P3D Antique Value?

[Tom Hubin <thubin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,

If I improve a fifty year old projector like a TDC116 by modifying the
hardware in some way, do I increase or decrease the value of the
projector? I guess I am really asking if folks buy 50 year old stereo
projectors because they want an antique or because it is simply less
expensive than buying a new projector.

For example, say I want to replace the IR absorbing filter with a better
and more available glass. The old filter is 60mm diameter and 3mm thick
and very difficult to purchase without having it custom made. The new
filter is 63mm diameter and 6mm thick and readily available. The new
filter out performs the old filter in all respects. It absorbs much more
IR, passes slightly more visible, and can tolerate more heat due to its
thickness. No degradation of the image results.

Modification of the mounting hardware involves some lathe work to widen
slots from 3.8mm to something just over 6mm to accomodate thicker glass.
The slots must also be deepened to accomodate 3mm larger diameter glass.
There is no doubt in my mind that the projector has been improved. The
question is "Has it been devalued".

What about radical surgery? For example, what if the condenser optics
and lamps are completely removed and replaced by something better? Now
the change is not minor but the projector still looks the same from the
outside. 

Tom Hubin
thubin@xxxxxxxxx
AO Systems Design


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