8mm Forum: Pro814 Camera Opinions

This is topic Pro814 Camera Opinions in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Patrick Casey (Member # 3590) on March 13, 2013, 02:24 PM:

http://www.pro8mm.com/pro814-super-8-camera.php

Been having a look at this camera (not that it seems it's available in the UK / anywhere near my budget!) and was wondering if I could gauge the opinions of you guys and whether or not you think it's any good! Certainly looks the part ...

Can someone also explain what it means when it says 'reads ASA 50-500'. Thanks!

Posted by Bill Rodgers (Member # 3483) on March 13, 2013, 05:08 PM:

The 50 to 500 ASA is the film speeds that are automatically read by that camera via the cartridge notches.

That camera is actually a serviced Canon Auto Zoom 814; which can be found on eBay in the UK for between £50 and £100 on average.

If you're looking for a good Super 8 camera for quite a bit less, then simply search for the Canon 814 and 1014 XL-S models. I also particularly like the Nikon R8 and R10, along with the Braun Nizo Professional, 4080 and 6080 models.

There's no need to spend a fortune, as all of those models sell for between £150 and £250 these days. [Smile]

Posted by Patrick Casey (Member # 3590) on March 13, 2013, 05:40 PM:

Cool. Thanks for the tips! I'll keep an eye out for those.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on March 14, 2013, 03:30 AM:

Pat. I use the Sankyo XL 620 with Western light meter and the combination works perfectly with sharp images. The Beaulieu 4008 was always a popular choice with amateur film makers looking for an up market bit of kit or even the sound cameras from them which I also use giving top results.

The Canon 814 you were looking at is quite old now and there are better options around with a younger life.
Happy film making.

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on March 14, 2013, 08:38 AM:

The sharpest images I ever got were from a Leicina Special and a 10mm Cinegon lens. Beaulieu 6008S and Nizo 6080 were also very, very good but the Leicina was the best. Also the Canon 814xls is a very nice camera.

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