Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

Hi all, I've just purchased this machine with manual it works perfectly but the manual doesn't say special. I've looked on line and it seems it can play standard 8mm films as well. Anyone any idea how? Do I have to put standard 8mm films onto super 8 reels?

Thanks for any help, Ian.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

I don't know this model, but apparently it does super and single 8, but not standard 8.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

All the dual gauge 8mm projectors I have come across have had a removable adapter on at least the feed spool spindle (rarely on the takeup spool spindle as well) for showing Standard 8 films. They should just pull off. AFAIR the only difference between Single 8 and Super 8 is that Single 8 used a different type of camera film cassette and film base. Single 8 film is thinner and made of a very strong plastic (Mylar?) that can not be spliced using film cement, necessitating the use of tape splices. As far as projectors are concerned, they are identical.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

With regards to the reels...

Standard 8 reel centres are the same diameter as domestic quarter inch audio tape reel centres.

Super 8/Single 8 are larger.. if the projector is dual standard then the spindles will have removable adapters fitted to the standard 8 size spindles.

So if your presented with a reel and not sure what it's for, then look at the reel centres.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

Under the skin it's a Eumig 800 series. If it was dual guage there would be an adaptor on the feed spool and a set of alternative gates and sprockets stored inside the front cover.

Most users understand 'dual gauge' to be standard and super 8, but that didn't stop later super only machines being described as 'dual gauge' because they could also show the dimensionally identical Fuji single 8.

It's a bit like Coleman who describe their lamps as 'dual fuel' when the 2 fuels are in fact Colman fuel (petrol) and petrol! Not as one might casually assume petrol and paraffin.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

Not all dual gauge projectors require gate and sprocket changing. With my Eumig Mark 602D you only have to slide a lever between two positions to change gauge, and fit or remove the feed spool adapter appropriately.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

True, but to the best of my knowledge the 800 series uses alternative gates and sprockets. Certainly my 824D and 810D (D for dual) do.

The 800 series was the last dual gauge sound machines Eumig produced.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

Nice! I never had one myself, but a friend inherited one from his late father, along with masses of films. I had to show him how to operate it and how to swap all the bits to change gauge. Of course, sprocket feed is essential in a sound projector the get rid of the intermittent feed, but a good silent projector can manage without.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

My understanding is that sprocket feed is always superior, because, no matter what other factors exist, the proportion of time the film is static within the gate is larger, so the shutter can remain open longer and the overall light output is therefore greater.

Re: Bolex SP80 Special Projector.
 

Thanks for replies, I think I've got the gist of it now. Thanks again all.

By the way, you can't change the sprockets on this, so as I understand it I can use super8/single 8 films. I've managed to get a super 8 film, and it works great. Haven't tried one with sound yet.

Ian