Cavalier Super 8?

[nathan130]

I recently bought a Cavalier Super-8 camera (for next to nothing) but am looking for more information on it. There's no model number and not much about it on super8wiki.
When I switch the light meter to 'auto' and look through the viewfinder, there's no indication of how much light there is. And when switched to manual and turned, there's also no indication of what the aperture is set at, as far as I can tell. The battery test button indicates half power, but it seems to only measure the batteries used to run the motor. (Luckily I can still get a battery to power the light meter, but wouldn't I be able to see the needle or something even without battery power?)
Is anyone else also familiar if this camera reads the new Ektachrome? Inside the camera it says it reads "asa 25, 40, 64, 100, 160 daylight film. asa 40, 64, 100, 160, 250 tungsten film" I just don't know whether to trust them or not, if someone has experience otherwise?
Any other information about the camera would be appreciated.

[etimh]

No help for Nathan130?

Sorry, I don't know much about the camera myself , but I was hoping someone did. I love old obscure cameras.

Since it says inside that it reads "64 tungsten" film, I suppose it should have no problem reading the new Ektachrome.

Get a cart and shoot a bit of test footage in it and see what comes out. That's what I've done in a couple of questionable cams.

Good luck.

Tim

[super8man]

That little red window on the side is supposed to tell you the f-stop the camera is reading...since you put in a new battery (I think you said you did) and there is no movement, then your light meter is most likely broken.

Generally, given the high cost of super 8 film and processing, I would get a slightly better working camera than that one. Cameras like this really have no value at all since you can always get at least a Canon 518 for dirt cheap.

[nathan130]

havent put a new battery in yet.
i think i'll order one and see if it works. im in a bit of a pinch to get a super 8 cam before i go to nova scotia next week, since my last one broke.

[nathan130]

Got the new battery and I'm able to change the F-stop when turning the dial on manual, but on Auto it just stays red. Would it be common for the F-stop to just not show, or is it most possible automatic light reading is done for this camera and only manual works now? (Or is it also highly possible that manual isn't working either?) Any help is appreciated. If no one really knows then I'll run a cartridge through it and do all my light readings manually and keep my fingers crossed.

[gianni1]

Maybe the Red means no film cartridge in the camera? One of my cameras does that I think... put a cart in and zoom into some lights and pan into the shade... unless our super 8 man had a look at the manual..

G 8)

[nathan130]

i thought that too and tossed in a cartridge. still nothing.
a manual would be nice if i could find one.

[Jim Carlile]

It sounds like the autoexposure isn't working, but the manual is. That's OK. Shine a flashlight down the lens barrel as you're turning the dial, and see if the blades open and close. If so, you're set-- just use it manually.

[Rollef]

Point that sucker at a lamp (or the sun) and test it again. If you've been inside a dim room it might not respond to light.

And look through the lensbarrel while trying it in manual mode