Eumig Mark S - Sound is like slow motion

[Ferdi Bulbul]

I have an Eumig Mark S. The Regular 8mm video is playing good/normal, but the sound is like watching the movie in slow motion.
- The soundhead switch is on the N location.
- Amplifier is OK.
- I have the same slow motion sound on both internal and external speaker
- Cleaned the parts with contacts
- Cleaned the sound head and volue control
- Also operated the record switch many times when film hasnt been threaded

Any recommendation about this?

[Paul Adsett]

it's physically impossible for the picture to be at normal speed and the sound to be at slow speed. You may think that the picture is normal speed, but the sound is the true indicator of correct speed, and if the sound is slow and/or low then it means the mechanism is running slow. Probable cause is slippage of the rubber drive discs. Clean both discs with alcohol and let dry, Then apply automobile belt dressing onto each rubber disc and let dry overnight. Repeat the belt dressing application if necessary,

[Steve Klare]

Maybe it's an issue of frame rate.

-could it be that the machine is set for 18FPS instead of 24?

[Joseph Banfield]

Yes, I agree with Paul in that it is probably slipping rubber drive discs, which is actually rather common. Or possibly old rotted and crumbled motor mounts (one of which can be seen at the bottom of the motor while the other is on the opposite side out of sight). If those mounts have crumbled you won't be able to reach sound speed so have a look at those and replace them if needed.

Make sure the switch on the front of the projector near the takeup arm is as far as it can be moved upwards because this is the sound speed setting. On the inside of the projector just above the drive discs is a rotateable flag marked 50 hz and 60hz. Make sure the 50hz mark is at the top and not the 60hz marking.

And if you do get it going check the tap on your transformer and be sure it is set to 240 volts instead of 220 volts if you don't want short lamp life. Europe hasn't seen 220 volts in decades now...the current voltage is around 237 volts. That setting of course won't affect your speed but will increase your lamp life and the health of the electronics in the projector!

[Steve Klare]

Occam would say you should check the frame rate first.

(Nobody wants to find out a dead battery was the problem after they have the engine out of the car!)

[Osi Osgood]

Funny, Steve, would be the wrong time to find out! Paul, would your suggestion work concerning the tightening of the "screw" for lack of better term on the take up reel, or it this an issue of the overall speed of the overall motor?

[Paul Adsett]

No, definitely an issue with the main drive speed. Steve's suggestion of checking the 24/18 fps setting is definitely the first thing to check, then Joseph's point of visually checking the motor mounts, then finally the cleaning and dressing of the drive discs.

[Simon Wyss]

To degrease the rubber pads and the drive wheel is only half the story. The main shaft must be lubricated in its four bearings. Give a drop of oil in each of the four plus six drops on the felt wicks near the shutter. Next, the motor has plain bearings that can be dry. That is more complicated. Finally the motor mount can be cracked. Check the one trapezoidal plastic insert you can see and whether the motor is wiggling. No secure hold there, no speed.

[Michael Breslin]

From experience, I agree with Steve. I spent a lot of time under the bonnet, trying to figure out why the dialogue came out so bass like. Then thought I would see how it sounded a third faster, IE from 18 to 24. Sound now is fine. I was, for some reason under the impression commercial super 8 film was at 18FPS, but all of mine seem to be at 24. The projector has had a good servicing, so not a complete waste.

[Ferdi Bulbul]

Thanks for your comments

I did some work on the device and problem seems solved. Sound is clear and better than before.

- Red Circle
-- Cleaned the sprockets (black gears, white guide shift above the flywheel) and applied grease.

- Green Circle
-- Cleaned the Rubber Friction Wheel and Metal Flywheel with Isopropanol (%90)
-- Cleaned the Motor Shaft (connected to the Rubber Friction Wheel) with Isopropanol

- Yellow Circle
-- Cleaned and oiled the main motor bearings

Then, I run the projectorwithout film to let the oil spread and speed seems improved )