The old curiosity shop

[tom hardwick]

With my friend Ray's permission I copy and paste his post to DVDoctor here:

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Every so often there is a query about film projectors. Usually the answer is "try The Widescreen Centre, just off Baker Street". However in recent years they have moved away from the film side of things, especially spares and accessories.

In my case I needed Kodascope Oil, to lubricate the 1930s Kodascope 8mm projector that I inherited from my dad. Following a tip-off from my brother (who'd heard about a film projector shop from a friend who lived in Hackney), I visited U.M.I.T. at 35 Lower Clapton Lane.

I doubt if there is another shop like this left in the UK. It's an Alladin's Cave of old film technology. To make a living the guy also deals in DVDs and DVD rental but his real enthusiasm if for film equipment and the shop is piled high with wonderful examples of 8mm, 9.5 and 16mm projectors and boxes and boxes of spares. There may also be 35mm, but I didn't spot any.

I would recommend a visit not only to anyone with an interest in film technology, but also to anyone with an interest in the type of specialist shop that has almost died out. Visit it while it is there. The nearest stations are Hackney Central and Hackney Downs.

Oh, and did I get the Kodascope Oil? Yes, indeed. After a look around at the back of the shop he emerged with a 2/3 full bottle of genuine American-made Kodascope Oil. "How much?" "Oh, that's all right". How many shops like that around these days?

Ray L

[billyfromConsett]

Let's hope shops like that find ways to keep on going. Sounds a bit of a special place, to understate a bit.