10.2 What equipment is necessary for a `home cinema' for 16mm and where can it be begged for/purchased?
Description
This article is from the rec.arts.movies.tech FAQ, by Scott E. Norwood snorwood@nyx.nyx.net with numerous contributions by others.
10.2 What equipment is necessary for a `home cinema' for 16mm and where can it be begged for/purchased?
The cheapest way to start is to pick up a portable, tungsten-bulb,
`classroom-style' projector. These are very common surplus items right
now, and can often be acquired for well under $100. When cleaned
carefully and completely, and properly loaded, a manual-loading
machine in good order is usually very gentle on the film and will give
many years of service, with minimal maintenance, other than bulb
changes, occasional lubrication, and regular cleaning).
Plenty of these machines (most commonly, Bell & Howell, Graflex, or
RCA (tm) ) can be found from schools and industrial users who have
switched over to videotape equipment for presenting
instructional/promotional materials. They are also available, usually
with warranties, from various dealers in used motion picture
equipment. New machines are available from the Japanese manufacturer
Eiki, but they cost in excess of $1200, and are sold by audiovisual
dealers.
For those who want screen images larger and brighter than a tungsten
bulb will allow, Bell & Howell and Graflex both made 300-watt portable
MARC projectors, which use an external power supply to drive a small
metal-arc bulb (much like modern HMI lamps). The power supplies are no
longer made, and are difficult to find; if broken, they may be
difficult to repair. These machines generally go for $300-500.
When buying a projector, make sure that it is capable of holding at
least 1600' reels (a two-hour feature usually comes on 3 1600' reels),
as some older models do not hold this size. New projectors take reels
up to 2300'. Be sure to get several take-up reels of the largest size
the projector will hold. If a big images is desired from a short
`throw,' then a shorter length lens is needed (most projectors come
with a 2" lens; 5/8", 1", and 1.5" are also available and give bigger
pictures). If possible, try to get an extra set of belts (motor drive,
front feed arm, rear take-up arm) for the projector to have on hand in
case one breaks. 'Scope lenses are available for showing anamorphic
prints.
It's always good to have a splicer on hand, and there are several
models which are commonly used. The Bolex cement splicer,
guillotine-style tape splicer, and Maier-Hancock hot splicers are all
commonly available, and usually go for $50-150.
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