Bell & Howell . . . Single or double 8?

[Big_Dad]

I asked this question already and got one response but I didn't ask the question well and so I didn't get the real question answered.

I am thinking about buying an old B&H 3-lens 8mm camera with an electric eye . . . I think they called it a Perpetua or something like that . . . and a "speed selection" switch on the side with the crank. It's the same camera (or more likely the same kind of camera) that my dad used. I would like to shoot some 8mm of my grandkids to add to the 3 generations that we have on the old film that he shot in the 50's & early 60's. I also want to convert some of the super8 sound footage I shot of my son to the older format.

Does anyone know (or at least have an educated guess) whether this B&H camera is a single8, a double8, or what? I know that it does not use a cartridge. It uses a roll with a take-up reel so I know it's not super8 or one of those 8mm cartridges. I don't remember whether or not Dad took it out and flipped it over to shoot the other side but I don't think so but I was only 6 or 7 so give me a break.

Did B&H ever made a single8 camera? It's important because I can't find any single8 film . . . only regular/double 8.

I don't know much about 8 mm. Where do I start looking to learn.

[wahiba]

If it has a space for two reels it is a regular 8. Film is 16mm wide and run through twice then split down the middle after processing.

Single 8 was made by Fuji in Japan and is a different cartidge from Super 8 although the film from both is the same size. B&H may have made a single 8 camera, they certainly made plenty of Super 8.

Super 8 is still available from Kodak, single 8 erratically from Fuji. Regular 8 is available from specialist suppliers, the internet is the best bet.

For some pictures of the different formats check out my web site, address below.