Eumig Mark S 709 received but with no manual. Which gates and sprockets are which?

[Todd Kitchen]

the thing is missing the power plug; I knew that in advance (i bought this for 32 Euro) but I expected "S" to be clearly marked on sprockets and gates that are for super 8.
Anyway, it shipped with four sprockets, two rear gates and two front gates. The sprockets that were on the projector are grey; the ones in the case are silver. However, all 4 seem to have identical sprocket pitch.

The gates are a mystery too. One of the rear gates has an extra piece of plastic that protrudes at an angle.

Anyone have a manual in pdf they'd be willing to share? I can get one from Van Eck but it's not clear how quickly they will email it to me.
Shane C. Collins I know you're the 709 expert on the forum. I can try to take pictures later.

[Shane C. Collins]

Todd, the light gray colored gates, and sprockets are for Super 8. The dark gray colored gates, and sprockets are for Standard 8. Also remember when changing the gate plates to have the rear inching knob set to the 12 o'clock position. This will retract the claw as you change the gates from one format to the next. Eumig did not mark an S on the gates for this early model. The manual does explain the different colors, etc. I have a manual for the 709. I don't have it scanned digitally. I might have some time Friday to scan the manual if you need a copy. Send me a private message by Friday if you need a copy.

[Shane C. Collins]

I am including 2 photos showing my 709. On the machine itself you can see the light colored Super 8 sprockets, and gate plates. The second photo shows the Standard 8 sprockets and gates stored in the lid.

[Todd Kitchen]

Looks as if I have a reg. 8 projector with spare reg. 8 sprockets and gates.... I got out some reg 8 file and the sprocket holes line up with all 4 sprockets, which are slightly different shades of dark grey, as are both film gates! There are two "front" film gates--only one has that light grey plastic. I looked on Van Eck's site but it doesn't look like they sell sprocket/gate sets for the manual change dual-format projectors anymore. I doubt they are fabricating new product like they do for motor mounts.

In order to make this thing work for both formats, I may have to buy another one. Good thing I don't have hundreds invested in it.

[Shane C. Collins]

Todd take some photos of the gate plates and sprockets.

[Shane C. Collins]

Todd, I may have some extra gate plates and sprockets for the 709. I'll try to check later tonight or tomorrow morning.

[Todd Kitchen]

Here are the sprockets/gates

[Shane C. Collins]

It looks like the front gate plates are Super 8 and Standard 8. I really can't tell with the back plates, and sprockets. The colors are different from mine so it's throwing me off a bit. Also the rear gate plate with the bottom lip is not on any of my plates.

[Todd Kitchen]

This thing is just too beat up and a lot of stuff was re-assembled incorrectly. I managed to re-seat the motor but the little ball for the speed adjustment keeps popping out even after it's properly seated and everything screwed back together. The mounts are original but it looks like someone epoxy'd them into place.

I got the 709 working long enough to test some silent footage but the takeup reel won't turn. I took it apart and discovered the clutch assembly was also incorrectly re-assembled by the last person who tried to fix it.

I may just have to sell it for parts. Or turn it into a small guitar amp. I'm sure I can figure out how to wire in a 1/4 jack somehow. The little tube amp sure is interesting.

I was very optimistic that I could fix the 709 after having successfully repaired my Eumig 802 with fresh motor mounts. The 802 now works great, but it won't play reg. 8mm--and I have about 1600 feet of very carefully archived 8mm post-striped home movies that I got on ebay along with 800 feet of super 8. All from the same moviemaker. The super 8 footage is very well edited, with narration, music and sound effects--late70s/early 80s. It was fascinating to watch, but I was dying to see the earlier reg. 8 from the mid 60s. The guy that shot this knew what he was doing. Very steady, thoughtful camera work for the most part. Steady and sharp with very little of the excessive panning/zooming that plagues most home movies.

[Brian Fretwell]

It looks like the front gate plates are Super 8 and Standard 8. I really can't tell with the back plates, and sprockets. The colors are different from mine so it's throwing me off a bit. Also the rear gate plate with the bottom lip is not on any of my plates.

Isn't the bottom lip on the standard 8 plate to divert the film to the longer path to the sound head? It should be on all standard 8 rear plates.

[Shane C. Collins]

Todd, sorry to hear the 709 has seen better days. This projector has probably changed hands many times, and as a result someone didn't know what they were doing. I have a parts 709 that works, and has new motor mounts that need installed. Maybe we could work out a deal, and you could buy this machine? I would install the mounts, and do the needed work to get it running. I have watched films on it and it played fine, but the mounts are in need of replacement. Send me a private message and we can talk over there.

[Shane C. Collins]

Todd I am working on that 709. If your interested I sent you a private message.

[Shane C. Collins]

I am happy to report that Todd is the new owner of my second Eumig 709! I spent the morning installing new motor mounts, reconditioning the rubber discs, lubing the gears and drive axle, etc. As well as cleaning the amp, and adding a new lamp. She is purring along like a new machine now! Here she is playing a sound film. Refer to photo, and YouTube link. I think Todd will be a happy 709 owner!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QmuL7AmYtI8

[Joseph Banfield]

That looks like a first class restoration, Shane! And even running a Little Rascals short too...nice touch!

But you did forget one tiny detail...you should have sent it to me! What a Grinch!

[Shane C. Collins]

Thanks Joseph for the kind words! It was a labor love, and I enjoy working on these marvelous little machines! I do hope one day you locate a 709 near your location!