8mm Forum: Ealing

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 19, 2008, 01:54 PM:

Anybody else find it a bit underattended yesterday?

I enjoyed the day, as usual and my missus enjoyed the chocolates (Thank you, John).

Particularly interesting was the Lenticular Color presentation with that special filter turning B&W to colour.

-Mike

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on October 19, 2008, 02:51 PM:

I too found it a bit "under attended". Whether it was the "credit crunch fear factor" that had an effect, I wouldn't like to say. Still a good day though, with the opportunity to have a chat with all the familiar faces from the Forum (note chaps - I didn't say OLD) [Wink]

.
Picked up a couple of bargains along the way, so it made the day worth-while, from a travelling perspective. A few regular faces that were missed, of course, was Barry Attwood and Ian Rielly from Perrys Movies.
Let's hope that the lack of "punters" will not "dim the lights" on this great event.
Looking forward to next May already.

Posted by Tony Milman (Member # 7) on October 19, 2008, 03:00 PM:

Trouble is we are all getting on and I suspect a number of attendees can't get out of their nursing homes as easily [Wink]

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on October 19, 2008, 03:46 PM:

Yes i thought figures were down on the day, but some good bargains were to be had which is always worth going for..Mark.

Posted by Graham Sinden (Member # 431) on October 19, 2008, 03:59 PM:

I didnt think that it was that much unattended, there still seemed to be a good crowd there. The cinema was packed.

I thought the 3D show was excellent as was the tribute to Charlton Heston.

But falling numbers is happing to all cine fairs, not just this one, as we all get a bit older and there are younger people attending but not enough to make it massive again. I'm afraid cine is dying but hopefully not too quickly. The BFCC will go on for quite a few years yet. [Smile]

Graham S

Posted by Paul Tivy (Member # 836) on October 19, 2008, 04:23 PM:

It was a weird one! Numbers were down as has been mentioned and this was exacerbated by there being less dealers than usual, making the place look a bit emptier. On the other hand I thought the film shows were better attended than usual and the programme the strongest for a long time. The Charlton Heston presentation was superbly put together and the lenticular colour show was excellent with Grant Lobban displaying an infectious enthusiasm for his subject despite microphone problems rendering him acoustic only. Modesty forbids me commenting on the 3D show except to say it looked a helluva lot better on the big screen than I thought it would and once again, hats off to Keith for the editing.

Best wishes,

Tiv

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on October 19, 2008, 05:58 PM:

It's interesting that Graham used the word "Dying" as this is a word I used to John Clancy yesterday.

One theory I have is that no young blood is really coming into the hobby.

My Theory:
Back in the 70/80's when cine was in it's heyday the collectors at the conventions were of mature age. They were the guys and gals that used cine cameras to record events that we and our younger generation now put onto video and then use our computers to edit.
If you look at the conventions today the biggest attendance is by the elderly gents who are still able to make it along. Others cant because of ill health and others have died.

Sorry this sounds a bit morbid but I really think this is the case. All the faces I saw at this BFCC were the same ones I always see....no new ones! and it's been like this now for a very long time.

With no new blood coming into the hobby it will eventually die and that's a fact of life [Frown]

In cine's heyday I was one of the young members at the conventions and I'm now 54. Another 20 yrs from now and I may not be able to attend conventions or may not even be around to tell the tale.

What we need is new blood in this hobby but lets face it the younger generation unless they go to the cinema probably dont know what film is all about and most wouldn't know if they were watching a film or digital presentation [Frown]

My own son Adrian loved coming to the conventions with me and seeing a movie at home but these days he prefers to do movies on his PC [Frown]

There are no new releases on 8mm like there was when I first started collecting. I went to see Star Wars at the cinema and was then able to have a cut down of my very own on super8...pure magic [Smile]

Those days have gone and I for one don't know how we can revive them and the interest in cine [Frown]

One other thing I have noticed more and more is that after the conventions you suddenly get a great number of films turn up on ebay for sale. The same has happened again today. The UK ebay has a sudden large number of super8 films for sale so I wonder how many people at the conventions are only there to buy film to sell on ebay to make a fast buck?

