Is this B&H a genuine model or one made from different sources?

[Martin Davey]

I came across this B & H on Ebay. Aside from the cover, I was wondering if it is a 'Frankenstein' version made form different parts. The number is 1694m. I'm used to seeing 1694a which have the conventional looks of the 1600 series. This looks like a TQ11, but says TQ111 by the control dial. The threading diagram is also a TQ11. This machine is not listed on the paulivester.com database, and a google search has not found one.

Any thoughts?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bell-Howe...sUAAOSwiY5etr9 v

[Clyde Miles]

bit of a miss match there martin, has the body of a tq3, but outwardly a tq2 manuel thread

[Maurice Leakey]

There were two versions of the Bell & Howell 1694. The 1694 which was auto thread, and the 1694M which was manual thread. However, they both looked like their brother models 1692, 1

[Maurice Leakey]

There were two versions of the Bell & Howell 1694. The 1694 which was auto thread, and the 1694M which was manual thread. However, they both looked like their brother models, 1692, 1693, 1695 and 1698. The eBay seller is being a bit cheeky in saying "magnetic sound and record". This is quite true but for recording a special unit is required which plugs into the multi-socket at the rear. It certainly looks as if there has been a mod with the fitting of the TQII mechanism. It is also surprising that a charcoal grey side cover is shown, particularly when a green cover is offered in substitution.

[Maurice Leakey]

Sorry about the above false start. For a few days now I have been having great trouble with entering remarks. I cannot edit, and when I click Post Reply the screen goes blank except for a few numbers in the top right side. I then have to use the back button to get back to the Forum and my newly entered comments. I have to be very careful as if I touch an incorrect key as it all disappears but is entered anyway. Also, I can't use the Preview button. Can Doug assist me with this problem please?

[Maurice Leakey]

This is the code that appears:- {"nodeId":97321

[Martin Davey]

Thanks Clyde and Maurice.

I did not know that manual versions of the 1600 existed, but would be of interest to see. The machine offered on eBay would be interesting to look at but there would be a lot of 'ifs and buts' relating to its conversion. I recently have got a 1698 (specialist, with the audio line output) with new worm gear installed from a chap in Holland, so I'm pleased to be back in the B & H 'camp'. I forgot how much I liked them. Unfortunately the automatic feed is not reliable with the leader often emerging past the 1st sprocket, but I have got used to manually loading it anyway, like the Elf, and feels right to thread the machine by hand. Very quiet and good with difficult prints. I would still like to get a cheap example with a broken drive so that I can learn how to dismantle and repair.