8mm Forum: New Super 8 Cameras

This is topic New Super 8 Cameras in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Gary Constantine (Member # 711) on March 20, 2007, 08:22 AM:

Went to buy my son (hes 21 soon) a new Super 8 camera from Jessops. They had no idea what I was on about. Since when did they stop selling Super 8 cameras...where can I get a new one from? Presume they still sell Super 8 projectors.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on March 20, 2007, 09:54 AM:

The only new Super 8mm cameras on the market are those made by companies like Pro 8mm which are basically redesigned cameras for standard or widescreen filming. They're also on the expensive end. I've had good luck getting nice quality cameras on eBay at decent prices.

Doug

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on March 20, 2007, 09:59 AM:

You find anything new these days. Most manufacturers stopped making 8mm gear during the 80's. There were one or two companies still making new gear later than that but it was mainly professional equipment from the likes of Beaulieu (France)and Fumeo (Italy).

Sorry to disappoint, Kev.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on March 20, 2007, 07:26 PM:

Well worth trying the conventions for Super 8 cameras - you'll sometimes see little-used ones that would have cost a fortune new going for peanuts.

Posted by Matthew Davey (Member # 775) on March 21, 2007, 02:31 PM:

There are definitely deals to be found on Ebay on both projectors and cameras. Also, check out thrift shops for possible Super8 finds.

When on Ebay, I suggest you find cameras from sellers who explicitly say that the camera has been used recently and confirmed as working from exposure to development (in other words, the seller hopefully knows what the end product of the camera looks like, and knows that it is an acceptable picture). This, as opposed to "I put batteries in and the light comes on." Try to find cameras that take double-A batteries or some other standard battery; some cameras, especially European models, require exotic and hard-to-find batteries. There are still good cameras available on Ebay for less than $50.00, sometimes even significantly less.

Similarly with projectors, try to deal with sellers who can tell you that the projector has been tested with actual film. Find out what kind of bulb the projector takes; this can make a difference in the long-term cost of the projector.

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