Kev.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 19, 2008, 06:45 PM:

Kevin

The same thing has happend out here at conventions, once upon a time films and projectors went in a auction for other collectors to buy for there own personal use, now many are bought and re-sold at profit on the internet. Also like in England there is nothing in it to encourage the younger ones to get involved, [Roll Eyes]

its a shame but the truth is that out here film collecting is also dying out.

Graham.

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 19, 2008, 08:39 PM:

I give up on this one, picture keeps changing.

Chris. [Confused]

[ October 20, 2008, 09:51 AM: Message edited by: Christopher P Quinn ]

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on October 20, 2008, 04:21 AM:

It’s difficult to disagree that the days of cine conventions such as the BFCC are probably limited, all the more reason for making the most of them whilst we still have them. The determined group of enthusiasts, headed by Keith, who keep the BFCC going in the face of adversity, deserve all our gratitude.

On a brighter note, I had a great time at the BFCC, most of it spent in the proximity of the table that Rob Koeling and I had. It was good to see familiar faces, and in fact there were a few newcomers too. One young woman bought some super 8 digests from me and in conversation with her I found that she projected 35mm for a living and was keen to be able to project at home – hence starting a collection of 8mm digests. There was also a young chap, fresh out of Art School where he had been introduced to the joys of super 8mm filmmaking. He was looking for a super 8 projector and was really pleased with the Elmo K110 that he eventually bought from Buckingham films.

It was good to see Mal, Mark Norton, David Locke, Keith Ashfiled, Bill Parsons, Kevin Faulkner, Tony Milman, Craig Hamilton, Chris(topher P) Quinn, Yanis, Mark Williams, Adrian Winchester, John Clancey, Keith Wilton, and all the others who’s names haven’t come to me.

One of the most entertaining elements of the day had to be Craigs projector clinic that evolved at one end of our table, there seemed to be a constant supply of tired projectors arriving from the Bring and Buy stall for Craig to dismantle with his sonic screwdriver with the aim of breathing new life into them, I’m not sure how many actually left the clinic running better than when they had arrived but one Bell & Howell Machine, with dodgy speed pots, gave Craig a belt up the arm pit when he attacked the live innards with his all metal multi tool!

How we laughed… [Big Grin]

The numbers were undeniably down and people like Barry and Ian were certainly missed, but films and equipment were certainly changing hands and the atmosphere was great. As usual, I’m already looking forward to the next one!

Mike [Cool]

Ps. Also looking forward to seeing Chris(topher P) Quins photos…

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on October 20, 2008, 06:49 AM:

Well, dissapointingly i was unable to attend again, many reasons, unfortunatly, like many, the job is at stake so i wouldnt have been able to part with cash which would have been frustrating to say the least.
I think Kevin has hit the nail on the head. I have three young children and they have all been bought up on cine, however, when they get there pocket money and buy themselves a DVD with all its extras for a few pounds they question my sanity of paying much more for a trailer. Todays children dont want the mechanical stuff anymore, for them its DVD, M pegs, I pods and of course, "Dad, when are you going to get a DVD projector so we can have a living room cinema"??? [Confused]

I still love my Super 8 and 16mm but as time goes by i am finding it difficult to justify what i pay and of course what is out there. The really good items are very expensive and the cheaper stuff is now either scratched or faded or both.

I myself will continue to buy nibbles and hopefully try my best to attend forthcoming BFCC's if they continue but my young children, dispite my best efforts are just not impressed by it all at all. (although my 10 year boy loves to help me do any minor repirs i do on the Elmo).

Sad but true, todays technology is excellent quality and the availibilaty of movies nad all there extra's are virtualy unlimited.
I do hope that Ealing was enjoyed by all who attended. [Wink]

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 20, 2008, 08:49 AM:

I had a fantastic time and would like to thank everyone for welcoming me back to the forum. John Clancy came over to see me and welcomed me back, thanks John very appreciated. I wish i could have found time to visit the film shows, but Mike was right the atmosphere in the hall and round the table was just amazing, so much fun and loads of laughs. Craig, getting an electric shock of one of the many projectors he took apart was sooooo funny, sorry Craig, but you were warned several times, lol, lol.

