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.

Details

Category:
Cinematography
Object Number:
2024-419
Materials:
glass and metal (unknown)
type:
cine projector
credit:
Widescreen Association

Parts

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection arm. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector - projection arm

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection arm. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

More

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.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-419/2
type:
accessories
Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection arm. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector - projection arm

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection arm. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

More

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.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-419/3
type:
projector
Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection spool (empty). Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector - projection spool

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - projection spool (empty). Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

More

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.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-419/4
type:
projector
Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - small metal tin containing the 16mm Variscope gate assembly unit with seven masks. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector - gate assembly

Accessories for Variscope 16mm projector, modified by Ian Smith from a Bell and Howell model - small metal tin containing the 16mm Variscope gate assembly unit with seven masks. Part of the Widescreen Association Collection.

More

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.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-419/5
type:
projector
A length of 16mm film held on a metal spool, contained in the original cardboard box packaing for Cyldon cine reels.

16mm film on spool in original packaging

A length of 16mm film held on a metal spool, contained in the original cardboard box packaing for Cyldon cine reels.

Materials:
cellulose nitrate , metal (unknown) and cardboard
Object Number:
2024-419/6
type:
film reel