8mm Forum: Introduction from a new member

This is topic Introduction from a new member in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 10, 2005, 02:07 PM:

Just registered on the forum. I have been interested in film collecting since around 1968. It started by buying a Standard 8 silent projector. This carried on in 1972 next with a Eumig 710D. This projector was in use to 1983 when I bought the Elmo ST1200. This projector is still in use today. The 710D is still running but prefer the Elmo now for projection quality. The Eumig was a good workhorse and I think that the Standard8 sound heads are worn due to the ammount of films that went through it hiring features from Keiths Perrys Movies shop in Kingston road. Have seen many changes and dealers come and go. I still enjoy the fim conventions and try to get to the Derann's open days. Bought a Elf 16mm projector at Ealing a few conventions back, so have been collecting mostly shorts in this gauge as well. The only problem is the space 16mm takes up. I would like to move on to a GS1200 a fantastic designed projector like all Elmo's. I have been a regular reader of the forum from work when it's been quite. I have learned many things from members, and now I am on the internet at home so I registed. Hope to join in when I can.

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on August 10, 2005, 04:35 PM:

Welcome to the Forum Colin. You should have plenty of experiences to share with us.
Mal

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on August 10, 2005, 05:50 PM:

Welcome to the Forum, Colin! We have the top GS1200 specialists on board so don't hesitate to ask questions.

Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on August 10, 2005, 06:17 PM:

Ditto, Colin, welcome to the greatest ltttle big forum on the net. [Smile]

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 10, 2005, 08:31 PM:

Welcome [Cool]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 11, 2005, 12:54 AM:

Hi Colin - another nutter joins the clan! Good to have you on board.

Dave.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on August 11, 2005, 11:37 AM:

Another UK member, hello there. [Cool]

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on August 11, 2005, 01:22 PM:

Colin

Welcome! [Big Grin]

Mike

Posted by Steven Sigel (Member # 21) on August 11, 2005, 03:43 PM:

Hi Colin --

Welcome to the forum!

I've got a couple of GS-1200s for sale -- only trouble is they're in the USA (so shipping might be a bit pricey) and I think they're 110Volt only -- Maybe Kevin or Ugo would know if they can be converted for 220v...

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on August 12, 2005, 11:36 AM:

Hi Colin, Welcome to the forum. You will find it a friendly place with lots of knowledge amongst the members.

Steve's GS's cant be converted for use in the UK. Steve, if you check the serial label on the back it will say if its multi voltage or single voltage. Also if there is a small clear circular window in the rear cover then it may have a voltage adjuster behind it which you can see clearly through the window. If not then its single voltage. [Frown]

Kev.

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on August 13, 2005, 06:02 AM:

HI COLIN-

Welcome to the forum. You have the same name as my son! [Smile]

Glad you joined. You will find a great bunch of people here.

Enjoy!

Nick.

Posted by Philippe Cuypers (Member # 55) on August 13, 2005, 08:54 AM:

welcome to the 8mm forum !! Its a great site ,and everybody is realy nice! [Smile]

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 13, 2005, 10:32 AM:

(For the most part!)

[Big Grin]

Just kidding, welcome onboard!

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 16, 2005, 05:21 AM:

Just a quick reply to say many thanks to everyone for the wellcome messages.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on August 17, 2005, 01:35 PM:

Hi Colin,

Sorry I missed out on the first round of greetings. Glad you're here!

Doug

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 17, 2005, 08:47 PM:

W-wait, are we in the second round now? [Eek!]

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 18, 2005, 02:11 PM:

Many thanks to Douglas and Jan on the second round of wellcomes. Is there going to be a third?

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on August 18, 2005, 05:51 PM:

Ok, round number three!

Welcome Colin, this is a great little forum and I'm sure you'll find everyone welcoming and helpfull.

I don't get the chance to contribute as much now due to my impending trip but do keep trying to look in.

Mike [Smile]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 20, 2005, 01:26 AM:

Colin,

For what it's worth, if you want a GS (or anything else that's 110/120 volts) you can easily purchase a suitable transformer to step our UK voltage down. I wouldn't let the voltage issue prevent your acquiring the projector you want - particularly if it's a good deal. I would think the shipping would be the governing factor, rather than getting a transformer.

Our house is actually wired for 110 volts as well as 240. We have so many American appliances - we see a lot of my brother and his family who live in Florida, and have come into possession of a vast quantity of US goods - that I decided to install a massive transformer to supply American socket outlets all around our home.

Best,

Dave.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 20, 2005, 09:31 AM:

Nice... But what about the 50Hz vs. 60Hz issue?