Below i made this up as we forgot to do a group photo of the Lightwater Six

I managed to wrestle off Mike a beautiful Sankyo 700 that spent the last 30 years in it's box along with a Hi Pro Zoom 30mm 1.1 lens. Carry on up the Jungle from Kev, and various Disney shorts from around the tables.

The Derann Table...

Looking down from the Gallery...

Now Tony, what was this about...

Ah a sniffing competition..

More pictures and Video to come!

Chris. [Wink]

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on October 20, 2008, 09:14 AM:

I think the fact that there were less stalls meant we all could think negatively about this; but this was a one off! Next time Perry's will be back, and so we'll probably find a return to normal at Ealing, with a few more stalls. There's no need to think it's the end, just maybe a slightly smaller event this time! I still found loads to buy, and was seriously impressed by the film shows! I took a picture of John Clancy's souped-up GS1200. On reviewing the pictures when I got home I noticed the address of manufacture on the power unit...it's literally 1 minute from my parents' house in the North East of England. Think I'll be popping round to the factory. Where did you get the power unit from John? All from Wittners?

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on October 20, 2008, 10:05 AM:

Thanks so much Christopher for those great photos of the event, for guys like me in the U.S. who can't attend. And that "Lightwater Six" FX shot was great!

I completely understand what you guys are saying about the younger generation. My son is 19 years old. He grew up watching and loving my super 8 films (especially the Our Gang/Little Rascals shorts). He still loves for me to show the films. When he brings his girlfriend over, he'll sometimes ask for a show. But, I know he would never consider buying into the hobby, and for many understandable reasons.

While money is a big part of it, I think the biggest problem is the lack of new equipment and parts and repair facilities. Our viewing audiences will never know what it takes sometimes to put on a flawless show. It boggles the mind!! [Wink]

But still, at the end of the day, there's no satisfaction like that, and the magic of film is there, as long as we're willing to endure those hardships as well.

James.

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on October 20, 2008, 10:55 AM:

Can I just ask a question....pardon the ignorance but why the "Lightwater Six"? Is there a link with Lightwater in Surrey?

martin

Posted by Steven J Kirk (Member # 1135) on October 20, 2008, 11:13 AM:

This is an interesting topic. I couldn't make it to this Ealing though I was at May and should be able to be at the next. I'm 45 so perhaps slightly younger than some but I've had a renewed interest in cine the last couple of years. I'm keen to get now all the equipment and films I couldn't afford from my pocket money in the 70s! Okay, perhaps it is more nostalgia now than the only way to watch movies but so be it. If the Ealing convention were to thin out to such an extent as to threaten it continuing, I'm sure new life could be infused by combining with something sympathetic, like vintage stills cameras or vintage and retro hi-fi. I know there are events based on valve radio and so on. These would be compatible. Radio... well that goes back as far as cine and there are still new enthusiasts coming in so who knows...

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 20, 2008, 11:22 AM:

Hi Martin,
Originally 3 i think then i was invited we then had a meet up at Tony's place in Lightwater, Surrey. We then later became 5 with the addition of Rob and then 6 with Craig, being the newest member. Thus The Lightwater six. I can't remember who came up with it, possible Tony himself but it sort of stuck. A sort gentleman's club. [Big Grin]

Also known as the Mafia Six in some quarters. [Wink]

All good clean fun. That's what cine should be about, enjoying it, this sort of thing doesn't happen with video so much.

Posted by Alex Fox (Member # 94) on October 20, 2008, 11:41 AM:

Kevin has made a good point, but what I see of the LIGHTWATER GROUP SIX photo 8mm and 16mm has a long life ahead with a young group like that. Alex

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on October 20, 2008, 12:25 PM:

Thank you Christopher, only asked the question because I lived in Lightwater myself (during the Second World War; don't say it too loud or it'll give my age away!). My parents had the Post Office and general store there (No. 55 Guilford Road; what a memory!) and I went to the primary school there.

Martin

Posted by Tony Milman (Member # 7) on October 20, 2008, 02:22 PM:

Well, where to start....

Firstly, Kev, are you really as young as that? I had you pushing a frame round with wheels [Big Grin]

But don't despair since one of us will be able to push you around in 20 yrs time and to think that you will smell of wee as well!! You should fit in a treat...

Chris, many thanks for morphing me in photoshop - I seem to have put on a few pounds that craig seems to have lost. If only I had been able to stay long enough to see Craig shocked.

