Problems with Bolex 18-5 projector

Forum covering all aspects of small gauge cinematography! This is the main discussion forum.

Moderator: Andreas Wideroe

Post Reply
frusciante
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:21 am
Real name: Kostis
Contact:

Problems with Bolex 18-5 projector

Post by frusciante »

Hello there!

I am trying to make one of this fine projectors work but i am having three issues:

1. The variable shutter is not working. It is either stuck on three blades or stuck at nine blades. The centrifugal weights are there but they are not functioning so as to have nine blades at slow speed (5 fps) and three blades at normal speed (18 fps). I sometimes manage to adjust them by hand in one of the two positions. I have greased and oiled everything. Can anyone propose a solution?

2. It is a bit difficult to spin the shutter wheel. The belts are spinning without moving the shutter wheel if i go with 18 fps and if i go with 5 fps it only manages to start with a help from my hands. I have greased and oiled everything. Can anyone propose a solution?

3. I accidentaly broke the screw that is located in the red circle in this photo. It holds a disc with 4 holes and 2 small balls. It seems to works like a tension adjuster. Does anyone know how it works and what it does?

Image

I'ld appreciate your help! :|
frusciante
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2011 1:21 am
Real name: Kostis
Contact:

Re: Problems with Bolex 18-5 projector

Post by frusciante »

I posted the previous message while i was @ work and didn't have access to my projector so I used a photo of another projector. My projector is this:

Image

So you can see that it is the version with the three belts. It has 3 V-belts installed. The belts seem to work fine but something jammed on the shutter wheel i think makes the wheel so difficult to turn that the torque required exceeds the belts' ability. I can still move the wheel with my hands. You can see the belts here:

Image

Yesterday I managed to see a 50 foot reel in 5 fps always by assisting the revolution from the front knob. In 18 fps the belt is impossible to move the shutter wheel.

Concerning the accidentally broken screw that holds a disc with 4 holes and 2 small balls it is indeed a tension adjuster. It adjusts the claw that advances each frame. Below is the place where the adjusting plate was initially:

Image
Post Reply