ZEIS-ICON SLIDE AND EFFECTS
PROJECTOR
Very few of these projectors found their way into use
in this country. This, one of a pair, were extracted form
a television studio where they had originally been installed.
The projector was used for creating images on a cyclorama
on the rostrum area of a studio or as background to programmes
newscasts, talk shows etc.
It has a wide range of accessories
to the xenon lamphouse and its long snout. A vast array
of visual effects could be projected included coloured
lighting designs, moving effects, patterns etc. With the
projector is also three large boxes of glass slides with
many scenes which were used to illustrate different moods
and scenes. These projectors were eventually superseded
by computer graphics and similar technology. Truly a remarkable
machine.
As far as is known only
two of these particular projectors were ever made though
that may be questioned. What is known is that this one,
No. 2 and No. 1, at present in the PPT National Museum
at Bletchley Park, were supplied to a British TV Centre
probably in the early 60's. Their use was to provide backgrounds
and effects for TV productions, talk shows, news broadcasts
etc. where panoramic back drops were required.
Slides, colour patterns, revolving
effects, glass prisms and many other effects producers
would be projected through this giant to suit the type
and style of the show being produced and transmitted.
The projector has a number of effects units which can
be added using mountings similar to those shown. There
are also 'blower' units designed to keep the slides and
some effects cool when in use. The controls for the projector
can be seen below the Arc Lamp and items like revolving
effects, blowers and other 'tools' were just plugged in
for use. Some of the effects have independent drive motors
and others depend upon the heat from the lamp to 'move'
them.
There are also a range of lenses
at various focal lengths. Below the projector can be seen
the many boxes of slides which go with this projector.
How the various 'units' fit
on the projector mounting is still something we at the
Curzon Collection still have to discover for there are
no instructions for the monster. Quite what the piece
standing above the slide projector is for we leave to
your imagination
In the hoped for restoration
of the Curzon it is intended to install this projector
for use in a similar way to a Brennograph.
Showing is the six slide
carrier mounted on the Projector. There are two more carriers
one for four slides and another with two. The slides are
glass 8.3mm x 8.3mm. Most are 'photographed' slides but
there are some hand drawn ones in the collection. When
slides were being used when fairly static panorama was
required only the two smaller carriers were used. Similarly
when there was a multi-change requirement the larger six
carriers was used. There is also a slide magazine attachment
(not shown) allowing the projector to be used for traditional
slide shows.
The slides can also be used
in conjunction with other effects also which are mounted
as required on the mounting rails. You will note how they
are fixed (slide carrier) which permitted a wide range
of settings. For instance a slide depicting a woodland
scene could be coupled with a snowing effect producing
a winters scene.
This is one of over 200 slides
making up the range available. They are stored in Slide
boxes of which there are four to the set. An open one
can be seen in the first image of the projector. This
slide is of a colour burst. Slides consist of scenic views,
architecture, bridges, transport, designs, universe and
stars, seascapes weather and all manner of other subjects.
Most are photographed images directly on to the glass
but there are a few which have been hand drawn or painted.
ZEISS IKON SLIDE & EFFECTS PROJECTOR - XENON LAMP
Zeiss Zenosol III Type 27-37 Ser. No. 1256
It is though that the
projector is of 1960's vintage but that may not be so
because it has for a light source a Xenon Lamp. The lamp
is a standard fitting xenon with an arrangement whereby
the light can be directed or beamed, as required.
Looking again at the first
image the lamphouse is quite an interesting design. The
lamp was the sole illumination for operations of the slide
and effects projector.
