Buying Slide Projector

[cheuwi]

Hi all,

I am looking for a slide projector and am wondering if any of you have had experiece with this product:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...or_Viewer.html

Thanks,
Cheuwi

[railwayman3]

My Dad had a similar projector abour 30 years ago...I think it was a Reflecta brand.
It was OK on a wall screen (though not as good as his Leitz Pradovit), but disappointing on the built-in screen...this was a kind of matt plastic which gave a grainy effect to the back-projected slide.

Unless you really need the small built-in screen, I'd look around for a good s/h
projector....even have a look around Ebay, there used to be some real bargains at the time slide shows were going out of fashion.

[rszumski]

I haven't tried the projector you mention, but I did go through searching for a slide projector just over a year ago. I ended up, after much research, going for a used Leica Pradovit P300-IR with a Colorplan lens. The contrast, sharpness and brightness of the projected image is outstanding and worlds ahead of the Kodak and Rollei models I did a direct comparison with. Further, I found an eBay seller who is a guru of slide projectors, really knows his stuff in excruciating detail and who will help you find what you need. The seller goes by cb. (that is cb 'period')

[Ian C]

My experience with rear projection screen slide viewers is similar to post #2. The image is significantly grainy—actually the pattern of the diffuser—and soft. Quite disappointing.

There used to be small battery powered viewers that consisted of a magnifying lens that allowed you to directly view the back-illuminated slide. These gave a sharp image and only cost $10-$15 in the late 1980s. Some also accepted an inexpensive AC adaptor so that dry cells weren’t needed.
The first two viewers here are similar.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Sl...0/N/4233500243

Regular projectors that project the image onto a reflective viewing screen usually make a satisfying image.

[Nicholas Lindan]

[Braun Novamat] I had one of these from ebay - junk. Utter junk. Can't think of a nice thing to say about it.

If you want a table top viewer get a Kodak 'Kodaslide' Model A, there is usually one available on ebay.

If you want a projector then I would suggest a Kodak Carousel. The top-line Leitz projectors are very nice, but also very pricey. The low end Leitz projectors don't impress. Stay away from anything that doesn't use Carousel trays, unless you have a very compelling reason otherwise.

[tjaded]

Any reason you don't want a Kodak Carousel type projector? They are great quality and can be had for decent prices (much less than that one at B&H...)

[Francis in VT]

The unasked question is, what are you going to use it for?
Do you just want a slide viewer with a large screen or a projector. Any Kodak Carousel proj can be used with a table screen even a piece of Foam Core.
The best result would be a Leitz RT-300 because of it's lighting system. All projectors need a way to keep the slide from overheating. Some do it with a heat condenser others use a heat filter. Both of these ways result in a Greenish tinge on the screen. The Leitz used a mirror like the Kodak but NO heat filter. The Leitz mirror was a Dicroic [sp] which absorbed the heat and did not show a Green tint on the screen. Your other advantage is it uses redily available Carousel trays and a Leitz lens. Kodak also made a bulk slide holder which I haven't seen on the Bay but if you decide to go this route PM me.

Francis in VT

[cheuwi]

Thanks for all the great comments and idea... I can always count on this forum
I have been taking about 30-40 rolls of Velvia over the last 3 years and have been viewing them on a light table or the computer scan image. I really don't think I am doing it any justice. I get by with my 645 format as they are bigger but for my 35mm, I am relying on my scan image...
I have decided to look for a projector that will allow me to really appreciate the slide and hence the question.
I think I will try to look for a Leitz or Kodak model... Thanks again.

[SafetyBob]

1+ on Kodak. Found a very little used one in the plastic case a couple of years ago. Most of them can fit different lenses too. Get everything clean on one of these old units and you shouldn't be disappointed. You hardest decision (or at least mine) was to figure out what surface was best to project on. Again, keep and eye out for a well kept screen......they are out there, you may have to do some asking.

If I ever win the lottery, I promise all MF users I will make a limited run of MF projectors. I sure wish I had a nice one.......

Bob E.

[MattKing]

If you are considering the Kodak models (which I recommend) it is important to become aware of the difference between the lenses designed for glass mounted slides and the lenses that take into account the slight curvature of slides mounted in cardboard or simple plastic mounts.