Free Free for shipping: Yashica 8 / Bolex 18-5 8mm movie outfit

[Oren Grad]

We've been going through lots of stuff left behind when my dad passed away 25 years ago. In the process we came across his 8mm movie outfit. I used this equipment myself in the 1970s; so far as I know it hasn't been touched since. I've moved on pretty definitively from movies to stillies, and would like to see this get into the hands of someone who might enjoy playing with it while there is still film available.

The camera is a Yashica 8 double-8mm camera with two-lens turret (13mm f/1.4 and 38mm f/1.4 Cine-Yashinon). This is in decent cosmetic condition and seems to be more or less functional - I can wind up the spring and the motor runs - though I can't assure that the speeds are accurate or consistent.

The projector is a Bolex 18-5. It's in very clean condition cosmetically and includes the necessary power cord. This one powers up, the motor sounds like it's running and the lamp works, but the sprockets don't move. I don't know whether I'm missing something that should be obvious, or whether a belt replacement and/or CLA may be required to get it working.

Please note that the projector is pretty heavy and the kit overall may weigh as much as 20 pounds, so even non-expedited ground shipping may be as much as $50 or $60 to destinations in the lower 48. If anyone in the Boston area wants it, we may be able to arrange a no-cost drop-off.

 

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[BlinkingBuzzard]

I've been looking for an 18-5. Beautiful projector! Can you confirm if this is the 18-5 (and not the 18-5L, which is the Super 8 model)? If so, I'm very interested.

 

[BAC1967]

If I lived nearby I would take that Bolex off your hands but since I already have a few and live across the country I'll leave it for someone else. These are excellent projectors and are very well built. If the motor's running but nothing is moving it probably just needs new belts. They have turned to goo over the years and are just falling apart. It takes 3 O-Ring type belts that are available on eBay. You can also locate actual O-rings in the same size to use for belts, many people do this. It could probably use a little oil and grease at this point as well. These projectors are not difficult to work on, just turn the screw on the back to open it. If you open the back there are three pulleys on the end of the motor shaft just below a larger set of three pulleys. You will probably see pieces of degraded belt in the bottom of the projector. I have repaired several of these, it's well worth it, there's no better way to watch 8mm movies.

 

[Oren Grad]

Thanks to BAC1967 for the helpful information.

Projector is on its way to a new home!

Camera is still available.