Looking for a projector

[John Bakker]

I,ve received a lot of 100+ S8 reels from a house clearing last week. Amongst them is also a 10" Pathe Baby 9.5mm reel.
I would like to be able to watch this and do a telecine but I'm not familar with 9.5mm equipment other than that I know it's old
Can anyone give advice on what projector to look out for? Preferably as modern as possible.
Thanks in advance.

[Terry Sills]

I would recommend a Specto, but look for the later model (grey - not black). The reason being that the early black model uses an obsolete lamp. The later grey model is usually dual 16mm and 9.5mm film so make sure it comes with change over sprockets and spindles. They are kind to film and have speed control which is useful.
I have one for sale but postage to you might be prohibitive.

[John Bakker]

I have one for sale but postage to you might be prohibitive.

Thanks for the information Terry.
I see one on eBay for £25 Is that yours by any chance?
https://www.ebay.nl/itm/145243273251

[Dominique De Bast]

I10" Pathe Baby 9.5mm reel..

Just to be sure : are they open spools or is it small black cartridges? If the films are mounted on the small black cartridges, you need a specific kind of projector. Otherwise, no problem.

[Terry Sills]

Hello John
unfortunately that is a Standard 8 projector, so no good to you. I haven’t listed mine yet but I will take some photos and send them to you. Dom is quite right about the black cartridge films. If they are what you have then a Specto would be of no use.

[Terry Sills]

John
Here are photos of my Specto - It is complete with a 2 metre long power cable and all the accessories to convert to 16mm. Also comes with a fitted 500w lamp and two spares, one new and another which is marked as used but looks new to me. It is fitted with a 1” lens so will give a big picture at a short throw. Also included is the full operating instructions, so a very comprehensive set in excellent condition.

[Ken Finch]

If the film is on a 10 inch diameter reel, it has the capacity of 900 ft of film. The Specto is ideal as it takes these large reels. There are other 9.5mm projectors that have this capacity but they are mainly the sound or dual gauge machines. The other problem is of course the type of lamps they take. If you are lucky you may find one that has been converted to more modern and still available halogen lighting. I use a Specto identical to the one Terry has for transferring most of my 9.5mm home movies to dvd for my family. With the added advice to then transfer the dvd to memory stick or whatever new format arrives. Whatever you buy and use today is obsolete tomorrow! 😏

[John Bakker]

Thanks for all the information and pictures guys, I appreciate it a lot!
I would love to have that set Terry but since Brexit happened, buying from the UK has become terribly expensive. What price do you have in mind?

[Terry Sills]

John
I have actually listed it now. Not cheap but I think it’s worth that. Especially when you look at other listings.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335046208924
Terry

[Lee Mannering]

My Dad had 2 of these Terry, both mechanically tied together by cable as he used to make colour 3D films with a group of enthusiasts and project in the village hall. Dad regarded the Specto 500 as the best machine for 9-5 films.

[John Bakker]

John
I have actually listed it now. Not cheap but I think it’s worth that. Especially when you look at other listings.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335046208924
Terry

Thanks Terry
I was considering to buy it but someone beat me to it. The price was fair but like I said, postage and VAT added up to quite an amount.

[Rodney Bourke]

That's interesting how the Specto 9.5mm Projector is recommended as a First Projector, how is it when 9.5mm is Screened, with Cement or Tape Splicing in the Film?

I have Two Different 9.5mm Projectors myself, the First is a Bolex Tri Gauge, from the 40's which I have set for 9.5mm, it's ok for Commercial Films with no Splicers, but if I show a Home Movie, once it hits the splice, it completely jumps out of alignment. I then have to switch completely off, and realign the film which is a pain for every splice.

Now the 50's Pathe Gem seems to run ok with Splicers, but after about 20 minutes the Projector is really hot, like a Toaster, so I have to turn off to let it cool down, the in built fan is not that great.

Both Projector are noisy and Loud, as these problems have been addressed in 8mm, Super & 16mm projectors as production continued on in the 70's, 80's and 90's.

Probably the best Modern 9.5mm Projector to have, is the (Eiki 16mm) modified by Buckingham Film Services UK,

or the (Elmo or Bolex Super 8) modified by Legonie France.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Hi John!
As you seem to be located in the Netherlands and as it seems to be a single reel, you have also got some alternative options. e.g. van Eck can do the transfer for you:
https://van-eck.net/smalfilm-overzicht/95mm-film/
And here, you can rent (or buy) a viewer:
https://www.next-archive.com/product...5-film-viewer/
This way you can watch the film before deciding about buying a projector.
Just a thought.

Jörg

[Joerg Polzfusz]

BTW: This is the only working 9.5mm projector on eBay.de. Anyone ever used it?
https://www.ebay.de/itm/325892398206

[Terry Sills]

Yes
I had one. They are a great machine, very well made and an innovative design having the alternative film gauges in place side by side, so very little needs doing to change over. The one listed however is far too expensive. In good working condition it should be about a third of that price.