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 20, 2005, 04:28 PM:

Not a problem, Jan, unless you're using any synchronous devices like clocks etc. Other equipment with brushless motors usually have a 50/60Hz changeover device anyway which effectively alters the number of salient poles, or else alters any gearing ratio. Other than that, normal domestic appliances are not frequency conscious and things like Hi-Fi cassette decks and CD players etc. usually have their own internal frequency generators and don't rely on the mains frequency. If they do rely on the mains frequency, you can usually alter the drive belt pulley ratio, as on some turntable and cassette decks. The direct drive ones are the ones with their own frequency generators and are often pulse driven.

Good question, though. Nice to know somebody's on the ball!

Cheers,

Dave.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 20, 2005, 06:42 PM:

[Big Grin]

I was just worried about those projectors with AC-dependent motors and no means of switching belts or the like. Other than that, you're right, it's not a terribly big issue. [Smile]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 21, 2005, 10:13 AM:

Yes. I agree. Having checked the actual speed difference of a couple of projectors (with the frequency switching facility) between 50Hz and 60Hz, using a stroboscope, the actual difference at either 16fps or 18fps is around 3fps. (83%). Therefore, using a mains frequency dependent projector designed for 60Hz, will run that much slower when connected to a 50Hz supply.

Remember, though, that many high quality projectors, like the GS, have a variable speed control anyway, and therefore this difference can be easily compensated for.

There's usually an answer for everything!

You pays your money and takes your choice.

However, my professional expertise is really in the field of electrical power engineering. If anybody wants to follow this thread further from the electronics standpoint, I would think that Rick Skowronek would be the man. He has proven his professionalism in the area of electronics time and time again, and I would bow to his superior knowledge.

Cheers,

Dave.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 21, 2005, 11:56 AM:

We're not worthy! [Big Grin]

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 22, 2005, 01:39 PM:

Thanks for the third round of wellcomes. David thanks also for your advice on the GS voltage. Still thinking about the GS purchase. The ST1200 I have still keeps going and some of the simple things that have gone wrong have fixed myself. The GS would be a problem if it went wrong having no electrical experience. I know that we have help on forum but if any major electronis were needed, would not be happy to mess around and would have to take it to a expert.

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on August 23, 2005, 01:40 AM:

Colin, we're lucky enough to have Bill Parsons in Kent. My primary GS is with him right now (and has been for some time due to the nature of the problem I've dumped on him!!!) so we're not totally lost yet if a GS tries to drop dead.

The there's the Kevin Faulkner fella - he's not too bad either!

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 25, 2005, 09:02 AM:

Yes. It's still difficult to know whether to 'bite the bullet' so to speak, and go for a GS, or whether to stick with the ST.

I know it's all been said before, but the fact remains, as you rightly say, Colin - what happens if it goes wrong.

I appreciate that the GS is the 'top of the range', with all the toys, bells and whistles, but I have yet to discover any practical operation advantages besides actual real stereo sound, a brighter lamp, (xenon or not), and the variable speed facility - an obvious advantage for transfering to video etc. If any of these is important to you, then go for it - but get a good one. Otherwise, stick to your ST.

There will be many other Forum members who will disagree with me, I'm sure, - particularly as I have no first hand experience of the GS, - I'm only going by what I have heard and read.

Personally, I would need to be convinced that there is a bullet-proof GS out there somewhere before I were tempted to get one in preference to my ST-1200HD.

NOW, if I'm wrong, please tell me; with detailed reasons. Naturally, I would love to own one, but, like Colin, I don't want it going wrong 'every 5 minutes'.....that's a figure of speech, but you know what I mean.

Best,

Dave.

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 25, 2005, 02:53 PM:

Thanks John on your comments. Having read Davids reply. He has sumed this up better than me. While I appreciate that there is people around who can fix like Kevin who I have read can advise on repairs and Bill Parsons again who can fix these machines. If a problem or breakdown happened and that applies to the ST1200. I would have to send it or take it to be repaired. I cannot fix electrical problems. And how much does this all cost in the end to fix GS's. My local contact last time was Buckinham films who done a good job on the ST1200. But at the time I needed a projector for a show I had promised for a charity show. I resigned to using my old Eumig while the Elmo was in repair. It' like my car breaks down. I'm not a motor mechanic. But can call a breakdown service to fix in a emergancy at no extra cost apart from maybe parts. I have a local person who can fix the fault at a cost. If I bought a GS and a major problem occured it's a expensive and lengthy process, and this was my concern on a GS perchase.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on August 25, 2005, 05:51 PM:

