Help loading a Silwa projector

[filmamigo]

I picked up a Silwa S111 -- a typical good Super 8 deal, it was $1 at a church bazaar.

After a quick clean and lube, it works well. The drive works both directions, the belts are in good shape. Even the bulb is in good shape.

Unfortunately, I am stumped on how to load this projector. I can't puzzle it out. It seems like an autoloader, but it doesn't grab the film. It doesn't seem to be a manual loader because there is no obvious way to open the gate.

The drive control is labelled:

R S L M \/ L S R S

Any suggestions from someone who has used one of these? Or perhaps a source for a manual?

Dave

[super8man]

The only advice I can offer is that you should try to figure out where the loops are formed for the film...my Bolex 18-5 had me stumped for a few minutes until I realized that I had to form the loops myself above the film gate (and below). Once I figured that out, everything else fell into place.

Best of luck. Just trying to get those creative energies going!

Cheers,
Mike

[filmamigo]

Further googling hasn't turned up any info -- except that I think I spelled the name wrong. I think it's a Silma S111.

[jpolzfuss]

Hi,

when the Silma works like some Bauer-projectors, you'll have to set it to "L" for loading the film. Once the take up reel has taken up the film automatically (or with some manual help), you'll proceed to "S". (<- but this is just a guess!)

There's a German manual available online for the S211, which might be similar to your S111 and might have some "step by step"-instructions with pictures:
http://www.super8-projektor.de/index.ph ... tegorie=17
Of course you might want to take a look at the S211 first to see if it's similar:
http://www.super8-projektor.de/index.ph ... w=145#view

BTW:
http://www.oldtimercameras.com/ephotozi ... lPage=true

This company might have some manuals for your projector, too:
http://www.craigcamera.com/

Hope this helps,
Jörg

[filmamigo]

Thank you Jörg, that helps a great deal.

I was not loading the film in "L" because the projection lamp was lit at that position, so I assumed the "L" meant "light".

This board always amazes me with its helpfulness!