THE DITMAR DUAL GAUGE CINE PROJECTORS

The Austrian Ditmar company introduced a range of dual gauge cine projectors from around 1935. They were unique in that instead of exchangeable parts for each film size, these machines were designed with a dual film path. This meant that there were two sets of feed sprockets (mounted side by side), two film gates, two take-up sprockets, plus twin sets of guide rollers. The lamp and optical system was arranged to slide from side to side to match the film size in use and the lens mount (a standard 32.5mm) could be pulled forward away from the projector and swivelled across to whichever filmgate was in use. The spool arms had reversible spool fittings to suit the different film gauges. A knob could be rotated to set the claw mechanism for the gauge required.

Initially there were three machines offered : model 2960 for 9.5mm and 16mm; model 2890 for 8mm and 9.5mm; and model 2860 for 8mm and 16mm. All these were designed for silent films only - the16mm running double perf. 16mm prints only.

Pre-war models were finished in a black crackle with metal parts like film gates and sprockets nickel plated. The standard projection lamp was a pre-focus 250watt mains voltage type although a 500watt 110volt version could be supplied via a separate plug-in resistance or transformer. The variable speed motor was adjustable for mains voltages from 110 volts to 240 volts via a plug in the base. Two pilot lamps were fitted, these were 0.1 amp MES types, wired in series and fed via a dropper resistance. These were switched out once the projection lamp was on. The machines featured optical framing, still picture and reverse running with power driven film rewind. Spool arms were 400feet / 120 metres capacity, folding for storage. A carry handle was incorporated in the top of the main casting and four adjustable screwed feet were fitted to the base. The three bladed shutter had a 50 degree open / 70 degree closed angle, giving a fairly slow film pulldown and approx. 42% light transmission. Motor drive was via two rubber belts accessible after removal of two back plates External spring belts provided the take-up and feed spool drives.

Production seems to have ceased during the second world war, but the 9.5mm/16mm and 8mm/16mm models were relaunched in the early 1950's. Soon they were finished in a very attractive blue/green crackle finish. The 8mm/9.5mm model was not relaunched, making this quite a rare machine.

An Amateur Cine World review after the war gave a the machine a very good report, although the 8mm picture was naturally not nearly as bright as the 9.5mm or 16mm one and really needed the optional short focus lens for a decent size picture. Berthiot f1.5 lenses of 50mm or 35mm were normally supplied with an optional 20mm lens for 8mm.

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Last updated: 07 March 2003 ....................... 95geardit.htm .................. Grahame Newnham's web pages