1 of 1- scrand
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Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Hopefully this request does not go against any website policies - but I'm doing it for "historic" purposes.
I'm looking to buy, borrow or if I have to steal a working 16mm film projector which will playback films with Magnetic audio. I already have 2 machines that have Optical audio....but I have a number of news films from CKCO-TV that were recorded with magnetic audio. These include a few of our Christmas Films, a documentary or two and a whole lot of other films that might have some historical significance to our area.
I follow Facebook Market Place as well as Kijiji religiously in hopes of finding such a machine, preferably a most recent (yea I know they don't make them anymore) model with audio out that I could go straight into a video camera with.
If you know anyone with such a machine I'd love to talk to them about what their plans are for it and whether it would fit into my budget - free would be ideal for my budget.
As an aside - does anyone know of someone who can fix 16mm projectors and who lives withing a short driving distance of K-W - I have a Eiki in need of someone to look at it.
Thanks All
- RadioActive
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Good luck with the hunt. Hope you find what you're looking for. I'd be curious to see that historic stuff if and when you can find a way to play it back.
- Shorty Wave
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Another option is to have the films digitized by one of the transfer companies out there, probably your quickest choice. I once had super 8 home movies transferred, they did a great job and were fairly prompt about it.
Just checked out your site and was impressed with your video library, good job to all!
Last edited by Shorty Wave (January 20, 2026 9:22 am)
- Skywave
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Try ebay.com for this kind of stuff. Here are some examples, which range from cheap to ultra-expensive.
If they won't deliver to Canada, have it shipped to a UPS Access Point in Buffalo.
Bell and Howell Model 302 16mm Optical/Magnetic projector | eBay
Bell&Howell 302 Optical and Magnetic Sound, 16mm PROJECTOR, RESTORED, 2 LENSES | eBay
ELMO 16mm Magnetic & Optical Video Transfer With Full 2K HD Camera NTSC | eBay
- DeepTracks
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Hello "scrand". Check your personal messages. Cheers!
- DeepTracks
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
In the absence of any response at all from you (scrand), I returned the projector to the store. I guess you're not all that interested.
- Evuguy
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
DeepTracks - that model has optical sound playback, not magnetic. They still fetch a decent price in the used market.
- DeepTracks
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Scrand and I have sorted this out.
When I Google searched, using the AI assistant, I read the (partially copied) text below before paying for the unit and leaving the store.
Key Features and Specifications
- Film Format: The Bell & Howell 556 is designed for 16mm film.
- Sound: It is a "Filmosound" model, meaning it supports both magnetic and optical sound playback with high fidelity audio, often featuring an oval, case-mounted speaker and a presence amplifier for clear sound in large rooms.
- Threading: A key feature is its automatic threading mechanism, which releases itself to ensure smooth film movement and simplifies the setup process.
- Durability: The projector was built with durability in mind, using an all-gear drive system instead of belts or chains, stellite shu
Last edited by DeepTracks (January 23, 2026 10:13 am)
- RadioActive
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Glad you worked it out. Scrand is a good guy who I've talked to via email, and he's really dedicated to the CKCO History site. In the spirit of U2, I hope he finds what he's looking for.
- scrand
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Re: Looking for a 16mm film projector with Magnetic Audio capabilities
Still looking - can't believe they are so hard to find
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