8MM-16MM FORUM WORLDWIDE

I purchased a Bell & Howell 481 A 8MM/Super 8 Projector a few months back. I was wandering if anyone could give me any info on it? I also recently discovered that it needs a replacement part, the piece the reel snaps onto, 1 of those has a very bad wobble to it. I was going to purchase a film for it until i discovered it was messed up. Any one know where i can get replacement parts for it? thanks

Hi, Ben and welcome to the forum.

Not sure what holds that feed spindle on but, there should be a way to tighten it.

Here are some specs:

Bell & Howell Compatible Autoload
marketed in 196?
design: 481A
standard 8 mm \ super 8 mm film
film format change: auto, by slide lever
lens: ?
lamp: 150 W, 120 V, DJL
reel capacity: 180 m
projection: forward, reverse, still
projection speed: normal, slow, by selector switch
film loading: automatic threading
sound: no
film cutter: yes
motor: magnetic motor
power source: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
weight: ?
dimensions: ?
made in Usa by Bell & Howell


Is this the projector:

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The spindle is held on by a screw, i tightened it but its still wobbly.. I found them exact same specs awhile ago, but not very helpful..lol That pic is the exact projector i have. I thought i did good for $ 1.00..

Sounds like garage sale treasure.

Not sure what to tell you about the spindle. Have you taken it apart and examined the parts from the arm out?. On my Elmos there are 2 set screws. The Alan Wrench kind.

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Welcome, Ben

Remove the two screws from the arm cover. Be careful because there is a W shape spring that may pop out and you don't want to lose it. Don't worry about the spindle it will stay attached to the cover. From here you will also have access to the spindle screw. Behind the screw there should be a small spacer,washer,a plastic gear and probably two more washers. Move the spindle up and down and watch for any unusual play in this area. If you need a part it is possible that I may have one. Just post a photo and I will look. Let us know what you find.

Roger, the spindle screw is right in plain sight. I removed it and had the spindle off, bc i figured i'd try to tighten it. I tightened it up after i removed it but its still loose. I think the bearings are shot in the spindle.. I can get a pic of it in a day or two.

Look at the hole that the spindle fits in and make sure that it has a metal insert in it. The spindle itself is pretty simple and straight forward and does not contain any bearings. Also make sure all the washers and the small spacer is accounted for.

Heres a few pics, both arms are exactly the same(i removed that spindle and took off the cover to see if i was missing something- but i'm not) with the exception of a tab on the front arm- you can see in the pic above. When the spindle is in place and you look closely it appears to not be flush with the arm- you can see a gap..

Ben

Is that a Regular 8mm machine? I found a couple Super 8 spindles made a little different but might work, they are from a Bell-Howell. One more question, does the arm cover have the brass insert like the one in this photo? If it is Super 8 I can post a photo of the spindle and you can decide if you want to try it.

It is a dual 8 machine. The spindles have adapters on them to use super 8 reels. No brass insert.