I have a gaf 2588Z projector that will play super 8mm and standard 8mm film. It is supposed to thread automatically, but it won't. I have the operations manual and I am following it exactly, unless I'm missing something. I am tansfering the old films to DVD as a Christmas gift for my grandmother. Please help me, anyone!

NIKKI, November 2008

I'm not familiar with this specific projector but the following applies to most auto-threading 8mm projectors.

First - trim the end of the film with scissors so that it is a completely 'clean' cut on the end of the film. Make sure the end of the film is not bent or distorted in any way - if it is then cut the bent section off. Auto-threading machines don't cope well with bent film ends.

Most auto-thread projectors have to be fed film with the controls in the correct position.

There will be a motor control which almost certainly has two forward positions - the first where the motor only operates and the second where the lamp is also turned on. If the auto-thread assist is activated automatically you should see a plastic button or lever (near to where you feed the film in) move when you turn the motor control to the first position and then release when you reach the second lamp-on position.
You can only auto-thread with the motor control in the first position - it will not work when the lamp is on.

If your motor control does not appear to make any auto-threading levers move then you may have to activate the auto-threader manually. Look for a plastic button or lever (usually red), see if it pushes down and operates another similar lever lower down on the projector at the same time - this is the auto-thread mechanism. If this mechanism does not move in sync with the motor control switch then you will have to push it down manually. Hold it fully down while feeding film in from the front and KEEP IT HELD DOWN UNTIL FILM EXITS THE REAR OF THE PROJECTOR. If you hear a scrunching noise - then stop and reverse!
Try this with a non-valuable film first.

cineko, November 2008