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spindle. A small torch globe is held in a metal cylinder and is powered via two
terminals at the rear.

These unit appeared on the market in the UK in 1935, it was reported that the company
went out of business not long after – the unit reappearing some time later, being aimed
at the juvenile end of the market. This would seem most appropriated, as the Screenus
would seem to be nothing more that a toy!

Although today 9.5 mm cameras and projectors represent interesting vintage
collectables, in the author’s opinion, it is a pity that most manufacturers of 9.5 mm
equipment (including its inventor, Pathé), appeared to aim many their products at the
“economy” end of the market, thereby failing to utilize the potential of the gauge.

The 9.5mm fame size, being almost equal to that of 16mm, was capable of reproducing
sharp, clear images, but with most of the equipment available being quite basic,
(standard) 8mm offering better made cameras and projectors soon overtook it in
popularity. The late 1950s saw the virtual end of 9.5mm.

THE WITTNAUER Standard 8 mm

This American made combined camera – projector appeared in 1959. In comparison to
the forgoing units, this machine did offer a lot more in both camera and projector
modes. As a camera, the Wittnauer offered reasonable performance. Film advance was

The Wittnauer in camera mode

12 REEL DEALS June 2025