I had a great time until I had to leave early. It was nice after 18 months to get back to Ealing and meet up with the Lightwater 6. It was named after the Guildford 4 I think but grew into the Lightwater 6. We reallly should attempt another meeting.

I would like to extend thanks to all who are responisble for keeping the BFCC alive. I am sure it will continue even if it ends up with 3 blokes in Ian O'Reilly's airconditioned secure storage unit
[Eek!]

Martin, you will be pleased to know that there is still a post office in Lightwater-perhaps even the same one. If you send me your email address I will take some snaps and send them to you

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 20, 2008, 09:00 PM:

Chris -great photo's
Craig- maybe you should stick with 12 volt Pathe Baby's ! [Big Grin]

One future option for the BFCC organizers might be to cut the schedule back to once a year (preferably May). That way I am sure the halls of the Ealing town hall would be jammed with collectors and dealers.

Posted by Craig Hamilton (Member # 258) on October 20, 2008, 09:43 PM:

Since when do we consider a mild static discharge as an electric shock! [Big Grin]

Ok, an un-insulated screwdriver and a live projector transformer do not mix. Trust me! [Eek!]

I must say though, this was one of the best BFCC I have attended in a long time. I have not laughed so much in one day for many a moon. Uncle Ian not being there was a blessing in disguise I suppose. Had he been their, he would have been located next to Mikes & Robs table and I fear we would have all been evicted for rowdy behaviour.

Once again I must thank Keith & John, along with the usual army of helpers for another excellent day out. I for one will attend as many BFCC conventions as I can and hope that it will continue for many years still to come.

Mike, sorry I never got time to give your GS1200 the once over, that shock put me behind a little. Maybe in May I will spare a few minutes with it. [Wink]

Paul, 12 volts are for girls. [Big Grin]

Craig

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 20, 2008, 09:56 PM:

Holy cow Craig, what are you doing up at this time of night - it's 11 pm here - IN FLORIDA!

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on October 21, 2008, 03:26 AM:

Thank you Tony, but Forum is blocking your Email adress facility.
Mine is blagdonian (at) aol (dot) com.
Martin

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on October 21, 2008, 03:50 AM:

Simon, the power unit is just housed in that case as the original power supply was for a Gemini Marc 300 lamp. That went kapput about four years ago and thanks to Bill Parsons talents the case now houses the power supply from Wittners for the HTI. Unfortunately the HTI lamp has reached the end of its life - something I suspected at the last convention - so the light output was almost down to that of a standard xenon.

And we have to thank Mal Brake, who comes up all the way from Wales, for those loverrrrrly chocolates. What a nice chap!

With regards to future conventions everyone keep their fingers crossed that the Town Hall backs out of their plans to build on the car park. Let's hope this recession means no building firm can borrow the money to do it otherwise a switch of venue is required. We all know the former Northfields Odeon is the prime candidate but we have to be realistic... the first convention there should see a mammoth attendance (by modern standards) but then it will fall back to normal and we'll just be rattling around. If the Town Hall proceeds with their lunatic scheme then it's all down to finding an alternative and that ain't going to be easy.

So as I keep saying to people who profess a wish to attend one of these conventions, "Don't wait too long!" And in that regard I suggest anyone who can possibly make it to Blackpool next month please make sure you do so otherwise we could all be kicking ourselves in the future that we should have supported this fantastic event. Personally I can't see any way I can get there at the moment but I'm looking at every possibility.

The Hobby needs YOU!!!

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 21, 2008, 10:51 AM:

I think to some extent the UK collectors take their various conventions for granted. I know if I lived there I would be at the BFCC, Blackpool, and Tadley, every year. And the UK is a small country so it does not take that long to drive to any of these venues. We have nothing like that here in the USA, so the UK collectors are really very lucky in that regard.
I think the enthusiasm for cine is intimately connected with having grown up with it and experiencing first hand the times when a Pathescope Ace projecting on an 18 inch screen in the home was something to behold and when a walk down the High Street usually passed a photo shop with a window display of a Bolex M8R or Bell and Howell 606, with shiny aluminum reels, and an assortment of 8mm package films to entice you inside. Having talked to young people about cine, and held classes on the subject, I can tell you that they are very interested in it, and readily appreciate that it is quite a different technology from video. But I doubt that many of them will ever take it up as a hobby as DVD is just so much easier and cheaper.

