The Cadillac of Super 8 Cameras?

[woods01]

For a long while now I've been procrastinating on getting one of the higher
end cameras. For my needs I want a camera with: good optics, 24 fps,
full manual exposure & the ability to work on automatic with the current
stocks for documentary type shooting. I'd also like something reasonably
quiet and does not need any rare battery types. If the lense size is
common enough to allow for screw on filters that would be a great bonus.

I'm pretty sure I will end up getting a Nizo, preferably the 6080 or one
of the other 4 digit cameras in the line. It seems to meet all my needs
plus has a great slow motion speed and other features.

But I've also put some hard looks at the Canon 814/1014 XL-S, the
"Cadillac" of Super 8 the Bauer 715 XL and the Beaulieus.

I know there is a hundred threads on the topic but I also know everyone
loves to brag about their gear. So I pose the question: What do you think
is the Cadillac of Super 8 Cameras?

[Actor]

Is "Cadillac" good or bad? :?

[Angus]

Good point Actor!

I tend to just think of them as big.

[vapparn]

I don't know much about Cadillacs and I prefer Porsche anyway.

But if I would need a good S8 cam, it would be Beaulieu. That would be the only choice for me.

Previously I owned an 7008S, but sold it because I shoot only stills these days.

[aj]

The Nizo 6080 has plenty of features but can give trouble at age. The lenses are somewhat soft. The Bauer 715xl has a ver nice lens and many options for animation and timelapse but it reads only 160/40 cartridges although the 40 can be adjusted. The Beaulieuxes are very nice and easy to control but are likely to need maintenance. The 4008 has expensive proprietary batteries.

The Nikon R10 and R8 are good cameras too. Good lenses, good automatic reverse and double exposure control. Heavy to hold. Frame rate control is standard, no quick activate button though. Can be enhanced with an MT-1 and ML-1. Check the light meter and EE system before buying one. These seem to get stuck in dried up grease or something.

I don't have a Canon.

[EtiN]

Buy a 6008... That's Beaulieu, that's French, that's excellent..

[BK]

I have used the Nikon R10, Beaulieu 4008, even the Leicina Special, but the camera that I always depend for important shoots is the Canon 1014XL-S, it never lets me down and has most of the features that you need on top of a great lense and auto metering. Yes, have a look at the 814XL-S too which is excellent also, and less heavy.

The Nizo 6080's shutter and claw mechanism runs on a rubber drive belt which can be problematic with age and excess milage, I got one which is a very nice door stopper now.

Talking about Cadillacs my uncle in Canada had the model Seville back in the 80's, it's a very nice and comfortable vehicle to be in, and does only 10 miles to the gallon, needs a lot of maintenance and expensive to run. But it sure gets you there in style.

Bill

[aj]

Talking about Cadillacs my uncle in Canada had the model Seville back in the 80's, it's a very nice and comfortable vehicle to be in, and does only 10 miles to the gallon, needs a lot of maintenance and expensive to run. But it sure gets you there in style.

Bill

Sounds like the B brand from France or the L from Germany Owners carry the address-card of the repair-shop with them or have a speed-dial programmed for that.

[filmo]

I guess you just have to make sure you get a good camera that's hasn't been abused.

These were mass-produced items, and you could always get stuck with a lemon. The tolerances for depth of focus (not to be confused with depth of field) in the s-8 format are unforgiving. It's got to be spot on.

I tend to like the look that you get "off the shelf" with Nikons and Canons. It seems open and fresh.

I've always wanted a Beaulieu, however. It looks so cool, especially the 4008.

[audadvnc]

I've a few of these cameras - the Bauer 715XL has given me the sharpest Plus-X pictures I've seen in Super 8. My Nikon R8 is easy to handhold and with enough light gives very good shots. The Beaulieu 4008 is still a hanger queen; one of these days I'll send it off to Bjorn.

[bakanosaru]

I have a 4008 which might be compared to a Citroen DS beautiful to look at, very interesting engineering, but somewhat finickety. (The macro system on the angenieux and schneider lenses combined with the ground glass is just one aspect that makes this camera so fantastic.)

My 1014XL-S on the other hand is like a Toyota always ready to be used and so easy too no special batteries, very reliable lightmeter, great ergonomics and looks.

[Elmogs]

I have used the Beaulieu 6008s with the Angenieux 6-80mm Zoom, the Nizo 6080, Beaulieu 4008ZM II, Canon 1014xls, Nikon R10 and the Leicina Special with the 6-66mm Optivaron and the 10mm Macro Cinegon.
I found out the one camera that is the most consistent performer of them all is the Leicina with the Cinegon lens. Time after time all the shots come out exposed spot on and has given me the sharpest footage with Tri-X I have ever seen. The Beaulieus can give you very nice images but you cannot use that camera for on the fly shooting. It takes time for you to set up, etc. Also you do need to get them maintained. I had all the Beaulieu's I have used (4 of them to date) sent off to Bjorn in Sweden before shooting.
The Canon is nice as well but it HEAVY. The Nikon never got use because the light meter was broken but it too was very heavy.
The Nizo is the quietest of the group but I had trouble with the focusing system. Sometimes on, sometimes off. I just dont like split screen.
The Leicina with the 10mm Cinegon is so small and compact you can almost take it with you in your coat pocket. And it can do slow mo, still, 9,18, 25, 54 FPS. 6 x AA Batteries, time lapse, Ground glass focusing, Variable ASA, and the list goes on and on.
It uses an M mount so you can use other lenses as well. Including the Leica Summilux. And when you put on other lenses you do not need to collimate the lens to that particular camera. They all work wonderfully.
For my needs ( I shoot personal travel footage) this has happened to be the perfect camera for me. Needless to say I sold all the other ones and this is the only one I have to this day.
Good luck on your quest.

[sk360]

Another great thing about Canon's is the viewfinders are fairly large and quite bright. I found myself not squinting as much when I use my 1014.

[woods01]

Split image focusing is the plague of Super 8 cameras. I've ruined a few
shots because of it. Other then the Beaulieu cameras were there any other
brands that did not use it?

[Mitch Perkins]

Split image focusing is the plague of Super 8 cameras. I've ruined a few
shots because of it. Other then the Beaulieu cameras were there any other
brands that did not use it?

Canons. They have the center-spot/ring, but with a grid design.

I'm convinced the 814XLS is the best overall camera in Super 8, and I don't even own one! (Of course I've used them many times). The advantage of that clear, bright VF can not be over-stressed.

Mitch