GAF Anscovision 588 8mm Projector

[Ed Slosky]

I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with this particular model. I’ve got this player, from the 1970s I believe, and some 8mm film from 1937-1951. Unfortunately, this has an auto feeder but is the only unit I’ve got. I wonder what you guys and gals would opine on how this player would handle those old reels? I come here and understand there are no guarantees but wonder what the wisdom of the community has to say…is it wise or foolish to put these particular tapes through this specific machine? Any advice is much appreciated as I’m new to all this. Thanks.

[Jim Schrader]

Hi Ed and welcome to the group this particular unit as like any of the dual 8 machines can be finicky units I had an argus dual 8 849 years ago wasn't a auto feed but ended up burning up a lot of frames of film with yours make sure the pathway is clear of any debris or film then try it with some leader instead of your priceless films if anything happens you'll know not to use it and make sure its on 8mm setting to my old argus played 8mm films better on super 8 than 8mm setting you might want to find a 8mm unit that plays just those, these are just my thoughts' best of luck.

[Janice Glesser]

Hi Ed and welcome to the Forum! I have several of these projectors that I have modified to transfer film to video in real-time. I find the feed mechanism to be much better than the Argus projectors, however with any auto-feed there is a risk of damaging film. I recommend first feeding some unimportant film through the projector to test it. Make sure the path is clean. The film on these projectors can sometimes fold up like an accordion as it turns to go towards the take-up reel. But if the film is in good shape and the path is clean you shouldn't have any problem.

Below is a picture of one of my transfer units. I've replaced the original lens with a 16 mm lens.

[Ed Slosky]

Thanks for the feedback. Actually it’s a 688…not sure of any differences between the two but upon inspection I found a broken belt. It is the belt between the motor and shutter. Any reliable places for parts for these things?

[Jim Schrader]

There’s a seller on eBay called “I sell projector belts” unless it’s the spring kind of belt?

[Thomas Dafnides]

You should find belts on ebay. I purchased from projectorbeltsunlimited available on ebay.