Development of this page is new. More content will be added as time allows. For a beginning, here are pictures of the most commonly used sound 16mm projectors.
To begin, the question is asked, "What's the best projector?" The answer to that is the same as for vehicles, music and movies. Although "The Best" is a matter of personal opinion, I serviced projectors for many years and have a better perspective on performance. Regardless of the brand, or model, the projector hardest on film is the slot load type, then comes the auto-load. As far as handling the film, Bell & Howell was most risky for film damage. The older RCA 400 series was as smooth as they get. Next in line is Eiki. For service, opinion is no longer a factor. Eiki beats them all. A single phillips screwdriver will completely dismantle the machine. Parts are easy to access, meaning less labor. Example: To change a simple drive belt on a Bell & Howell 1500 series, the rear portion of the projector has to be disassembled just to get to the belt pulley. To replace the drive belt on an Eiki, remove two phillips screws, swing the hinged back cover open and slip the new belt over two pullyes, close the door, replace the two screws and you're back in business. In conclusion, most any major brand 50's-80's projector, in GWO, is a good machine. If it's properly lubricated and adjusted, it will run film well.
BELL & HOWELL
In the trade, it was understood that the B&H model, represented the price.
