Kodatoy Universal Model 16mm Projector

Kodatoy Universal Model 16mm Projector made by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1932. For 16mm silent film, 100' reels; claw intermittent, two sprockets. Motor speed control; hand rewind for 110 or 240 volt supply.

The Kodatoy 16mm projector was designed as an inexpensive alternative to the Kodascopes, aimed at the junior market. When released the whole outfit, including screen and miniature theatre, cost $12. An advert from 1931 stated that ‘Kodaplay movie films are moderately priced at 30, 60 and 90 cents per reel… And they come on 16mm Kodak Safety Film.’

It was supplied complete with a screen and miniature theatre [this example does not include this]. It is a motorised projector with a 100/250v 50w lamp. The projector can be operated on AC or DC. The Kodatoy takes up to 100 feet reels, though an attachment for 400 feet spools was available. The projector has a single claw intermittent, operating on one side of the film only and two sprocket rollers. It has a three-bladed shutter and a centrifugally-operated heat filter. The lens is focused by moving it backwards and forwards in its mount. There is a hand rewind on the top reel.The lamp is controlled by an on/off switch.

Similar in design to the Kodascope Eight Model 20 Universal 8mm Projector, introduced in 1932. Cost - hand-drive £3-3-0; motor driven model £5-17-6. The Kodatoy was supplied between May 1931 to October 1932, though hand-cranked models were supplied until stock was exhausted in November 1934. Cost in the US was $15 or, with motor $25. In Britain the hand-drive model cost £3.3.0 and the motorised version £5.17.6. A hand-drive model for use with 6v accumlator was £3.12.6. Conversion to motor drive cost £3.0.0 and the 400' extension arms were 8/6d (42.5p).