What is the best Super 8 Camera available?

Forum covering all aspects of small gauge cinematography! This is the main discussion forum.

Moderator: Andreas Wideroe

User avatar
freddiesykes
Posts: 433
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 8:15 pm
Location: Saint Paul, MN, USA
Contact:

Post by freddiesykes »

Most of the R10's I've seen are above $400. I will keep my eyes peeled though.

Evan, I really like the look of Silence and can't wait until you finish it (hopefully you will allow us to see it). How does the Bolex R16 compare to your H16?
CToTheH
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2005 8:02 pm
Contact:

Post by CToTheH »

Long live the Canon 814xls
Evan Kubota
Senior member
Posts: 2565
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:04 am
Location: FL
Contact:

Post by Evan Kubota »

Do you mean the Beaulieu R16? The only 16mm cameras I've used are the Kiev 16U and the Bolex H16... for the type of stuff I do spring drive makes a lot of sense.

"Silence" has been finished for at least a week, but certain festivals frown upon exhibiting shorts online.. I might post a brief segment.
User avatar
freddiesykes
Posts: 433
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2005 8:15 pm
Location: Saint Paul, MN, USA
Contact:

Post by freddiesykes »

Yea, I did mean the Beaulieu. I await the clips!
ccortez
Senior member
Posts: 2220
Joined: Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:07 am
Location: Austin, Texas
Contact:

Post by ccortez »

I can't believe nobody is talking about my favorite cameras -- Nizo 801/Macro/Pro. Just fantastic for size/weight, functions (intervalometer, auto B, etc.), glass and price.

I also love my Bauer 715 XL-S (hard to beat that lens), but I find the Nizo more versatile and easier to haul around.
Lunar07
Senior member
Posts: 2181
Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2003 5:25 pm
Location: Austin, Texas
Contact:

Post by Lunar07 »

freddiesykes wrote:Those Beaulieu cameras are always expensive on eBay (from what I've seen) but they are probably worth it. This is a little off topic, but what do you guys think is a good mid-range camera ($100-$300) with decent optics and functions? I was looking at those 4008s but most of them hit minimum $300+ for their final bid. I was also looking at Nizo and Bauer or another Canon to compliment my 814 xl-s.
Super8 cameras come loaded with bells and whistles. Mostly not needed. Look for a Zeiss Ikon MS8 or GS8. Functional power that beats the Beaulieu and the Leicina Special put together along with a couple of Japanese brands. When everyone is paying lots of money for a camera, these Zeiss Ikons are selling for dirt cheap for the sharpest lens made for Super8.
My advice to you: Get a Zeiss Ikon MS8 or GS8, then get a Nizo 6080. Finish it all with a Bauer 8E Makro or Bauer A512. For a finishing touch, get a Bauer 207XL, 209XL or 700 XLM, and be happy!
Post Reply