Bolex Multimatic Projector

BOLEX MULTIMATIC

Super 8mm Cartridge Projector

1969

  • OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 15" x 9 1/4" x 6 1/2"
  • WEIGHT: (With lens) 20 lbs.
  • CONSTRUCTION: Cast aluminum and plastic; Carrying handle; Power cord storage compartment.
  • Bolex Cartridge Woman REEL CAPACITY: Special retaining cartridges hold 50ft spools of super 8mm film; Chamber holds up to 6 cartridges.
  • THREADING: Cartridges are placed into a chamber; Projection starts by simply opening the chamber door. Threading and cartridge change is fully automatic. Cartridges are rewound, and new cartridges can be inserted, while one cartridge is projected.
  • POWER: Multiple versions: 1) 120 V, 60 Hz; 2) 145 V, 50 Hz; 3) Multivoltage
  • LAMP: 21 V/150 W halogen lamp with dichroic reflector. Modern replacement: EJA 21V 150W
  • LENS: Four interchangeable lenses were available: Bolex Hi-Fi 20mm f/1.3; Bolex Hi-Fi 23mm f/1.1; Bolex Hi-Fi 17-34mm f/1.1; Kern Vario Switar 12-30mm f/1.3
  • Bolex Multimatic VARIABLE SPEED: 18 and 24 frames per second, forward or reverse; Slow motion at 6 or 8 frames per second, forward or reverse; Still projection; Rewind.
  • OTHER FEATURES: Brightness control switch allows lamp illumination to be reduced; Height adjustment with milled knob and levelling; Built-in holder for miniature screen; Zoom, focus and framing controls.

Notes and Comments

This unique projector used cartridges, loaded with 50' spools of processed Super 8 film, and allowed automatic changing and uninterrupted projection of up to six films. At the end of a film, the next cartridge moved into position and began projection; the previous film was then simultaneously rewound automatically inside the cartridge. A 'reject' button also allowed the Multimatic to switch from one cartidge to the next during projection, before the film was finished.

The Multimatic was advertised as an ideal projector "...for children and wherever people want to project films without studying long instruction manuals". In addition, it was suggested as the perfect projector for entertaining while hosting cocktail parties, as the cartridge system allowed anyone to load film, and the bright 150W halogen lamp provided enough illumination to be seen in even a semi-darkened room.

Serial Numbers and Dates of Manufacture

The serial number located on Multimatic projectors can be used to determine its date of manufacture. Although the Multimatic was introduced in 1969, the serial number range allocated for each year of production begins a year later in 1970; the table below lists the S/N number range for the 50hz, 60hz and multi-voltage variants.

(50 Hz) Multimatic :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
100001 102015 1970
102016 105999 1971
(60 Hz) Multimatic :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
200001 202839 1970
202840 208858 1971
208859 211001 1972
(Multivoltage) Multimatic :: Serial Numbers
  #   Year
300001 300049 1970
300950 306493 1971
306494 308000 1972