Canon S-400 Super 8mm cine projector with film spool and instruction booklet

Canon S-400 Super 8mm cine projector with film spool and instruction booklet, 1980-1989.

This dual gauge projector (Super 8 and Single 8 film are of exactly similar dimensions and specifications) takes up to 400' (120m) of film and is automatic threading. Its running speed can be varied between 10 and 20 frames/second. The projector can also run at 8-10 frames/second in 'slow motion' mode. It cannot run in reverse though it rewinds automatically. This model was based on the earlier Canon P-8 CINESTAR S, launched in 1965, with improvements made to accommodate a 400-foot reel.

With its large circular central control knob and its feed and take-up spools arranged, uniquely, above each other at the rear of the machine, the Canon S-400 projector was somewhat ahead of its time in terms of design. Costing £79.96 in 1974, it was one of the middle-range quality projectors of its period, competing with brands such as Eumig, Elmo and Bell & Howell. Easy to use, it was aimed to appeal to the home movie market.