Copal CP Sound 402

[aashish351]

Hi everyone!

Drawing special attention to vintage equipment lovers and gurus. My in laws had this stored somewhere and sent it to me recenty. To be honest even for me it's a device from a previous era. I know it's a 8mm reel projector. A website called Van-eck has these details:

Copal CP Sound 402

super 8 mm film
lens: Etalon Super Zoom f: 1.3 F: 15-25 mm
lamp: 100 W, 12 V, EFP
reel capacity: 180 m
projection: forward, reverse
projection speed: variable speed control 14-25 fps
film loading: automatic threading
sound: magnetic playback on main sound track
sound mode: mono
amplifier: transistorized
amplifier output: 3 W (8 Ohm)
recording: magnetic recording on main track
sound-on-sound: yes
recording level control: auto
input terminal: Microphone, Phono
input jacks: Mic: mini jack; Phono: 5-pin DIN (European type)
output terminal: Earpnone, External Speaker
output jacks: Ear: mini jack; Ext Sp: 2-pin DIN
built-in speaker: yes
built-in film cutter: yes
motor: magnetic motor
power source: 220 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 150 W
weight: 8100 grams
dimensions: 260 x 280 x 330 mm

made in Japan by Copal

https://www.van-eck.net/itable.php?lang=en&size=&type=CP Sound 402&merk=40&cat=film

Which brings me to the important question - should I attempt restoring it (I don't know if it works, haven't switched it on yet)? Who can help me figure it out? A step by step process to go about checking and making it work (subject to views on the first part of the question).

Will post pictures soon.

 

[kartick]

Hey Aashish, this is mighty cool. I'd say switch it on and see if it works. My best guess, at max the lamp would have gone bad and require a replacement, which should not be difficult to source.

However, the bigger question:

- Do you have a super8 cam and/or fresh/recorded reels?

I was lucky to pick up a Super8 sometime back and I guess a couple of reels came along with it. Not sure whether the same are blanks or has content on those. Could never check as don't have access to a projector.

Keen to look at some pictures of your piece!!

 

[reubensm]

What a find, congrats. 8mm and Super-8s are legends of the past. Did you get any films with it? Perhaps some films of family?

For those who are interested, there is a store in Trivandrum selling old stuff. I saw one of these, there, if anyone is interested, I can share the contact information and you can get in touch directly.

 

[aashish351]

Unfortunately, no 8mm films with me. Maybe my in laws will discover those also! (Wishful thinking).

I think I'm missing the round wheels also. (Called spools right?). Our are they part of the film/recording?

Anyway I'll connect and switch it on and let's see what happens. Pictures and videos coming soon.

Stay tuned.

 

[aashish351]

Hey Aashish, this is mighty cool. I'd say switch it on and see if it works. My best guess, at max the lamp would have gone bad and require a replacement, which should not be difficult to source.

However, the bigger question:

- Do you have a super8 cam and/or fresh/recorded reels?

I was lucky to pick up a Super8 sometime back and I guess a couple of reels came along with it. Not sure whether the same are blanks or has content on those. Could never check as don't have access to a projector.

Keen to look at some pictures of your piece!!

Well you have the reels, I have a (hopefully working) projector. Will figure something out!

 

[aashish351]

OK! I have good news and bad news!

Good News: I connected the power and a light came on, so at least it was not konked off and could work!

Bad News: I moved the FW/RW knob to see what happens and BOOOOOM!!! smoke everywhere from behind the unit! And now I guess its konked off. So this is now a real restoration project.

I immediately unplugged the mains and after the smoke settled (weird smelling) opened the back cover to find a blown capacitor (I guess). A ruffled mess of yellow-brown paper with a metal strip was recovered from the vicinity of a loosely hanging capacitor casing! Before the BOOOOM! I could see the lamp lighting up - it was just a matter of 5-10 seconds. I don't know what else could have gone, but nothing else looks blown or spoiled. Strangely, there is no black soot or any such thing.

I am attaching the pictures in a google photos album (https://photos.app.goo.gl/MbBxHew1wWc91s6y2). Please follow it as I will keep adding more it.

Fire away with your inputs.

 

[kartick]

Holy smokes!! (quite literally ). That is not good news. Usually what happens is that finding time to mend a side project takes a back seat. It requires a lot of time and energies to find the right guy who can fix stuff and what not, if you know what I mean. Had this worked right away, would have given a different kick altogether. Maybe the Trivandrum shop guy Reuben is referring to, can share some repair solutions.