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 21, 2008, 10:58 AM:

I agree with most that has been said on here about the future of the hobby. I am trying to sort out things so i can attend the Blackpool convention this year, i think it's at the Savoy Hotel?? I have never been, so will be exciting. It's a case of use it or lose it for sure, if all the UK guy's on here made it priority to make these conventions i'm sure it would make a difference. We have had our American & European cousins make it, there is no excuse for not going and that includes myself. If it's no longer here then we will feel bad that when it was we neglected it. I am absolutely skint, stony broke, but a credit card visit to Blackpool won't make that much difference to me, so sod it you only live once.

I really enjoyed being at the BFCC this year a great way to meet up with friends, make friends and have a bloody good day out. Lets not loose this, when it's gone i fear that will be it.

Sorting out video still really pushed to find time for anything at the moment, but here's another pic...
Hope it works seems very temperamental this system of putting up pics. [Confused]

Chris.

Is that a GS1200 Motor, quick Craig get it out.

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on October 21, 2008, 12:02 PM:

Chris

very impressed that you're thinking about heading for Blackpool, every year at the BFCC Adrian Winchester does a very convincing hard sell on me (that chap should be on commission) but I still haven't made it.

What are the chances of getting the other Lightwater guys up there? The thought of a re-run of the our day at the BFCC would be all it would take to see me booking my ticket!

Mike

ps - anyone know when Tadley is?

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 21, 2008, 01:33 PM:

Paul,

In the US, don't you have Cinevent and Cinefest annually?

From what I've seen of the photos from Cinevent - there is a lot more film available with Omer Whayne alone taking up a whole room with his prints.

-Mike

Posted by Mike Tynus (Member # 1108) on October 21, 2008, 01:58 PM:

Cinevent in Columbus is a nice event, but it's mainly 16mm with a little super 8 here and there.
Still I did manage to pick up some nice deals on some standard 8 sound prints and a Kowa 8Z for a mere $50. And they run 16mm film shows throughout the weekend. Quite shocking to see an evil Oliver Hardy attack a woman and attempt to murder Fin in NO MANS LAW!

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 21, 2008, 02:10 PM:

Much as I enjoy Ealing, it is I feel primarily aimed at the 8mm collector.

Aside from Tony Hutchinson, 16mm is almost an after thought with the dealers.

This, I add, is not a criticism, just an observation.

-Mike

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 21, 2008, 05:30 PM:

Michael,
I can remember a lot more 16mm tables when it was a much bigger event. If you wanted laser discs, there were tables for them as well. This was when laser discs were used by the newfangled digital crowd. [Big Grin]

Interestingly, now they are collectable like film, maybe it would pay to have a few tables in the next BFCC. Is anyone collecting VHS? apart from my local charity shop.

Mike,
I'm going to make it a weekender, as don't fancy the drive back on the same day. Managed to persuade her in doors that we could take the illumination's in as well. I would like the dinner but may be to late for that i hear it is quite popular.

[ October 22, 2008, 12:01 AM: Message edited by: Christopher P Quinn ]

Posted by Keith Ashfield (Member # 741) on October 22, 2008, 02:13 AM:

I think our friends "South of the Border" should look upon the Blackpool convention as a "Pilgrimage", just as us "Northerners" do for Ealing. It is something that should be done at least once. You never know you might like it [Big Grin]

Blackpool, for me is, in terms of distance, is like Ealing, to the Lightwater guys. Come on lads, hire a minibus and pays us a visit, we don't eat meat on Sundays anymore, so you will be quite safe, and made very welcome. [Wink]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on October 22, 2008, 05:34 AM:

I suppose, like most other Members, I am deeply saddened at the prospect of things cinematographic waning. - Not only that, but I can't help feeling guilty myself for the lack of attendance on my part. It is unfortunate that the spirit is willing, but business circumstances dictate otherwise.

I just hope against hope that there will still be some conventions to attend by the time my work load diminishes. Each time the BFCC comes around I try my level best to attend, but it really is difficult. That's why I posted a thread in General Yak a few weeks ago (which didn't seem to elicit any response) to try to assure everyone that my interest end enthusiasm has not in the least waned.

