Variscope 16mm projector with accessories

Variscope 16mm projector with accessories, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

Devised by Ian P Smith, Variable-Aspect-Scope utilised the entire width of standard 16mm film from edge to edge, giving an aspect ratio of 2.45:1. The total image area is 90 square metres, an increase of approximately 20 square metres compared with the normal 16mm format. The resulting screen definition is of a clarity not usually obtainable with this gauge.

The screen aspect ratio can be varied - hence the name - by the insertion of differnt masks into the projector gate to alter the shape of the picture. In this way the system is dual purpose in accommodating either widescreen or 'normal' format imaging. Regular films not shot in Variscope can also be projected on the modified machine as can CinemaScope anamorphic films.