Open-Source 16mm Film Projector: LaborBerlin's Journey
The LaborBerlin team is developing a state-of-the-art, open-source 16mm film projector to address the challenges of aging equipment, limited flexibility, and archival projection needs. Their approach leverages readily available projector mechanisms and lenses, incorporating a modular design, open-source technologies, and commonly available parts. After disassembling and analyzing various vintage projectors, the team successfully tested an 800W high-brightness LED light source with a water-cooling system, overcoming a major hurdle in lamp upgrades. Following feedback at the ALUD festival, they resolved flickering issues. The resulting prototype boasts superior brightness and clarity compared to traditional xenon lamp projectors.