Colin, I think it's horses for courses with any 8mm machine. There are no spares now for any of them except where a few companies have stocks left of the more obscure parts which rarely fail.
A lot also depends on how the machines are looked after during their lifetime. A regularly cleaned and serviced machine will give years of trouble free use. The GS has far more electronics than say the ST range of machines and yes if any of the motors fail it can be a pain to replace them. We that do repeair them know of companies which can rewind the main motor for instance and can also if needed find motors which can replace the take-up motors. The same can be true of the ST machines....the main motor does fail in those as well and you will end up having to find someone to do a rewind or find another scrap machine.
The relays etc in the GS can be replaced very easily as can most other electronic parts. Heads in the GS are as robust as in the ST1200 range so thats no more of a worry. Guides can be moddified to stop any further wear etc.
The Brauns, Bauers, Noris, Eumigs etc etc machines, are all in the same boat and in fact virtually all the 8mm machines that you can buy s/h will now have no spares. They all have moving parts and electronics which can fail at any time and when you least expect them to. I know of GS1200 owners that have never had any problems with their machines. I would say that in this last year I have had as many St1200 and 600 machines stripped down for repair as I have had GS1200's and the main reason for the GS's has been to replace the one capacitor in the recording amp which goes sick with age. I have only had one GS in the last 2-3 yrs where the main motor has failed and that was because someone had used a grease inside on the cogs etc which had gone hard and caused the motor to run under too much stress and eventually burn out.
It all depends what you want from a machine. For me I want to be able to sync pulse and have as much light as possible. If you want to just be able to show movies on a small home screen without any bells or whistles then there are a multitude of machines which will fit the bill from the ST600 through to the ST1200. If you want stereo then you can use the ST1200 for that or go for a GS800. But of course you can also look at all the other makes as well. I also have a Noris 342 Stereo which I use for just that quick check of a film or small show to my kids and its a superbly engineered German machine. With it's 100w lamp and Schneider 1.1 lens it gives a very good account of itself. I have been told that the picture becomes more unsteady with age on these machines....here's to that not happening with mine [Frown]

Kev

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 26, 2005, 01:26 AM:

Thanks Kev, for such a comprehensive reply.

It puts things much more in perspective. It certainly wasn't my intention to decry the GS, and I apologise if I gave that impression, - particularly as I've never owned one, (as I said), - but merely to try to point out, basically, that there is more to go wrong, ie. the increased amount of electronice and more motors, than, say, with the ST, particularly if it hasn't been treated with respect.

As you so rightly say, it's horses for courses, depending upon what each person wants from their machine, and if it hasn't been 'hammered' in the past, then it would be marvellous to have a GS, I'm sure.

With your expert knowledge gained over the years of experience with Elmos, it is probably not too much of an issue for you to maintain your machines in pristine condition, or at least, restore them as such, than perhaps it might be for Colin.

I still cannot say how delighted I am with the ST-1200HD I bought from you, which was in such pristine condition, and because I am so pleased with it, it just makes me a little more reluctant to venture forth into a much more sophisticated machine - unless - I have to say - it is one that has been previously owned by your goodself, or someone as equally fastidious and knowledgable about them.

Thanks again; you have certainly 'thrown more light on the subject'.

Best regards,

Dave.

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on August 26, 2005, 07:00 AM:

"It certainly wasn't my intention to decry the GS, and I apologise if I gave that impression, - particularly as I've never owned one"

Colin, you certainly didnt give that impression and I think your points were very valid. My point really is that if looked after etc a GS is probably as reliable as anything else out there and of course will suffer the lack of spares problem like all super 8 machines except for maybe some of the last produced such as the Beaulieu and some of the Fumeo's where there are still spares available.

I would say that anyone wants to go for a GS (or any machine for that matter) to give it a good once over before purchase as this will tell you what sort of life the machine has had. There are many people on the forum that can give pointers in the right direction for most machines.

I'm glad your still liking the ST. They are nice machines and as you say seem to go on forever but they do need to be looked after.

Kev [Smile]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 26, 2005, 07:17 AM:

Thanks, Kevin - - but I'm Dave, not Colin. [Roll Eyes]

You may wish to edit accordingly - no probs though.

Everything you have said is greatly and sincerely appreciated; and yes, the ST-1200HD continues to be well looked after, in just the same way as my ST-600 was, which Craig is still delighted with - I am releived and happy to say!

"DAVID" [Cool]

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on August 26, 2005, 09:07 AM:

Thanks Kevin on feedback. David I second your comments. Kevin your comments on repairs was very helpfull and you have more feedback on Elmo repairs than I can ever have. The comments on the ST1200 repairs you mention did not cross my mind. The only service that I have on my machine was to have the shutter rubber removed due to slipping speed and general reset of the rotary forward and reverse that was causing a problem. Buckingham films sent this to someone to fix. I agree its the way you look after them that counts. I try to keep everything clean and look after the Elmo. Film path is kept clean like the films I have, and must say have not had any major film scratching not even one's that date back 20 years or more. I think when the time is right and I see the right GS I will take the plunge. Thanks Kevin and David for your comments and views.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on August 27, 2005, 01:11 AM:

You're welcome, Colin. I'll probably graduate to a GS eventually, but, like you, only when the time is right, and when the right one comes along. Until then, the ST-1200HD more than meets my needs.

Best,

Dave.

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