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Instructions
How to Find Antique 35 mm Movie Projectors
Decide what type of antique 35 mm movie projector you are looking for. Do you want an early hand-crank toy 35 mm projector used in parlors to entertain kids, or do want an old 35 mm projector that was used for showing early movies to adults? What date or style of projector are you looking for? Check movie collector price guides to see what appeals to you.
Check with local antique dealers and malls and ask if they have projectors for sale, or ask dealers to keep an eye out for them. Attend local antique shows where dealers from a larger regional area come to sell antiques. You may be able to locate an antique projector for a lesser price from a general antique dealer than from a specialty movie antique seller. Many dealers do not see old projectors as items most of their clients would be interested in purchasing, so they price them down.
Place a "wanted to buy" ad in a local antique dealer's newspaper, a local newspaper or a regional online classified site.
Search the Internet for specialty antique cinema dealers who specifically deal in antique movie projectors. Check online auction sites also.
How to Buy Antique 35 mm Movie Projectors
Research prices of antique 35 mm projectors through online auction sites to get an idea of what's out there and how much they are selling for. Make a list with prices that you can refer to.
When you find an antique 35 mm projector for sale, check the condition first. If you are planning on actually using it to show old 35 mm movies, it will need to be in good operating condition. If it is simply going to be used as a decorative item, operating condition is irrelevant.
Plug in the projector and check the bulb. These can be very expensive, so if it's working, there may be some good life still in it. If the bulb is not working, then make a mental note that something should be deducted or discounted from the asking price.
Take the 35 mm film, thread it through the machine, and run the projector to see if it is working properly. Use the flashlight and magnifying glass to check interior parts. Check the gate, variable speed, clutch, switches and other functions. Look to see if it's dirty inside and needs to be cleaned. This will affect value, for it shows it was either used a lot or was not properly taken care of.
Before making an offer or purchasing the projector, ask if any other accessories such as extra bulbs, reels and vintage films can be included in the price.
Generally, when making an offer on a used antique projector, offer 1/2 to 2/3 the asking price and expect a counteroffer.