I'm thinking about finally buying a projector and would appreciate any advice on the subject. I did a search of the archives and read up on some of the subjects that have been brought up in the past.
I saw a lot of people say they preferred an overhead projector, but I think an opaque projector would suit my needs the best. I was wondering if the Artograph Super Prism projector is just a kiddy version of the one I should be getting, or if it's pretty good. It seems to be widely distributed and decently priced.
I'm not really that impressed with a 7" x 7" copy area, but I can live with it. If anyone has this projector I would like to hear your opinion of it, or anyone else's recommendations.
Thanks!
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Bob
An overhead projector has a MUCH brighter image than an opaque. BY FAR. If you have a photocopier or a scanner the transparencies are no problem. Or you can scribble a quick outline with a felt pen.
I've used both but would only own an overhead.
Depending on how much you blow things up I would be careful to research the lens. Poorer quality (cheaper) proojectors may distort more in my experience.
-dan
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Hi, Bob,
Give some thought to checking at antique shops or flea markets if you don't want to spring for the price of a new one at this time. By that I mean for an opaque type. I found one years ago that I think had Edison's original light bulbs in it, and it worked pretty well. Cheap, too. Drawbacks were the need for a darkened area to use it, and distortion, especially towards the sides of a projection. Not so noticeable with a picture, but bad news when projecting text.
Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :
Yup. Dan got it. Ours is an overhead on an 8' vertical rail, so it moves from 18" off the ground to a 6 1/2' height. The head rotates 360 degrees and has a 8.5x13" copy board. The lens can be reversed so it works as a reduction unit too. It weighs 345 pounds, but it's on wheels. It has an internal cooling fan on a separate switch. It's an "Art-0-Graph. Cost $1,200 about 18 years ago and is still crystal clear at 25' away from a wall. Often I use it to project my illustrations on large mural carvings for heavy felt marker outlining. Cool piece of equipment.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
yeah I still have MY old overhead too. It was the first 'major' investment I made. I think about 22 years ago it was around 375.00. I should use that little sucker more often.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
Bob.. I bought a Beseler opaque projector a while back. Its a military piece. Its big ..but it really works well.I really like it I got a spare bulb to go with it.... Rochester Art Supply had 6 of em....dont know it they're gone... Rochester Art Supply is in Rochester NY... they have a website....dont knoe address...
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
got both...had the opaque 1st....bought the one outa the magazines for $19.95....what a joke...wife had a dark room at the time...and still you couldnt see anything from it...bought an APOLLO....6"X 6" works great for one that small but the lens is the important thing...this has an MC 1:3.5/280MM lens...and the only complaint i got is the bulbs it uses $40.00 each and i get maybe 50 hours of use from each one, and you have to stock spares its an OSRAM HALOGEN 64514....so when you buy one see what bulbs it uses....ididnt....i also have a 3m overhead..got it for $100....watch for school and govt sales in your area....let them pay the big bucks for em and you can buy em for $100-200..
Posted by timi NC (Member # 576) on :
I have to go with Dan also,...the overheads make it possible to not have to do your work in complete darkness,...and they don't cook your art,...I can remember the days when using an opaque projector fumbling thru the dark looking for dropped pencils, kicking over brush cans, then once you've found the pencil you look up to see the only proof you have for the job go up in flames,....well you get the picture. The only drawback to overheads is you have to get transparencies made but that can be done with any copier. We used to wash the transparencies off with lacquer thinner & reuse them for 3 or four times.
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
I used to use an opaque projector until one day I was working on the wall and thought .... "That's funny ... image is running down the wall" Turned around and the thing was melting in flames hahahahhaaha
Went for a "You Beauty ... top-of-the-line" opaque. Fantastic!!! You could put a bunch of keys on it and project the image 3d on the wall! BUT ... the sucker blew bulbs at $30 a time like every time I used it!. Complained to the supplier, and they swapped it, plus a little more cash, for the ultimate in OHP's.
It packs down into a brief case. Has an A4 image plate with very little distortion. A TEN TIMES ZOOM with auto focus! I can fill a 8ft x 16ft sign wall from 10ft away. Yer don't have to move the projector .. just zoom it to register. Use it on all my outdoor murals.
As Dan said, you can sketch your work on plain paper and run it thru a photocopier ( we use our phone/fax copier) with acetates. I even sketch direct on the acetate.
It is made by Fordigraph ... you are going to have to check the internet to find it in USA. Here they cost around OZ $1500 but it was the best buy I ever made!
Posted by Bob Darnell (Member # 27) on :
Thanks for the input, everyone. You've given me a lot to think about. I had used an opaque projector a few times for some pictorial work and was really happy with how it helped. That was my main reason for thinking that it would be better for me - and then maybe get a used overhead later if the opaque wasn't good enough for general layout use. I wasn't aware that artwork bursting into flames was a problem, though. That's not good.
I guess I'll go take a look at some and see what kind of distortion, edge detail and brightness these things have before I decide on opaque or overhead. Thanks again.
Posted by Bill Cosharek (Member # 1274) on :
I have a Seerite opaque projector which I've used for years. The tray accepts artwork up to 6" x 6"; but I've had best results keeping at 5" max. Anything larger fades at edges & is hard to see.
In order to keep artwork from overheating, I would leave the tray off & place artwork under glass. Then place projector on top. This way keeps drawing in place until you're done; unless you trip over power cord.
As another option, has anyone looked at those high-priced (getting cheaper - but still around 2 grand or more) projectors which plug into your computer? I've seen them on the shelf at Staples. Tiny & lightweight compared to the opaques & overheads. I'd like to see a demo sometime to find out if they're worth it. Way over my budget (otherwise not high on my wishlist) but might be worth looking into.
