8mm Forum: First film, super8, camera. What to buy?

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Posted by Vegard Risberg (Member # 5303) on March 15, 2016, 05:45 AM:

Good day all.

Looking to buy my first Super8 camera. Buy, oh, so many for sale.
Any tip on what to go for?

Thanks for helping.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 15, 2016, 05:50 AM:

I cannot speak for this era, but I always liked the Canon sound cameras myself in the 80's and 90's.
The 814 and 1014XL were fantastic cameras back then and I even began with an autofocus 310 sound camera that produced lovely images and sound. Occasionally, the autofocus mechanism could be caught out, but very very rarely and as a basic point and shoot introduction camera to filming with sound, I found it to be extremely good and highly reliable.

Nizo were superb, but appear to have many faults nowadays when you find them cheap. Obviously Beaulieu cameras are also superb but generally don't come cheap and again, some I see nowadays, have been very well used and therefore contain faults.

I would advise that you check as many of the functions as is entirely possible before buying any now, and generally try and find one that looked as though it belonged to a meticulous owner. For example all accessories, original box, instruction manual etc etc. Check the lens and its motorized functions and check the battery compartment first of all! Many have been left for years with batteries then corroded inside of them.
Also pay attention to the viewfinder display to see all functions appear to be working satisfactorily.

Many here, still use their camera's, so hopefully you will soon be better advised regarding these cameras now in today's era.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on March 16, 2016, 02:57 AM:

Hello Vegard.
The super 8 cine camera you choose will largely depend on it having the correct sensors to detect the films ASA rating. Every super 8 film cassette has cut outs which basically flip switches in the camera to set the ASA setting its speed. If you spend a little time trawling the net you will see some good nominees for the cameras which are suitable.

As to my own personal choice it will be a good working Nizo which typically have good creative features and very high quality lenses keeping Super 8 at its peak.

If you have modest money available the Canon 318 is ideal for a starter unit or a Sankyo Super CME666.
Another is the low cost Eumig Viennette 5.
At the upper end either the Canon 814 XL-S, the very flexible Beaulieu 6008 or a Nizo 6080 which delivers superb results.

Good luck.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on March 16, 2016, 03:19 AM:

I'm afraid the only way to be sure a camera is working properly is to shoot a film with it and look at the result. Even if the mechanism runs, you have to be sure the speed and the exposition are correct. The quality of the picture varies from makes and models, even from a camera to another for the same references.

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on March 16, 2016, 11:20 AM:

That is a loaded question for sure and not an easy one to answer but the first question you need to answer is: What are you going to be using the camera for?
If you are looking to create simple home movies than you can purchase a camera that films at only 18fps. Basic low level camera like the Minolta XL401 or 601 are great. But if you are looking for something a little bit better the Canon 310/510/ or 814 and up are great.
Once you move up you get 18fps, 24pfs, single frame, and 9fps. Also you get a zoom lens possibly, aperture control, etc.
If you are looking for a great camera that is fully loaded you can choose the Beaulieu line, Leicina Special (My favorite), Bauer S709, Canon 1014XLS, Nizo 6008s. You will get slo motion, interchangeable lenses with some, crystal sync, and so on. But those cameras are more designed for Professional Super 8 filming meaning they are not so good for run and gun type filming. (The Leicina is good for that however). Prices can get up there with those around $2000 if you are looking for a later Beaulieu 9008 with all the bells and whistles. So once you find out what you will be filming you can whittle down the choices. Good luck!

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on March 16, 2016, 09:18 PM:

Vegard - It may not be exactly what you're looking for, and it could be out of your price range - but it's nice to finally be able to say that you could at least consider buying (later this year) a 'state of the art' brand new Super 8 camera!

http://www.kodak.com/ek/US/en/corp/press_center/Ko dak_Launches_Super_8_Filmmaking_Revival_Initiative_at_CES_2016/default.htm

Posted by Vegard Risberg (Member # 5303) on March 18, 2016, 02:54 AM:

Hello all.

Thanks for the reply and help.
Well, what I will film?
At first, I will bring the camera with me on hiking trips, out doors, trying to film wild life and so.
Family, kids will be where it will se 80% of its use.

So, now I will start looking.
A bit exciting to.
(We have an old film of me and my brother, so much fin watching it now, with the magic of the film, turning off the light, the big screen, the sound of the machine working. Ahh...)

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