Looking for info on DeJur Electra 300 Super 8mm camera

Post by **slagmonkey15** » Wed May 09, 2007 7:25 am

I had the good fortune to purchase a new in box DeJur Electra 300 Super 8 camera with projector and film light. Yeah I know lucky me. Literally everything was included but the manual for the camera. If any of you have one of these and could answer a few questions or have a copy of the manual you could e-mail me I would be very very grateful.

Thanks!!

Post by **super8man** » Wed May 09, 2007 11:42 pm

My website should answer most of your questions. All super 8 cameras are the same - they simply have different shaped dials and switches.

Cheers,
Mike

Post by **slagmonkey15** » Wed May 09, 2007 11:55 pm

I think thats the problem. Some of the features really aren't labeled on this camera as they are on others. There seems to be 4 stops in the speed switch (as I feel 4 clicks) but there is only supposed to be two speeds. Also the exposure dial, I think thats what it is (not really labeled), says "A", off, and manual. I thought this camera was total auto. And when I turn the dial to manual there are no f-stop numbers, the dial just keeps turning so there is no real way to "set" the aperture accuratly.

It takes one of those dreaded PX14 batteries (hey I bid on a projector and happen to get a camera too but love the camera now more than the projector so I am trying to salvage it the thing has never been used) I think MAYBE the "manual" aperture is run off the meter battery and not mechanical. I am going to get a 3v battery and see if the aperture moves then. The exposure reading may be off but at least I won;t be doomed to shoot with the aperture wide open as it is now no matter what I do.

As you can see, someone who has used one or has a manual could shed some light on what these things do and how to do them. Basically the knobs aren't labeled as to what they are doing in the 10,000 possible positions. I could get by with all the other settings except not knowing how to work the aperture.

ANYWAYS, any insight would be great.

Post by **super8man** » Thu May 10, 2007 1:12 am

That's a tough one. I agree there could be many possibilities. I do have this unfortunate advice to add: Since super 8 and regular 8mm filmmaking are relatively expensive (compared to drinking beer, etc), I would be hesistant to run such an unknown brand as my first experience getting into the format. There are HUNDREDS of other cameras that have much better or known track records that can be had on ebay for under $20US. Again, I would keep your camera but consider tracking down a Sankyo or Yashica and perhaps get a better toehold into this hobby/pursuit/career.

I doubt you will find anyone who has your camera but then again, I hope I am proved wrong.

Best of luck.
Mike

Post by **slagmonkey15** » Thu May 10, 2007 2:47 am

thanks man. I agree. I have a sanyko lxl-145 and it handles pretty good. I think there are some issues with it but you'll have that. I am getting a lower end bolex 625xl and a YASHICA 60 E, possibly a working EMDEKO EM 8000 was thrown in too. I plan on trying out a few of them. seeing what I like and what works and going from there. Either way I want to run some film through the DeJur. Which is probably the coolest thing about Super 8. All you have to do is go in a darkened room, pop the cartrige out, put it in a different camera, and bam you roll on that one. I think I'll roll 45 seconds or so on each camera and see how they stack up.

Thanks again!!!!

Post by **super8man** » Thu May 10, 2007 3:42 am

You only loose about 6-10 frames at the most when you swap the cart in daylight. Plus you have a marker to let you know when you changed cams.