'Lo, ya varmits!

[Tom Howell]

I just joined, in spite of having no experience in any of this. Why? That will become apparent in a minute.

I'm an ugly old man, a Yank, and an ebay seller (Greenbugsblood - 9,000+ feedback at 99.8 percent positive) (Always a few kooks out there), so betwixt and between all that, I reckon I'm hopeless. It's like I tell store employees. "Can I help you?" they ask.

I look all hangdog and answer, "Aww, Ma'am, they say I'm beyond help." (Grin)

So, about the only way I can help you folks out is if you have trouble with either eBay or PayPal. That I know.

Now, why did I join? Because a friend of mine had to move and brought over about 3 carloads of projectors, 16mm movies, and assorted other goodies and said "Sell them." I want to do right by everyone, and don't know which end's up in this field. For instance, what does vinegar have to do with the film industry?

Some of the "goodies" include a whole pile of CED movies and players. Who do I ask about those?

Okay, any suggestions? And no, I don't need a bouquet of skunk cabbage. (Grin)

Tom (LoneWolf)

[Richard C. Patchett]

Welcome Tom
Great people in this group Need help Just ask
RC Patchett
And Thank You for your reply

[Jeff Sumberg]

For instance, what does vinegar have to do with the film industry?

Tom,

VINEGAR SYNDROME is a condition where safety film (acetate film) decomposes and releases acetic acid, which is vinegar. It was once thought that safety film would last forever, but it has become apparent that the acetate based films are just as unstable as the nitrate film base that preceded it (just not flammable). Once films start to decompose, it cannot be stopped. It can be slowed, and it may take years before the film finally become unusable.

You should check any films you intend to sell for the vinegar smell. Collectors do not take kindly to having a vinegared print arrive in the mail without knowing in advance, and most will immediately ask for a refund. Many collector feel that a vinegared print can "spread the disease" to other "healthy" prints, but my findings are this does not happen (but to be safe, store prints with VS away from good prints).

Having a film with VS does not however mean it can't be sold. Films in the early stages of VS can still be run, and may last several more years, but it reduces the print's value by many times.

Here's an article that explains vinegar syndrome:

http://www.filmforever.org/chap3.html#chap3_42

[Tom Howell]

Richard --- You're sure welcome. Hope it helped!

Jeff --- Thanks! That's a big help! I'll do some investigating and see what I've got.

Incidentally, the projectors are B & H Model 3585's. One is complete, and the others need (that I'm aware of so far) pressure plates. Are there any parts houses where I can pick up such things?

[Richard C. Patchett]

Richard --- You're sure welcome. Hope it helped!

Jeff --- Thanks! That's a big help! I'll do some investigating and see what I've got.

Incidentally, the projectors are B & H Model 3585's. One is complete, and the others need (that I'm aware of so far) pressure plates. Are there any parts houses where I can pick up such things?

Greetings
I have a new one never been used B&H Number is 31092 for $25.00 plus mailing US ONLY:)

[Jeff Taylor]

KMR Electronics in Santa Anna, CA bought up most of the remainig B&H parts. They are on the web, as is Larry Urbanski of Urbanski Film, who has some parts. Bell & Howell has been out of business for 20 years.