8MM projector HELP needed please

[Jerry Whitfield]

Thank you, I need help with my Kodak Instamatic M67 projector. After many attempts, it was not accepting the tape and threading it to the take up reel. I read the manual and made sure the tape was on the reel properly and that the beginning of the tape at insertion point was trimmed to be straight. I also made sure the selector was set properly on 8MM (and not Super 8). All help appreciated.
Jerry whitfield in winston salem, N.Carolina

[Thomas Dafnides]

Where you insert the film....can you see the sprocket wheel turning?

[Jerry Whitfield]

hi Thomas: thank you for replying. I assume the sprocket wheel is behind the projector bulb and moves on a small approximately 1/8" belt? If so, yes it is turning. A picture is attached. Thank you, again, I appreciate your time and help. Jerry

[Dominique De Bast]

Jerry. If I may jump in, I believe you picured the blade shunter. The sprockets are the two theethed wheels, one close to the feeding spool, the second close to the take up spool.

[Jerry Whitfield]

hi Dominique: thank you for jumping in and replying to my situation. I see your nice picture of sprocket inside your machine. I am enclosing a picture of my Kodak Instamatic M67 with the projection bulb removed. I cannot see the sprockets you refer to, and what do I need to remove to see the sprockets? I have enclosed a picture of both of my spools on the fake wood side of the machine. Is that where I am supposed to be looking? If so, I see only one small screw holding that cover in place; and how would I remove the black round knobs covering the spools to view the two sprockets with teeth, if that is where they are? thank you greatly for your time, Dominique. Sincerely, Jerry Whitfield in winston salem, NCarolina

[Jim Seaburg]

Hi Jerry - The first sprocket wheel is at the beginning of the film - not tape - path. It’s what grabs the film and starts it on the way through the projector. If that sprocket wheel isn’t turning it can’t take the film into the projector.
If it is turning then there is possibly something like a piece of film stuck in the film path preventing the film you are loading from making it all the way through to the take up reel.
The sprocket wheel is located above the lens. Where the bulb goes has nothing to do with the film path.
I’m not familiar with your projector but the lens house should be able to be moved away for cleaning of the film gate behind the lens.
Good luck.

[Jerry Whitfield]

thank you, Jim, for your information.. Does anyone out there know how to move the lens house so I can determine if that sprocket wheel is turning? This is a Kodak M67 8mm projector. thank you Jerry Whitfield

[Steve Lee]

Hi Jerry.

The projector doesn't have any sprockets. The film is transported by the claw inside the gate.
I have tried to draw out the film path on the photo so you can see where it is needed to be inserted.

Steve

[Jerry Whitfield]

hi Steve: thank you for taking your time to answer my problem. Yes, we know this spot you pictured is where the film is to be inserted. However, the machine does not grab the film and go with it. We used this projector a lot in the 1980s and enjoyed family 8mm film. Now we want to see those movie reels again but cannot get the film to "feed" through. Thank you, Steve I look forward to your reply.

Another thought might be: does anyone know anyone in the following areas of North Carolina who might have a projector and be able to help me in towns such as Winston Salem, Greensboro, Statesville, Mooresville, Lake Norman, Littleton, NC?

[Thomas Dafnides]

Each of those towns probably, have their own craigslist listings... you might be able to find a used projector for $25.