I certainly remain an avid enthusiast and hopefully look forward to our continued existence.

Kev, - for once I hope you are wrong - but I fear not!

Best,

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on October 22, 2008, 07:14 AM:

Some good responses there chaps. I'm going to do whatever I can to get to Blackpool and Mr. Wilton wants to do that same. So if anyone is going up from the London area and can give ol Wilts' a lift please let me know or give Keith a call.

And on a more positive note... you'll find the 'past events' pages of www.bfcc.biz up to date with pictures from Saturday's convention.

Posted by Bart Smith (Member # 780) on October 22, 2008, 08:58 AM:

3rd & 4th picture down on page 2 is my old friend Ray Bruno. I'm sure he owes me a fiver!

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on October 22, 2008, 10:08 AM:

Me & the wife enjoyed the day. The film shows spot on. Did like the Charlton Heston tribute, one of my favourite actors. Managed to sell off some films on the Bring & Buy, so very please d for that. Personaly did not notice less people there. Did notice driving down the roads where empty and the car park at Ealing not busy. Many Thanks to Keith Wilton for the great tribute shows, and to Paul for the 3D show. Also Thanks to John C & Suzie, John Bird for being so happy.Mark W and anyone else for there effort in making this yet another day to remember.

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 22, 2008, 10:51 AM:

Hi Keith, Maybe we could meet up for a chat, be nice to meet up with forum members. Have you got the number to phone for the dinner, i know could be to late, but just in case.

John,
Meet up for a coffee?

Chris.

Posted by Steven J Kirk (Member # 1135) on October 22, 2008, 02:24 PM:

On the subject of the 'future of the hobby' I think a big problem is the lack of a new Super 8mm machine. I think this will turn off any newbies coming in. Several times people have seen my set up and been interested there are new prints available but any interest they might be raising is instantly quashed when you tell them there's no new hardware ( correct me if I'm wrong.) You can buy a brand new 78rpm wind-up record player, funnily enough. I believe they are made in the Czech Republic. Plenty of vinyl turntables too, high quality. You can even get new parts for classic cars. What we need is some enterprising person to buy up those Elmo designs - and how expensive could that be - and set up a nice little run of new projectors from China or Eastern Europe. Hey, it's an idea...

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on October 22, 2008, 03:19 PM:

I`d always thought a good option was for classic or someone to hoover up ST600 and 180,s twon tracks and fit a trans and the GS lamp, set a stereo out to amp and refurbish properly and well for £350-£500 in tip top order with a decent gaurantee.
Once people get in to projecting in HD digital etc etc its surprising how many shekels they will shell out so who knows.
Surely do-able and a winner I reckon, of course I prefer 600 feet capacity anyway myself. But be a good long term machine option.
Best Mark.

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on October 22, 2008, 06:29 PM:

Nice idea Mark but Phil Sheard of Classic tried about 6 years ago to produce a brand new machine and look what happened there.
Admittedly the price tag of £2500 was off-putting, but at that time collectors were still paying about half that for 25-year old GS 1200's.
Phil said at the time that finance deals would be offered and spare parts available for at least 10 years. Considering what some people (not just 8mm to dvd converts) pay for digital projectors today with their relatively short life span, in retrospect that deal could have worked out.
Mal

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 23, 2008, 02:53 AM:

How much would you be willing to pay for a brand new 8mm projector, folks?

-Mike

Posted by John Clancy (Member # 49) on October 23, 2008, 03:43 AM:

Sadly I think £600 is about all you could charge for a new machine to make it successful. So for us enthusiasts it would mean a predominantly plastic cheapy that probably wouldn't last too long. I'm still a big fan of the prototype Phil had produced by Fumeo - that had major potential and I think in production form would have been the best Super 8 projector ever available.

So, anyone else going to get to Blackpool?

Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on October 23, 2008, 03:49 AM:

Thanks to Keith and John etc for another superb day out,it has been mentioned that attendance was down but the thing I did notice that the screenings throughout the day were better attended than ever,you had to get in about 10 minutes early to guarantee getting a good seat!!

