Page 2 - RD_2025-06

REEL DEALS

PUBLISHED BY – MIKE TRICKETT 245 CHURCH ST. HERNE HILL VIC 3218

MYSTERY BANK DEPOSIT
To the person who renewed their subscription in early April providing MY
street number and postcode, I have no way of identifying who you are -
please contact me and advise.

All the bank statement says is … AGENT DEPOSIT 2453218

Cover picture

The reliable old Bell & Howell TQ1 16mm
projector was a product of the 1960s/70s. These
machines were very popular with schools and
other institutions, due to their ease of operation,
mainly due to the auto-thread capabilities of the
machine.
Unlike earlier B&Hs these machines were made
to 240 volt operation (Australian mains), making
the heavy step-down transformer required for the
earlier machines unnecessary.
The TQ1 incorporated a solid state
(transistorised) amplifier with a capability of 10 or 25 watts, depending on model -
enough for most school room applications and in home use.

The TQ1 will still rival later machines for image sharpness and stability. The large
barrel B&H lenses are known for their sharpness, and the triple claw provides good
image stability, even with damaged film.

Unfortunately, this was one of the first B&Hs to utilise the nylon worm gear, which are
renowned for cracking and disintegrating, making the machine a virtual throw away.
While the gear is still available, replacing it involves a compete strip down of the
mechanism, including the removal of most of the components around it. The cost in
terms of time and labour makes the job unviable.

2 REEL DEALS June 2025