New source for super 8 cameras

[r.sk8s]

Well here goes. I have created a website wherein I will be selling used and reconditioned super 8 cameras.

Although I've been posting for a while I've never really provided any details about myself. I am a cinematographer and former union camera assitant. Most of my time over the last several years has been spent teaching cinematography at the Motion Picture Institute of Michigan. Super 8 has been a hobby that I have, on occasion, been able to use in my professional work.

The classroom is an area where I've been able to introduce super 8. We rely primarly on 16mm as a teaching tool. I've had some success in integrating super 8 as a creative tool. Invariably I have students that are impressed enough to purchase a camera of their own. Like most of us that enjoy this forum, they log on to ebay. As it is one of the few sources of super 8 cameras my students often look there for their first super 8 camera. More often than not my students end up with a camera that is less than fully functional or DOA. My website grew out a desire to provide functioning, fully tested cameras without the guess work and finger crossing associated with buying cameras on ebay.

Take a look at my site when you have a moment. Let me know what you think. I am looking for comments and thoughts on how I might be able to impove my site. :oops: I am really not trying to advertise the site here. But just mentioning it here is, I guess, a defacto advertisement. Most of us on this site already own too many cameras. So please beleive me, I really just want comments.

http://www.sk8scamera.com/

Robert Skates

[Superbus_]

Good idea. It seems to me a clear and honest approach that you have tested your cameras and share this info with the buyers. But the most important thing that you have reconditioned the cameras.
What about projectors?
I think this is a good and valuable website.

[reflex]

Nice idea. I especially like the test footage bit - that's a much-needed assurance.

But, to be honest, a careful shopper can pick up a Nikon 8X Super Zoom for a third of what you're selling it for (that's not a knock against you -- its simply the way things are). There's no assurance that an old camera purchased from an online store will continue to run a month from now, so paying a premium to buy from a commerical seller doesn't make sense (it isn't like buying something new that has a warranty).

Personally, I'd side with Super8man on this whole thing -- cheap and simple is probably better than spending hundreds on anything but a repairable Beaulieu or Bolex.

[Lunar07]

But, to be honest, a careful shopper can pick up a Nikon 8X Super Zoom for a third of what you're selling it for (that's not a knock against you -- its simply the way things are).

If a camera is reconditioned, one assumes that this includes cleaning, lubricating and regulating speeds. This takes skills and can easily place such cameras in this price bracket. Of course you can look as you want and be careful all you want but the cameras you buy off eBay come with no guarantee that they are actually reconditioned. You get what you pay for.

There's no assurance that an old camera purchased from an online store will continue to run a month from now, so paying a premium to buy from a commerical seller doesn't make sense (it isn't like buying something new that has a warranty).

Regardless, when you get a camera (old or new) you are going to get cleaned and regulated sooner or later. This takes a skill that cost money. Are you suggesting that old cameras should never be cleaned or regulated? And if they should be: one should never pay money for such services? I see your point about the warranty. Once can always negotiate with the seller some reasonable 2- or 3-month warranty.

Personally, I'd side with Super8man on this whole thing -- cheap and simple is probably better than spending hundreds on anything but a repairable Beaulieu or Bolex.

Any camera, old or new, needs to have some work on it sooner or later. So your point then that the price is NOT expensive at $125 but one should never buy something that may need repairs later except if it belongs to a certain class of items? This contradicts your former point that the price is expensive.
Does this mean then that if my Bolex D8L fails I should throw it away instead of repairing it? Then get another one off eBay that may need speed regulation? But that is OK if it does not run at the prescribed speed since it is not worth repairing? Allow me to say it: this is junk peddling mentality.
All in all, the reconditioned Nikon camera offered at $125 is a good price for it.

[reflex]

Any camera, old or new, needs to have some work on it sooner or later. So your point then that the price is NOT expensive at $125 but one should never buy something that may need repairs later except if it belongs to a certain class of items? This contradicts your former point that the price is expensive.

r.sk8s site says that the Nikon cameras are "reconditioned and lubed" because they can be easily disassembled. The other cameras are simply tested and confirmed to be working.

Does this mean then that if my Bolex D8L fails I should throw it away instead of repairing it? Then get another one off eBay that may need speed regulation? But that is OK if it does not run at the prescribed speed since it is not worth repairing? Allow me to say it: this is junk peddling mentality.

You're reading incorrect meaning into what I say. My desire to purchase affordable gear doesn't equate to "junk peddling." ;)

cheap and simple is probably better than spending hundreds on anything but a repairable Beaulieu or Bolex.

In other words, it makes sense to pay a slight premium for good Bolex and Beaulieu cameras because they can be repaired by professionals. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to pay $300 for an old Nizo (no affordable repairs, no readily available spare parts).

And all I mean by "cheap and simple" is that it is far better if I can buy a Nikon 8X from someone for $25 and clean and lube it myself. I can have a reliable and serviced camera for a fraction of the price of paying someone else. Besides, it's a good idea to learn a few basic maintenance skills when one picks up this hobby.