Loved the 3D show especially,havent seen clips from THE MAD MAGICIAN for years.

Looking forward to the next one already.

I too will do my upmost to attend Blackpool this year too.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on October 23, 2008, 04:38 AM:

I am trying to convince the missus that we should go, so, we'll see.

Hopefully, yes, as I haven't been to Blackpool before.

-Mike

Posted by Rob Koeling (Member # 35) on October 23, 2008, 12:01 PM:

I also enjoyed the day enormously. The disadvantage of having a table is that you don't see much of the shows. But dispite the slightly lower numbers, stuff disappeared from the table swiftly! There is now plenty of space for new material.

I do agree with Michael that Ealing seems to cater better for the (S)8mm collector, than 16mm, but having said that, most of the times I attended, I managed to pick up at least one print I was very pleased with. Though, not this time. On previous occasions I spent most of my money at Tony Hutchinsons table, but his selection was limited this time. I have no worries that that will be better next time (and I'm sure that next time I will compensate by buying more than I am supposed to do).

People who sell their their stuff on Ebay, should really consider getting a table in Ealing next time. If you think you haven't got enough to put on the table, maybe try to arrange something with 1 or 2 other forum members. It is nice to sell to people directly. Ebay's fees are getting ridiculous anyway. This was the 3rd or 4th time I had a table (with Mike) and I was pleased with the results every time. At some point you get so many things that you don't really watch anymore. Then it is time to move it on and get something new. A convention is a great opportunity for doing exactly that. It is also nice to chat with all those people we know from either the forum or from buying/selling in the past.
Another great job Keith Wilton and John Clancy and all those other people who make it possible. Bring on the next one!

- Rob

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on October 25, 2008, 08:48 PM:

You should have mentioned Rob that Mike brought along his backup GS1200 for the day, box and all. It came out of the box for a very brief three to four minutes but as soon as anyone came within a few feet of it, it went back in the box and was carefully concealed away. I asked Mike if he was planning on selling and his answer was yes, then no, then a maybe. Then he asked us all if he should, with those please tell me not to eyes, so we did and it went back home. Where i am sure it is best left.

We did have some fun.

[Big Grin]

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on October 26, 2008, 02:52 AM:

Chris

Well at least it had a nice day out in the smoke [Big Grin]

.

You'll be pleased to know it's back in its box again waiting for that fateful day when GS1200 #1 packs up, which, contrary to common speculation about these "mine fields of electro jiggery pokery" hasn't happened yet...

Having said that I'd better go touch some wood or boil a rabbits foot or something! [Roll Eyes]

Mike

Posted by Christopher Way (Member # 1328) on October 27, 2008, 07:16 PM:

May I take this opportunity to add my views or opinions on this matter. I have asked the question about making the weekends longer, with more activity involved. Make it more of a weekend meeting, with other things thrown in for good meausre. The emphasis seems to be that some think it is too far to travel for a day visit, some say it costs too much for a day visit, etc etc. Others have said that could more be added, like a full length film in the evening, etc etc.

I have asked on one or two occasions about moving the Blackpool BFCC meeting to October, but have been told it clashes with the October Ealing meeting. Most are in agreement that not enough are attending the meetings. So why not have just the one Ealing meeting in May, with the Blackpool meeting in the October. By this for the October meeting other highlights could be added such as the Blackpool lights, the front, amusements, shows etc. This would make a worthwhile weekend, arriving Friday night, or Saturday if you live closer, and leaving Sunday. Likewise with the Ealing meeting, this could be made into a weekend, where one could take in other amenities in London. As I said, on both venues a full length feature film could be shown, or a show as in the hey days of cinema.

The cost of entry is sometimes the factor mentioned. Lower the entrance fee, but maybe charge stall holders, or a percentage of takings (dont bite my head off, this just an idea/opinion).

I attend many weekend meetings for other organisations such as Navy, Holiday Travel, Sea Cadets. These use to be on a particular day, but now we make it a weekend. By contacting hotels we normally get good prices on a bulk booking, or as in the case of Blackpool nice little guest houses.

It is feasible, and worth a look at if the present trend is going to continue, and the BFCC meetings loses more visitors. It is time to promote it up a bit more as they say.

Just my thoughts, I can assure you.

Regards, Chris

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