Bell & Howell Filmosound 1580 Lens Issue

[Mike Seidman]

New member here, glad to be aboard!

Recently got the aforementioned Bell & Howell Filmosound 1580. Bought it online. When I took it out of the box, the lens was laying on the bottom. Thought that was odd - but then remembered - shipping carriers aren't the "friendliest" with packages.


I am probably wrong, but I don't think this is the original lens. It does fit fairly well in the barrel, but surely doesn't seem to be room for anything else.

As you can see from the attached images, the lens has a thread of course, but the 'barrel' does not. I am thinking maybe a part is missing.

Just hoping SOMEONE here knows SOMEONE who either may fix them or may have some spare parts laying around...

Thank you in advance to anyone who can offer ANY advise!

MIke

[Lindsay Morris]

Hi Mike,

That looks very much like the normal type of lens for B & H machines and the only difference that I can see as compared to the B & H lens we normally see in Australia which are made Japan and yours is made in USA. Its the usual 2" or 50mm standard B& H projection lens.

If it fits the lens holder and you can rotate in back and forth to focus just run the machine without any film in it and the lamp on and rotate the lens to see IF you can get a sharp outline of the gate aperture plate on a screen or a white wall.

If so you are good to go with it no problems as the lens elements look reasonably clear.

Lindsay😊