows this summer. Would this machine be a foolish choice?

Posted by Rob Koeling (Member # 35) on June 17, 2018, 06:12 AM:

I have never used one, but what I read about it doesn't appeal to me. The lamps are not only rare and expensive (I'm not even sure if you can get them in the UK?), they also seem to have a short lifespan, while the light output starts deteriorating fairly quickly.

I would wait for a proper xenon machine, even though that probably won't happen before the summer is over. I'm happy for you to borrow my Elmo CL Xenon for a couple of weeks at some point this summer if that helps. Not keen on sending it, but since you live nearby, pick up should be do-able.

- Rob

Posted by Stuart Reid (Member # 1460) on June 17, 2018, 08:33 AM:

Rob, thank you. I'll be in touch when I've got the dates firmed up. We should have a meet up and say hello anyway!

Posted by Rob Koeling (Member # 35) on June 17, 2018, 03:26 PM:

Excellent Stuart, looking forward to it!

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on June 18, 2018, 02:29 AM:

A well known exhibitor of railway films has been using a pair of Bell & Howell 666 for many years, these use the Marc 300, but has now had them converted to use the Xenpow HID 150 and reports excellent projection on large screen with them.
I can concur on this as I have a Bell & Howell 644 converted to use this new lamp. Not only is it very bright, but it is very white, this even makes faded and pink/red prints look better. The blue content of the lamp is responsible for this.

Posted by Stuart Reid (Member # 1460) on June 18, 2018, 04:12 AM:

Maurice, would the Elmo 16CL be a candidate for this conversion?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on June 18, 2018, 04:47 AM:

Stuart

The answer is No.

The prime requirement on a projector for conversion is a still device, such as on some Bell & Howells. This is needed on the conversion to be re-wired to provide a supply to the newly fitted dowser. The Xenpow HID 150 always remains on, even when changing reels.

Another requirement is sufficient space to mount the ballast. This achieved on the earlier large Bell & Howell models by removal of the fan. It being replaced by a much smaller mains driven one. The new lamp is only 150 wats, against the original 1000 watt lamp used in these models.

The best models for conversion are the 642, 643, and 644.

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