Carbon arc projectors use the first electric light ever invented. Arc lamps were commonly found in streetlamps during the 1870s, gradually replaced by incandescent light in the early 20th century. But in situations that called for a high-intensity light, like movie projectors, arc lamps still had a role.
Carbon arc projectors were common until WWII, and it’s rare to see one as late as the 1950s. Because of the intensity of the light in these projectors, they were mostly used in large auditoriums, despite being designed as a lightweight travelling projector. They were marketed as the best bet for screening 16mm film in tents, at road shows, at fairs in rural areas and outdoors – as long as there was a power source!
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Collection
In ACMI's collection
On display until
16 February 2031
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
E000272
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Pictures → MI-04. Materiality → MI-04-C02
Measurements
1550 x 1200 x 650mm
Object Types
3D Object
Projection equipment/Film and television equipment