Question about Bolex halogen lamp holder used in Super 8 18-5 projectors

[Jon Byler]

I'm surprised they used a metal reflector with halogen bulb, as it won't allow the heat to pass out the back as easily as the glass dichroic reflectors. But maybe not necessary on a relatively low wattage bulb?

I'm working on making an LED replacement that will hopefully be brighter than the original with less heat overall. We'll see how hard it is with relatively off the shelf parts. I have 3 of the 8mm, and one 18-5 super, along with 2 18-5L super, and all of them take the spaceman/diver dan bulbs. my plan was to have one each turn into a film scanner, and have two for ability to continuously show films without having to stop and load the next projector. If the LED stuff doesn't work out, hopefully there is a good reflector option out there! I was going to use a mount that is like the one for the 16mm Elmo projectors, but the 8V and 12V bulbs use 6.35mm spacing, and won't fit.

[Adrian Winchester]

I can now comment further on the Atlas 50 watt lamp pictured above, as I have it in my possession, having bought the projector that contained it on UK ebay! I was taking a chance as I couldn't obtain any further details from the seller, and the projector didn't have a mains lead or belts, but fortunately it works fine with belts installed.

As for the lamp, much to my surprise, it didn't prove to be a lamp holder; it was one clearly sold by Atlas as an alternative and very different type of A1/263. Therefore, the lamp was 'built in' and expected to be single use, which seems strange considering how well made it is. I'd guess that they were relatively expensive and labour intensive to manufacture, so perhaps never caught on for that reason. The reflector has a nice chrome-like finish, so having removed the lamp and what surrounded it at the back, I'll see if I can fix a ceramic lamp holder behind it, as it might then serve as a practical and economical accessory for any 50 watt 18-5.

Jon - good luck with the LED replacement plan, which I'm sure will be of great interest if it works out.

[Adrian Winchester]

I've just found (on a site with lamp brochures) this 1975 promotional leaflet for the Atlas A1/263.