Here is the Bolex 16mm 421 projector brochure in pdf

Thanks much appreciated.

John

I had never heard of this projector until today when I saw one listed on the bay. My big question was which lamps it used. This brochure says 250 watt halogen so I assume it is the ELC which my other projectors use. Doesn't specify what the exciter lamp is, though.

The one listed says reel speed is erratic, the projector is functional, and that it was purchased new in 1978. By whom is not specified. Perhaps a family member is selling it for someone deceased, and they are not familiar with all the speed controls. It is eqipped with the zoom lens, which is good. The bad news is that the lens is only an F1.6.

I've never seen a machine with a shutter than can switch from 3 blades to 2 before, though my Bolex 18-5 switches the number of blades for slo-mo.

So this machine is made in Italy, not Switzerland. Interesting. A re-badged machine?

Anyway, since it is not a popular machine, you would be pretty much on your own for maintenance. The complexity of the shutter is bound to malfunction. If for whatever reason I decide to buy another 16mm projector, I'd probably try a Bell & Howell that has already been serviced to replace the worm gear. I'm just paranoid about that BRK exciter bulb being discontinued even though I have 3 spares.

Yes. The ELC lamp is used.
But, the bad news is that it and its newer brothers suffer with cracking (and replacement) of the worm gear.
It's not truly a Bolex, but badged as so. Made in Italy, possibly by Microtechnica.

Thanks Maurice.

In some respects many Super 8 machines were built better than their 16mm contemporaries.