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Wasn't quite sure what to call this thread but it needs tips/help in keeping our beloved Elmo projectors running smoothly.
Film Scratching ...The ultimate film sacrilege
Elmo GS machines have a bit of a reputation for scratching or lining Super 8 films, but is this the projectors fault or ours?
Over the years I think it fair to say we have heard all manner of solutions but prevention is oft the best answer.
Equipment: one aerosol of Foam cleaner, Silicon spray, micro fibre cloth and tools.
The plastic film guides do wear with age of course which by design is a natural effect. You can forestall this wear and still protect your films if acting quick enough.
This is something I do ever 3 months as I use my Elmos regularly.
Remove the green film path guides on the front of the machine
Spray foam cleaner on your cloth and clean them including rollers.
Leave to dry for a few minutes.
When dry lay the guides flat and spray the Silicone on them.
Leave dry for 24 hours.
Once dry replace onto your beloved Elmo.
Invest in some Film Guard and apply to your films as instructed.
I don't work for the manufacturer!
Been doing this procedure to all my 8mm projectors and to date zero scratching.
It does help and considering this Elmo was purchased by myself early 80s anything we can do to sustain the guides will be a bonus.
I do remove the big film path guide from the top to make a clean job of it. You can see the gleam on the guides once completed.
To confirm you projector is not scratching..
Buy a out of date super 8 50ft unexposed film off ebay
Remove it from its cassette
In a bucket mix in 25% bleach and top up with 75 water.
Drop the loose film in it and leave overnight.
Empty the liquid and flush the film in clear water for 15 minutes.
Dry the S8 film on a washing line.
Once dry cut a 4ft length and splice the ends together.
Manually thread the film then project it watching the screen for any signs of scratching.
The film will be completely clear after bleaching so you will see dark lines if your projector is causing scratches.
Good luck.
Thank you to a professional cinema projectionist who shared the tip decades ago.
Film Scratching ...The ultimate film sacrilege
Elmo GS machines have a bit of a reputation for scratching or lining Super 8 films, but is this the projectors fault or ours?
Over the years I think it fair to say we have heard all manner of solutions but prevention is oft the best answer.
Equipment: one aerosol of Foam cleaner, Silicon spray, micro fibre cloth and tools.
The plastic film guides do wear with age of course which by design is a natural effect. You can forestall this wear and still protect your films if acting quick enough.
This is something I do ever 3 months as I use my Elmos regularly.
Remove the green film path guides on the front of the machine
Spray foam cleaner on your cloth and clean them including rollers.
Leave to dry for a few minutes.
When dry lay the guides flat and spray the Silicone on them.
Leave dry for 24 hours.
Once dry replace onto your beloved Elmo.
Invest in some Film Guard and apply to your films as instructed.
I don't work for the manufacturer!
Been doing this procedure to all my 8mm projectors and to date zero scratching.
It does help and considering this Elmo was purchased by myself early 80s anything we can do to sustain the guides will be a bonus.
I do remove the big film path guide from the top to make a clean job of it. You can see the gleam on the guides once completed.
To confirm you projector is not scratching..
Buy a out of date super 8 50ft unexposed film off ebay
Remove it from its cassette
In a bucket mix in 25% bleach and top up with 75 water.
Drop the loose film in it and leave overnight.
Empty the liquid and flush the film in clear water for 15 minutes.
Dry the S8 film on a washing line.
Once dry cut a 4ft length and splice the ends together.
Manually thread the film then project it watching the screen for any signs of scratching.
The film will be completely clear after bleaching so you will see dark lines if your projector is causing scratches.
Good luck.
Thank you to a professional cinema projectionist who shared the tip decades ago.
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