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More on the Gebescope
(last edition cover)

The Gebescope 16 mm projector was devel-
oped in 1935, and was the standard projector
for the British Armed Forces during WW2.
Being a very robust machine, it could be
transported and and set up just about any-
where to provide entertainment or instruc-
tion for the troops.
The projection lamp fitted was a 110 volt
500 watt, with a wire wound resistance in
series to reduce the (normally) 240 volt
supply to the required 110 volts. The wire
wound resistance, which was mounted on
the top of the projector, was commonly
known as the 'toaster' as it gets as hot as one.
The 500 watt lamp gave a rather dim picture
at long projection throws.
The sound quality was generally regarded as
poor. The amplifier gave out rather too
much bass even when the control was turned
to minimum. The machine was also known to produce a lot of “wow” (speed variation),
especially noticeable on music.

The projector was designed with as few mechanical
parts as possible, to reduce the likelihood of failure
when in service. Its modular construction, made re-
pairs quite easy.
It has two very unique features.

1. The film gate has no back plate,and is curved with
the film just slotted in, and held in position by a
sideways sprung runner, and posts at the top and
bottom of the gate These posts are thinner in the
centre than at the edge so that the picture area will not
rub against them
2. There is no separate exciter lamp for the sound, The
main projection lamp shines through the sound lens
under the lamp house, providing the illumination of
the sound track.
Credits:
References: http://www.villagehallcinemas.co.uk
Images: Home Movies and Home Talkies Nov. 1938
(Supplied by Warren Smyth)

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