Robert's recent topic in which he said he acquired a Bell & Howell 655 8D has reminded me to create a topic for, in my opinion, the best 16mm Bell & Howell available. I have two model 655QE (TQI) which both have the official Bell & Howell conversion unit to use the ELC lamp. The 'E' after the 'Q' stands for Quartz Economy, this means that the lamp switch has two settings, Economy and Full. With its powerful valve amplifier it is a fantastic projector. When used in a hall with the two accessory 12" loud speakers it is just awesome. Most times it is quite satisfactory to project on the economy setting, thus prolonging the life of the lamp.

Yes, it's very heavy because of its extra transformer for the lamp. At my age I can just lift them!

Attached photo (courtesy of Van Eck) shows the 655Q model, not the model to which I refer, but I believe the only difference is the second lamp position on the control switch.

https://van-eck.net/img/itable/images/fi...08407754578.jpg

Hi Maurice, I also have a 655Q as pictured, not the QE. It really needs servicing as it has the original worm. At present, I don't want to spend the money having it done. It was in new looking condition and got it for only £15, so couldn't let that go by. I notice that there are a lot of variations in the TQ1 models. The one I have has a speaker at the back as well, and the sound is fantastic. I don't care for the look of the TQ2 and 3 models, not so solid looking.

That would still make the machine a bargain even after a full service Robert!

£15 doesn't even buy me a lamp for my SH 30.

When the TQI was introduced it used a low voltage lamp, hence the new transformer. It was an A1/235, 24volts and 250watts. http://www.thedarkroom.co.uk/traditional...-250w-lamp.html It had a separate mirror. A few years later with the almost universal acceptance of the ELC (A1/259) a conversion unit was available to use this new lamp.
Quite honestly, I hate the TQII, and am not overly fond of the TQIII and TQM models.

What are the main differences in the TQ 1 11 and 111?
I always liked the look of the B&H projectors, these and the Elfs appear to be the most used machines.

Only Maurice could answer that Tom; I wouldn't think there is a lot of difference in the threading system and safety measures, but I like the TQ1 because it's a solid looking machine.

The TQII used an A1/258 lamp and was the first model to have a transistorised amplifier, hence the smaller area around its base. Below is a link to the 1658 opt/mag which I have.
Picture of the 1658 is courtesy of Van Eck.
https://www.van-eck.net/img/itable/image...34631158681.JPG

They are certainly built to last especially once the worm gear is modified to the metal ones,

yes 655 and 658 were great machines I converted mine did away with the reflector and used the a1 259 lamp I have quite a few of these but the best of the bell and howells were the 644 manual thread 3 claw quartz lamp, 25 watt amp, and optical and magnetic playback and record these were the daddy of them all I have 3 of these and all still run as good as ever

ive modifide all of my tq3 that had a1/258 to run with a1/259, and it cost nothing