We both feel the same way about junk peddling. It's is a dishonest waste of time. If I can't fix a camera (or get it fixed) it goes into my spare parts box.

All in all, the reconditioned Nikon camera offered at $125 is a good price for it.

Agreed. I think Robert's prices are good. But I also think that anyone who's serious about this hobby should learn some basic repair and upkeep skills -- it saves a fortune.

[etimh]

Well here goes. I have created a website wherein I will be selling used and reconditioned super 8 cameras.

http://www.sk8scamera.com/

This is awesome Robert. Great idea, and fantastic website.

I too teach (critical studies) in a department that is primarily focused on 16mm and digital but I've recently been encouraging students to look into S8 formats. Having another source for decent, checked-out cameras to turn them onto is a great asset. I'll definitely put your website on my most current "resource" sheet.

Also, would you be interested in any junk cameras for spare parts and such? Maybe possible "resurrection" jobs? I have a few that I've been trying to figure out what to do with. They're yours if you want them. Everyone else should consider this as well. Let's support this positive enterprize.

Again, great idea Robert and very good luck to you.

Tim

[Mitch Perkins]

Well here goes. I have created a website wherein I will be selling used and reconditioned super 8 cameras.

http://www.sk8scamera.com/

Robert Skates

A hero is born. Ignore all negative comments. Personally I would capitalise the first letter of the first word of a sentence, but those days are probably over...~:?)

How about offering to pay for shipping if someone has cams they want to send you for free, if the cams seem worthy?

This is the kind of idea that wiil keep S8 alive.
Thanks!

[edit] I meant to ask, have you had success fixing exposure meters on Nizos?

Mitch

Mitch

[jaxshooter]

Nice site.Tried to send an email but it came back.I'll try a PM.Hope we can work something out.

[r.sk8s]

Thanks one and all for the comments / feedback, much appreciated and very helpful.

Here are some quick answers to questions:

At this point the only camera models that I am reconditioning are the Nikon 8X and the Nikon super zoom 8. Yes it is possible to get an 8X for $25.00 every now and again. I have puchased 12 Nikons (8x & super zooms) over the past several months. Of the 12, only 6 are suitable for sale. (improper storage can damage the magnet that allows the iris to open to max aperture in manual mode) 1 of 2 is beyond repair. This is the very issue that prompted me to start the website.

On the issue of spare parts. I have plenty of parts for the Nikons. As they are the only ones I am reconditioning I really do not need any other models or brands of cameras for parts. Thanks for the offers.

On the issue of price. The price of recon. cameras reflects the cost of the cameras plus labor to strip, repair/lube the camera. The cost of film and processing is also factored in. While my inventory of recon. cameras supports it, I offer a 30 day replacement policy in the event that a camera fails. Add the free vdeo transfer and the price seems fair to me.

The price of the preowned cameras is in line with other shops and reflects the average higher end price for that model on ebay. The cost of film and processing is also factored in. The film test is key as it was the film test that revealed the issues with the canon 814E. The canon looks great and ran well during the initial tests. The film test shows otherwise. The video transfer is also offered for the preowned cameras.

Thanks again everyone. If anyone owns a Nikon 8x or Super zoom I would be happy to answer any questions, help with repais etc. TIP: These Nikon models should be stored in manual exposure mode with the iris set to maximum aperture (red zone past f2). Every camera / lens should be stored with the iris wide open. If the iris gets stuck wide open you can always stack ND filters in front of the lens. If it gets stuck at f22 the only answer may be a 10k.

Robert Skates

http://www.sk8scamera.com/

[BigBeaner]

improper storage can damage the magnet that allows the iris to open to max aperture in manual mode

This is exactly what happened to me, I can't get pass 4 or into the red. Is there anyway to fix this instead of just compensate with more light?

What about discounts on trade ins or something of that matter.

[Mitch Perkins]

TIP: These Nikon models should be stored in manual exposure mode with the iris set to maximum aperture (red zone past f2). Every camera / lens should be stored with the iris wide open. If the iris gets stuck wide open you can always stack ND filters in front of the lens. If it gets stuck at f22 the only answer may be a 10k.

Robert Skates

http://www.sk8scamera.com/

Consider offering certain [autoexp nonfunctional] Nikons as "manual exposure only"; the adjust arm can be soldered to the iris lever, effectively putting the spring out of the picture, so to speak. I do this as a matter of preference every time, so I can vouch for success.

I'm planning on checking pull down coverage of the [Nikon] shutter to see if it can be cut back - maybe even to 220 deg.

I highly recommend modifying these nonfunctional Nikon cams to something non-traditional; as long as the motor actually turns, all is not lost. Even if the motor doesn't turn, you can see where removing a bit of the right side cover reveals the main drive gear, which can be turned by hand. Etc.

Mitch