1970s Vintage Super 8 Film Editor Gets Transformed Into a Functional HDMI Monitor

A vintage Super 8 film editor from the 1970s usually ends up in a garage or is discarded without a second thought, but not for Endpoint101, who saw something in the Hanimex E300 that others only saw as an old relic: a clean, functional HDMI monitor that seamlessly blends the old and new

These editors were previously the hidden heroes of home movie aficionados, a cumbersome yet dependable equipment that allowed you to trim and see your home movies on a small strip of film. Users would insert the Super 8 reel into the mechanism, turn the handle to advance the frames, and watch the film on a small rear-projection screen illuminated by a dim lamp and guided by a series of mirrors. Let me tell you, it was hard work since you had to keep your hands sticky with film cement or covered in sticky tape to get the job done. Digital instruments rendered the entire process obsolete, leaving thousands of outdated machines accumulating dust on second hand markets. Endpoint101 began with one of these overlooked treasures. Their goal was simple: preserve the distinctive boxy shape and viewing window, but remove anything within that was related to cinema.

First, he needed to disassemble the device and remove any film-related components. So out went the transport sprockets, the old projection lamp, the mirror array that folded the light path, and the original viewing screen, whether glass or plastic. It made a significant difference once the mechanical clutter was removed.


Endpoint101 had to cut some of the chassis to accommodate the 7″ LCD panel. They were able to slip the display behind the original viewer window, so the majority of the screen fits nicely, with the exception of a small portion that was obscured by the housing frame. However, the end product appears to be quite natural and not forced. HDMI input arrived via a new port carved into the case’s side, and a short cable connects the display’s internal board to an exterior socket, allowing you to plug in any modern device. No adapters or converters are required; simply plug and play.

A USB connection provided power, as did a modest plug-in supply that attaches inside the casing, tucked away in a small compartment that was once part of the film route. The maker utilized a UK-style trailing socket to keep the wiring neat and easy to access. There’s only one cable to deal with, and no separate wall wart dangling off the rear.


A small speaker was put under the removable front panel to provide audio support. It only needed an HDMI source to deliver sound. For good measure, an infrared receiver was inserted behind some carefully drilled perforations in the screen, allowing the display to still use the original remote to regulate brightness, input, and so on without detracting from the overall retro aesthetic.


The finished piece is powered by a single USB connection and displays some great sharp video from a Raspberry Pi, an old gaming console, or a streaming stick. The colors stand out against the classic beige and black case, and the overall size is ideal for displaying on a desk or shelf. It has all the appeal of 1970s consumer electronics, with huge buttons and tactile plastic, but it silently plays modern content.
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