Page 36 - RD_2021-06a

A small transformer
and components Film chute for smoothing out the film
movement as it leaves the gate
needed to obtain 12
volts DC for the pre-
amp were mounted
and wired and an RCA A
connector for the cable
to plug into the theatre
sound system fitted to
the rear of the B
machine. After
aligning the exciter
lens, film chute and the C
solar cell position, the
sound quality was as D
good as expected. E

The end result:
I now have a 9.5 mm The PAX sound head as modified
sound projector which A- the solar cell (inside a metal tube to prevent stray light pick-up),
I am very happy with. B- Sound drum, C - Exciter lens, D - position of (missing) PE cell,
It runs very quietly with E - locking screw for exciter lens.
the B&H motor driving
the mechanism. The image is sharp and
steady and the brightness is good.
Next step: Wow (speed variations) of the recorded
Just maybe I might fit a xenon lamp! sound tracks is not uncommon, as is poor
sound reproduction, due mainly to poorly
recorded sound tracks which are too grey
Finally: and reproduce with back ground hiss and
Over the years I have written a number of noise.
articles on 9.5 mm. I have been a critic of
Pathé and some their poor quality To prove my point, I managed to obtain
equipment, and especially their lack of two 9.5 mm films which had been cut
quality control in the production of their down and reperforated from 16 mm.
films. Larry Pearce in the UK used to specialise
in producing these for die-hard 9.5ers.
Now having a projector which is capable
of similar results to many 16 mm In comparison to Pathé’s efforts, the
projectors really shows up the poor sound and image on those films projected
quality of many of the Pathé 9.5 mm films. as 9.5 mm is equal to that of 16 mm.

36 REEL DEALS June 2021