Bolex 18-5 Automatic retro-fit!

[Shane C. Collins]

So I decided to try a retro-fit on my Bolex 18-5 Automatic. This regular 8 projector was the 1963 upgrade to automatic threading. However it was only a partial auto-load system. After the film exited the last loop one had to guide the film to the take-up reel. So I decided to take the auto-thread film guide system from a 18-5L Super parts machine, and retro-fit it to the 18-5 Automatic. Guess what, everything lines up and it works perfectly! Here's a few photos showing the upgraded 18-5 Automatic. My next upgrade is converting this to a halogen bulb. I have a halogen assembly from a Elmo FP series machine on the way.

[Janice Glesser]

Shane C. Collins you are totally getting the most out of your Bolex 18-5 projectors. The one in your photo is a beauty.

[Shane C. Collins]

Thanks Janice! It was fun working on this projector, and doing the upgrade. I bet it's the only regular 8mm 18-5 with this retro-fit LOL.

[Paul Adsett]

Great job Shane, your projector looks incredibly beautiful. That Bolex take-up reel is also really nice looking -wish I had one.

[Shane C. Collins]

Thanks Paul! Yeah that Bolex take-up reel is pretty sweet! I do wish it was an auto take-up reel. Did Bolex make an auto take-up reel for the regular 18-5? The one on my 18-5L Super works really well, and always catches the film.

[Barry Fritz]

Nice work Shane!

[Shane C. Collins]

Thanks Barry! Be sure to look for my last post showing my halogen upgrade for this machine. It turned out really nice!

[Barry Fritz]

Shane, I have not seen an auto take-up reel for regular 8 made By Bolex. You could use your S8 reel if you put an adapter on the rear spindle or on the reel.

[Barry Fritz]

That is a nice metal reel Paul. I don’t think the metal ones came with 18-5. I did have ones like Shane has there, but they came with the Bolex M8 projector.

[Shane C. Collins]

Barry and Paul it looks like the original 18-5 from 1961 did come with this metal take-up reel. See stock photo below.
http://www.bolexcollector.com/projectors/185.html

[Shane C. Collins]

Barry the take-up reel from my 18-5L Super worked perfectly! I found an adapter and gave it a try. Here's a photo! Thanks for the tip!