Bolex 18-5 projector has less flicker than others

[kontrabass888]

I just got a Bolex 18-5 standard 8mm projector, I compared it with eumig 810 and Noris electic.

I can see it very clearly that
1) the bolex which is with 75w lamp looks even brighter than the other two which are with 100w lamp
2) the bolex has less flicker than the other two on my DSLR screen. even at 18 fps VS 24fps

I just bought a super 8 version of bolex 18-5, and it is on its way.

I am really surprised by the brilliant result of Bolex.... but why it is better than the others?

[BAC]

They are great projectors, I have a few in both 8mm and Super 8. The fact that you are getting less flicker is probably because the frame rate just happens to be closer to an ideal rate for your DSLRs shutter speed. That may just be by chance, unfortunately the 18-5 models don't have a variable speed adjustment to make it better. The Bolex M8 8mm projector does have variable speed adjustment but the speed tends to wander a bit, at least mine does.

[Tommy]

Actually, the reg 8mm Bolex 18-5 has a 50 watt bulb. One reason for its brilliance is the bulb can be adjusted for precise filament alignment with the aperture. Many other projectors using the same bulb (without the adjustment capability) have variable brightness because their filaments sometimes line up inaccurately with the gate aperture depending on the individual bulb.

[kontrabass888]

So, if the original bulb broken, it will be hard to find replacement?

[kontrabass888]

They are great projectors, I have a few in both 8mm and Super 8. The fact that you are getting less flicker is probably because the frame rate just happens to be closer to an ideal rate for your DSLRs shutter speed. That may just be by chance, unfortunately the 18-5 models don't have a variable speed adjustment to make it better. The Bolex M8 8mm projector does have variable speed adjustment but the speed tends to wander a bit, at least mine does.

I have a chinon c-200 silence projector with variable speed, but it has smaller projecting aria than my eumigs and much darker and with light fall off in the corners. I tried to enlarge the film gate, but I think that i damaged some mechanic parts , so the image always shaking now...

[kontrabass888]

Actually, the reg 8mm Bolex 18-5 has a 50 watt bulb. One reason for its brilliance is the bulb can be adjusted for precise filament alignment with the aperture. Many other projectors using the same bulb (without the adjustment capability) have variable brightness because their filaments sometimes line up inaccurately with the gate aperture depending on the individual bulb.

Thanks for reply, is the modern replacement bulb for bolex 18-5 as good as the original?

[Tommy]

The original bulb was an halogan bulb (KPGT) that I think was availabe for just a few years.... it is interchangeable with an incandescent bulb cxl/cxr. The halogan bulb was somewhat brighter. The halogan bulb had an external reflector I believe
like the modern 100 watt halogan bulbs do.

[Tommy]

I want to add....that while this is a superb projector....I think it does have an Achilles heel. The intermittant claw/cam movement is completely shielded and cannot be lubricated without major disassembly. I notice under heavy usage, the projector does become louder, I believe because of this inability.

[kontrabass888]

I just received the bolex 18-5 super for super8 today, It has bigger lens mount than the regular8 version,with a 75w Philips halogen bulb, the color is cooler than all my other projectors, and it is not as stable as the regula8 version on my dslr screen, but still a little better than my Eumig and Noris.

[BAC]

If it's not running smooth try cleaning the film path with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning it I usually put 100% pure bees wax on the film path and then wipe the excess off. All of my 18-5 models run about the same.

[Tommy]

What is the brand name of your 100% bees wax.....it does not contain petroleum?

[BAC]

I use Daddy Van's All Natural Beeswax Furniture Polish. You don't want to have anything in it that may be abrasive or harm your film. One tin will last the rest of your life if you're just using it on projectors.

[Tommy]

Thanks for the tip. I remember buying some 100% natural beeswax from Walgreens...it seemed like vaseline...it also contained petroleum as well. Ever try to return anything to Walgreens?....I had to wait forever for a manager, regular sales clerks cannot do refunds.

[pip]

I find the Bolex 18-5L super 8 a superb looking projector but completely unsuitable for showing film with cement splices.

[Tommy]

The cement spliced film you have problems with....does it project well on other projectors?
(If so, the problem is something out of adjustment in your 18-5L)
My 18-5L has no problems with cement splices.