reccoment a good projecter? ebay?

[anitasanger]

okay, i need to get my first super 8 projector so that when i shoot my first roll and have it developed, i can watch it! so i'm going to hit up ebay. anyone reccomend a good, solid projecter? i don't need THE best, just something that works well. thanks for any advice.

[Rollef]

Elmo GS 800 or 1200 are some of the best you can get
Elmo ST 800 or 1200 are indeed almost as good

Sankyo 800 Stereo is also considered to be a great machine.

Bauer T 6**\5** series are great

And must not forget Eumig 93*\940

However you may expect that these machines are expensive.

If you want something solid and quality, go for a Eumig 607D or 610D

If you need 24 fps go for something like the 810.

http://filmshooting.com/scripts/forum/v ... 5213b3e250

[anitasanger]

thank you very much, i appreciate it!

[Patrick]

Buying a projector from ebay might be a bit risky....plus postage won't be cheap! Go ahead if you want to but i usually like to inspect the machine in person as projectors can potentially have quite a few problems. Then again, some projectors can run fine for the first few months and then all of a sudden develop problems.

If you do get a chance to check out a projector in person, it's recommended to take a scrap piece of film with you - (perhaps buy a cheap exposed film off ebay.) Run this film through the projector forwards and backwards - a total of four times. Note how well the film transport works - obviously, you want a smooth and steady film movement and not a sluggish 'upward climb' hindered by resistance. After this, examine the film carefully for scratches.

It certainly makes life easier if you get a projector that's easy to clean. Maintenance is quite important to prevent a build up of emulsion, dust and other gunk in the projector's gate that can spoil the projected image and potentially scratch the film. The Elmo projectors are very well designed in this respect because all that is necessary is to swing the lens to the side and you have instant access to the gate - quick and easy. Unfortunately, many other projectors require you to remove the lens, then manipulate some sort of inching knob or dial and then remove the aperture plate for cleaning - less convenient.

[anitasanger]

thanks patrick, great advice!

[gene_can_sing]

Since it was stated that buying off E-Bay can be risky for a projector, is there a reputable retailer that sells good working projectors? Is there a place specifically in Los Angeles? Or mostly on the web?

[BK]

If you want something solid and quality, go for a Eumig 607D or 610D
If you need 24 fps go for something like the 810.

I am particularly fond of the Eumig 810 series, this model is built like a tank and last forever with the friction drive mechanism...no belts that wears out or breaks. Truly an engineering masterpiece from the wizards of Vienna.

Bill

[Herb Montes]

Since it was stated that buying off E-Bay can be risky for a projector, is there a reputable retailer that sells good working projectors? Is there a place specifically in Los Angeles? Or mostly on the web?

There's Phil Johnson in Texas City. Here's his website:

http://www.8mm16mmfilmscollectibles.com/

I've met him several times, bought a Bolex H8 from him. He collects regular 8mm and Super 8 projectors and refurbishes them. He prefers reliable brands and does not like the dual-8 models.

[studiocarter]

Mine is a Elmo FP-C zoom that my dentist gave to me for free. Ask around. It is a dual 8 and plays super 8 and regular 8. It goes forwards and backwards. It has variable speed and I use it regularly to transfer my films to miniDV "off the wall" without any flickering. It is silent.
Really, ask around.

Michael

[chachi]

I have personaly sold aprox 10 projectors on ebay with no problems to date. Also, I have been personaly burned buying projectors from flea markets that I didn't film test till I got home. Often, Flea markets are a long way from home, making returning the item simply not an option. At least with ebay you know if the seller has film tested it and if he/she knows what they're talking about by simply asking questions.

So, I say You CAN get a good deal on ebay, Just remember:

(1) consider the sellers knowledge of the product and ask Questions!
(2) Is the projector tested w/film or is just AS-IS?
(3)Price, Is it cheap?

Lets face it, sure you can get a Guarunteed projector from a specialist. But usually the price is MANY MANY times more anyway. Just look at the prices of the projectors in that link, now look for those same projectors on ebay! there's difference and then there's DIFFERENCE! Ill take a $750 chance in most cases..

keep that in mind !

[Patrick]

I was going to make that point also! If you come across a quality brand of projector on ebay at a really cheap price, you don't really have much to lose. Even so, once the projector is at home, test it with a film that you don't care much about - for example someone's discarded home movie purchased on ebay.