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A page dedicated wholly to the evolution of the Tutor 2
Starting at the end! The final production run. A Gnome Aldis Tutor 2, manufactured after the Aldis company
had been sold to another long established photographic manufacturer. The Gnome company, based at Llantrisant was
best known for the production of enlargers. Also, a respected producer of projectors, including overhead types
under the Elite brand name.
Aldis Brothers of Hall Green, Birmingham, a long established producer of photographic
equipment, had been acquired by the giant Rank Organisation just before the release of the Tutor 2. Early models of
the Tutor 500 (An evolution of the Super 6) and 1000 were simply badged Aldis, later models had the Rank name added to
the branding plate.
There had been an evolution of development. In those days, companies survived by adapting
to changes in demand. From making signalling equipment throughout the wars, experience of using focussing lenses was turned
during peacetime into photographic expertise.
Below, can be seen a very early predecessor of the Tutor 2. Very much in the style of
a Magic Lantern of the Victorian era, nevertheless electrically powered, the forks to hold the slide carrier and lens
are already in place.
Here's the Dual Purpose Projector, by Aldis Brothers.
  So, to the left, the product that introduced the name "Tutor", examples of both
500 and 1000.
Highly adaptable to produce lightshows. That
pair of forks, to carry the slideholder and the lens, was so suitable and perfectly adjustable for inserting effects
where the slide carrier should sit.
...But! it was a sit up and beg shape, having a power consumption
similar to that of an electric fire, giving off sufficient heat levels to roast the operator.
However, it did have it's afficianados, as it would almost boil oil, on the right
can be seen, the virtual electric fires that sit inside. (The smaller one, obviously being the 500 watt).
An early method of producing liquid effects was to manually inject, from a syringe,
coloured oils into glass photo slide blanks. Messy as well as hot!
The A1/223. 24volt 250 watt bulb for TQ.
The Tutor 2, was able to take advantage of the newly available quartz halogen bulb, giving incredibly high light levels
using considerably less power, consequently generating less heat. All this in a stylish new unit.
There were three versions of the Tutor 2.
THE MARK ONE
The Mark one, pictured above, identified by a strap type handle, beige front and rear plates and a plastic moulded
cooling duct below the slide locating area. This was considered necessary due to the heat developed by a static object in
this area. The heat from the newer type lamp was not so readily dissipating in the upward direction.
The sample pictured is a very early model, as can be seen from the serial number, visible in the picture
to the right. The screw holes to the sides of the case are not yet elongated to enable sliding for changing of the lamp, the
voltage selector is beneath the underside and the 12 volt output claims to be 2.5amps.
A group of Mk 1s enjoy the convivial atmosphere of a party.
THE MARK TWO
The Mark two came with improvements, lessons had been learned. Along with a new colour scheme, a stronger, metal carrying
handle replaced the strap and the addition of an extra heat filter allowed slides (or effects) to run cooler, eliminating
the need for the cooling duct.
Cassettes now lasted longer!
There's probably not many of these left in their original box, but I was lucky enough to find
one.
Pictured left, a mark 2 with Pluto cassette attachment.
Unlike the Mk1, which experienced a few minor changes, there was very little variation in the production
of the mark 2.
The Mk2 was the most suitable unit for long running hours, keeping the inserted effects relatively
cool.
THE MARK THREE.
Reaching the end of the production run, cutting production costs and complying with the growing number of manufacturing
regulations were all contributing factors to the many variations to be found in the mark 3.
 The initial visible differences on the model change were the introduction of a fixed mains lead,
which was also shorter and a different on/off switch.
The removal of the IEC mains socket and the reduction of cable length may have provided
a considerable reduction in production costs, but it certainly wasn't helpful to users.
Inside, extra earthing links were provided, together with a different transformer, both probably
to comply with incoming legislation. The transformer change eliminated the rotary voltage selector, changes only accessible
from inside the case. The first run of these transformers was problematic, as they were prone to burning out after running
for more than two hours.
Next item to change was the fan motor, this was followed by the introduction of a plastic cased
lens, same barrel size, still branded Aldis.
The 12volt output socket was altered, as Bulgin, the manufacturer was forced to comply with legislation
in order to keep 240 volt certification for the product. (Yes! Honestly, this plug & socket was, in it's original guise,
and still is, in amended form, approved for 240 volt applications.)
Colours started to vary, the forks were lengthened, as the model E made market inroads, then the
lens was changed to the smaller diameter Will Wetzlar type.
 To the right, the back of a later Mk3, showing the change made to the Bulgin 3 pin
outlet socket, modified to comply with 240volt legislation.
Below, a later model Mk 3, carrying the double drive adaptor, in order to demonstrate
the extended forks, with splode fitted. The smaller Will Wetzlar lens can clearly be seen.
Where I bought mine!! If you look to the right, you'll see the advertisement that
led me to what was a little chemist's shop, pictured above, left,, as it is now, 4-6 Oxford St. Jessop of Leicester, later
to become the country's largest photographic chain. Click on picture to enlarge and view prices.
This is how I managed to afford them!!!
Where it all ended (for Rank) The Aldis division was sold to Gnome Photographic Products
of Cardiff, in the early 1980s. Gnome had made many successful cameras and projectors, but were best known as manufacturers
of photographic enlargers.
As seen at the top,
The Gnome Aldis Tutor 2!
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