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Order FormsGuide to 35mm Slide Projectors
Please note: We do not sell projectors, projector parts, or repair projectors. This guide is provided to help you identify what type of slide storage system you have, which helps with organization before scanning.
The Three Main Types of Slide Projectors
Slide projectors are essentially broken down into three main categories, each with distinct storage and loading systems. Understanding which type you have helps you organize your slides properly for scanning.
Kodak Carousel Projectors (Most Common)
The Kodak Carousel slide projector is probably the most familiar type of slide projector to most people. The "carousel" name was derived from the carnival merry-go-round or carousel—round, rotating in circles, with horses or animals that moved up and down.
How the Carousel Works
The projector mechanism resembles a carnival carousel because slides go "down" into the projector body and then back "up" into the circular tray for storage after viewing.
A separate circular tray holds either 80 or 140 standard 35mm slides. Each slide is placed upside down and backwards in the tray, so that the image projects with correct orientation through the projector's series of mirrors and lenses.
The projector motor rotates the tray in steps. As you advance the projector, a reciprocating mechanism pushes the currently displayed slide back up into the tray, then the tray rotates, dropping the next slide into position between the light source and lens.
Kodak Carousel Variations
Kodak manufactured many different variations of carousel projectors over the decades, from consumer models to professional Ektagraphic projectors used in business and educational settings.
Kodak Pocket Carousel Projector: During the 1970s, Kodak created a special projector for 110 format film (30mm × 30mm slides)—much smaller than standard 35mm slides. Despite the "Pocket" name, you couldn't actually carry it in your pocket, but it was specifically designed to handle these smaller slides.
Self-Contained Kodak Projector: Kodak also manufactured a self-contained 35mm slide projector with a built-in screen. It looked like a large cube—convenient for individual viewing without requiring a separate projection screen.
Watch our Carousel Preparation Video to learn how to organize carousel slides for scanning.
Sawyer/GAF "Ferris Wheel" Projectors
Variations of the Sawyer/GAF slide projector were sold under many brand names, including Sears and Montgomery Ward. These projectors differ dramatically from Kodak carousels in their design.
The Ferris Wheel Design
Unlike the horizontal carousel tray, Sawyer/GAF projectors hold the slide tray in an upright position—more like a "Ferris wheel" than a merry-go-round carousel. These vertical wheels held 100 slides each.
Key difference: Slides were held tightly by friction in the Sawyer wheel, rather than sitting loosely in slots like Kodak carousel trays. This friction-based system prevented slides from falling out but could make loading and unloading more tedious.
Bell & Howell Cube Projectors
Bell & Howell developed a uniquely designed "cube" projector system that was quite different from both Kodak and Sawyer designs.
How the Cube System Worked
Slides were loaded into special cubes—40 slides per cube. The cube was placed on top of the projector, and a circular rotating disk underneath the cube would take one slide at a time and load it into the projection mechanism. After viewing, the slide was ejected from the projector into a stack rather than returning to the cube.
The Fatal Flaw
Major defect: This 35mm slide projector had a significant design problem—it frequently damaged slides and jammed during operation. Many people who used Bell & Howell cube projectors experienced frustration with bent corners, scratched films, and mechanical failures.
Learn how to prepare Bell & Howell cube slides for scanning.
Other Notable Projector Types
Airequipt Cartridge Projectors
Airequipt manufactured a cartridge-type 35mm slide projector with a unique loading system. Slides had to be loaded into individual metal sleeves, which were then placed into the actual cartridge.
Pros and cons: The metal sleeves protected slides from damage during projection, but the loading process was extremely tedious. Removing slides from the sleeves afterward was equally time-consuming. Our technicians must remove every slide from these metal sleeves before scanning—a labor-intensive process.
Braun Built-In Screen Projectors
Braun manufactured projectors with built-in screens integrated into the projector body—convenient for individual or small group viewing without requiring wall space or a separate screen.
Simple Tray Projectors
Many simpler slide projectors didn't use the carousel form but employed the same slide-advancing mechanism with a straight tray or cartridge. These budget-friendly projectors were popular for occasional home use.
The End of an Era: Kodak Discontinues Slide Projectors
Manufacturing of all Kodak Carousel projectors was discontinued in October 2004. This marked the end of slide projector production from the industry's dominant manufacturer.
Official Kodak Announcement (July 14, 2003)
Kodak Pre-discloses Plans To Discontinue Slide Projectors and Accessories in 2004:
"Eastman Kodak Company has confirmed plans to discontinue the manufacture and sales of slide projection products and accessories in June of 2004. This early disclosure is being made to key user groups in order to allow time for adoption of a replacement technology or purchase of backup slide projector products.
"The KODAK products included in this event are CAROUSEL, EKTAGRAPHIC, EKTALITE and EKTAPRO slide projectors and all KODAK Slide Projector accessories.
"The current plan is to cease manufacturing in June 2004. Kodak anticipates that small quantities of new Carousel, Ektagraphic, Ektalite and Ektapro slide projectors will be available through the end of 2004. In addition, the Kodak distributor, Comm-Tec, in Germany plans to sell Ektapro projectors and accessories beyond 2004. Kodak will offer service and support for slide projectors until 2011.
"Slide projectors continue to be used in many government applications due to a proven track record of cost-effective, reliable, high-quality image projection. Combining the eight years of service and support with a long history of trouble-free operation, means that slide projectors will continue to enjoy many years of productive use.
"Investigating and installing replacement technologies can be a challenging and costly effort with a long implementation timeline. So, many may wish to purchase backup units for currently installed slide projectors while making the transition. Upcoming government budgeting activities make it prudent to pre-disclose now in order to allow ample time to include slide projector demand in the government budgeting plans for 2004."
Why This Matters for Scanning
Understanding which projector system you have helps you identify how your slides are organized and stored. Different storage systems require different preparation approaches before scanning:
Kodak Carousel trays: Carousel organization guide
Bell & Howell cubes: Cube preparation guide
General organization: Slide orientation and organization
All storage types: Storage containers guide
Digital Preservation: The Modern Alternative
With slide projectors no longer manufactured and service becoming increasingly difficult, digitizing your slides is now the best way to preserve and share your memories. High-resolution scanning captures every detail from your original slides, and digital files can be easily shared, backed up, and viewed on modern devices—no projector required.
Related Preparation Guides
Storage container identification