PATHÉSCOPE 9.5mm PATHÉSCOPE 9.5mmSoon amateurs demanded a camera to make their own films. Thus the
home movie was born.
By the mid thirties the sound revolution had spread to the home movie
scene with the introduction of 16mm sound, so in April 1938
Pathé launched its well designed Vox sound machine.
Pathéscope released a good selection of Sound
Films including Betty Boop and Popeye cartoons, and British and
American features. Each year a lavishly illustrated catalogue paraded
the Pathéscope offerings.
Click here to view some Quicktime Movies and frames from a 9.5mm sound film.
In the
early fifties, Pathéscope introduced the "Pax" sound projector
(left). Regarded by some enthusiasts as the best 9.5mm sound machine.
These models are now quite rare. Towards the end of the fifties,
Pathéscope produced a magnetic sound recording and replay
machine with a 750 watt lamp. This machine gave the amateur the ability
to add sound to their home movies.
See the Pathé Pax Instruction
Manual (Note: Large files, about 1Mb in total !!)
In 1956, Pathéscope attempted to introduce widescreen to the amateur movie maker with the introduction of the Monaco projector. This machine projected both classic 9.5mm film and 4.75mm film. This system was very short-lived and lasted from about June 1956 to December 1956.
Pathéscope closed in England in 1960. For a while it seemed
9.5mm was destined to fade away. However, in 1962 a group of
enthusiasts formed Group 9.5 to keep the gauge alive. The
organisation is flourishing today with over 400 members worldwide. The
gauge received a further boost in 1971 when two enthusiasts formed Novascope to make printed films
available once more.
Recently, through the efforts of Buckingham Film Services, a range of 9.5mm equipment has been made available by converting 16mm models. Cameras, editors, projectors are all now readily available. Film processing has been the most recent innovation so once more users of 9.5mm have access to a modern colour film stock and processing. Regular lists of films and equipment are available.
Repairs, spares and transfers to video are available from a group of specialised services.
The Pathe Son
(left), began production in 1951 and was an economy sound model. The
results could be quite good depending on the film quality, and and the
illumination was quite good utilising a 12 volt 100 watt lamp. Many are
still working today although they have a notorious reputation amongst
collectors.
For an illustrated history of 9.5mm you can purchase the VHS video "Lights Out And The Stars Appear" form Grahame Newnham, Presto Films.
Regional Groups — Countrywide
In addition to the London fortnightly meetings, there are several 9.5
groups in operation around the country that meet mostly once a month.
The following information will serve as a guide and for further details
you can write to the member concerned or telephone where appropriate.
Southampton area
Monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month, currently in
members' homes. Providing mainly for the showing of 9.5mm sound films.
Organiser Grahame Newnham, 22 Warren Place, Calmore, Southampton. S040
2SD.
Tel: 023 8086 5086. Website at www.pathefilm.freeserve.co.uk
Leeds and Manchester areas
Monthly meetings on the first Saturday in each month. Most are in
members' homes on a rota basis. Organiser Roger Spence, 12 Hayton Wood
View, Aberford, Leeds. LS25 3AN. Tel: 01132812503.
Northampton and district
A ‘County Film Archive Trust’ meeting on the second Wednesday of each
month at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough. For details please
telephone John Earl. Tel: 01933 222203.
The Spring Fair, is a great opportunity to turn up a much sought after 9.5mm film or equipment. The event is not confined to 9.5mm and other gauges are always in evidence.
The big event of the year is the annual Get-Together. This
event brings together enthusiasts from all over the U.K and visitors
from the continent.Click here for
details of this year's event.