good 8mm projector

[BetterSense]

I have a Kodak brownie 8mm projector and I'm not very happy with it. The shaft that the takeup reel fits on comes off, and it doesn't thread the film very well, and I'm worried about it chewing up my film, so I don't use it.

I'm looking for a good regular-8 projector. I'm looking for something solid, something maybe more industrial-oriented and less family-occasional-use oriented. Someone locally is selling a Bell and Howell autoload. I'm not sure if that's a good one, but the Kodak I have has made me skeptical of auto-loading.

 

[ic-racer]

Bolex M8 ... perhaps the best ever made

 

[anon12345]

I would never want to advise someone on investing in a specific model of projector. ;-) (tongue-in-cheek) I did recently acquire a Kodascope Eight Model 71 or 71A which has performed quite well for me. It's all manual though. I am pleased with it's operation, so far. This projector was a replacement for Keystone (K-109??) that I shouldn't have given away. It also operated very well.

There was a time when I went through a slew of those fancy auto-load types and I only experienced bad luck. A projector only needs to eat my film once, and it's projection days are over. After many trials, I found that "simplicity in design" backed by a "top brand name" seemed to be the key for success. Then when I purchased my first 16mm projector, I sought out one that was similar in style to my previous Keystone. I got lucky I guess, cuz the 16mm turned out to be a really good machine.

The style of 8mm projectors that have worked for me . . .
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kodascope-Eight-71A-Projector-original-case-super-/130415974936
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-KEYSTONE-8MM-FILM-MOVIE-PROJECTOR-REGAL-K-109-/230496576291

The style of the 16mm projector -
http://www.agassiztrading.com/cameras-film/projectors/16mm-projectors/keystone-k161-belmont-.htm

Of course this type of projector doesn't have sound and you have to manually load the film. I'm sure there are also plenty of other brands and models out there that are very reliable, but sadly I probably never get to test them. ;-(

 

[BetterSense]

I don't mind manually loading the film, and I don't think sound is going to catch on anyway. I'm mostly looking for reliability.

 

[anon12345]

I don't mind manually loading the film, and I don't think sound is going to catch on anyway. I'm mostly looking for reliability.

Have you considered putting a WTB listing on craigslist? That way you can target your local area. Being able to inspect the unit firsthand is very important. The downside to buying through ebay is the shipping costs, which could easily exceed the value of the projector.

 

[holmburgers]

I have a keystone like the eBay one that Cesar posted. It's rock solid and despite smelling a little hot, I'm not sure how it could break or malfunction. No frills, sturdy as a clydesdale, not a piece of plastic on the thing! Granted, I don't use it much, but it seems incredibly well built.