Hey,
This looks as one of the better 8mm websites/forum.
For the last few days i've been looking around on the web for info on 8mm film and cameras.
But still have 2 questions.
1 about film and one about a camera
I want to start shooting 8mm, but can only find info on super8 and single 8 film. are other types still available as well. can I se super8 in a double8 camera?
Next to that i'm looking for a camera. preferably manual and with a crank (so it's battery independent. i got a cine lightmeter already). no need to record audio. what would be some of the lower midclass models, that are still sold on ebay reguarly?
a lot of basic questions, but things are hard to find without knowledge.
thanks.
What am i looking for camerawise??
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Konton
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If I were going to get a crank regular 8mm camera I'd get a Bolex. Nice workhorse tank of a camera! All of them are double 8mm. That's the only way you can get the film. If you were in San Francisco I'd suggest you take the muni over to West Portal and go to Action Camera to get your film:
http://www.actioncamerasf.com/motionpicturesup.html
http://www.actioncamerasf.com/motionpicturesup.html
Justin Miller
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jedi knight
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FILM-THURSO
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Hmm, stepping carefully around your broken English, I'll try to answer.
First point I think you're asking is whether there are other types of 8mm film and if they can all be run on the same projector.
There are 3 types of 8mm film:
A) Super 8mm- the most commonly used type with the widest stock range.
B) Single 8mm- same film format as 'Super 8' but different cartridge design and camera system, will run in Super 8 projectors.
C) Standard 8 also known as 'Regular or Double 8mm which comes in a 7.5m roll form and requires a different camera and projector or Dual 8mm projector.
Single 8mm has a significantly thinner film base so when mixed with Super 8 on the same reel, focus adjustments are required as the film runs.
Standard (Regular/ Double) 8 cannot be mixed with Super or Single 8 film. Dual 8mm projectors are designed to run all three films but you have to switch the gate to run the Standard 8 film.
If you want to film all three types of film but want only one camera then you should hunt down the rare Elmo C3 which has different changable backs so that it can shoot the three formats. It is a battery operated camera however.
Now I can't say if there is such a thing as a 'Hand-cranked' super 8 camera, I don't think Kodak or any other company had any such notion when they created the format. It was all about simplicity. That aside there is the super 8mm format Kinoflex or Swella Quarz 8S-2 camera which is clockwork and only needs two small batteries for the light metre, these last for ages but the aperture can be oporated without the batteries.
The Kinoflex is the same as the Swella (Pro8 also sell it) but Kino rebuild the camera to a higher specification so it is more efficient. Either way, this camera does a brilliant job and is very versitile. Otherwise even the most basic super 8 camera is always battery powered.
I hope this helps.
First point I think you're asking is whether there are other types of 8mm film and if they can all be run on the same projector.
There are 3 types of 8mm film:
A) Super 8mm- the most commonly used type with the widest stock range.
B) Single 8mm- same film format as 'Super 8' but different cartridge design and camera system, will run in Super 8 projectors.
C) Standard 8 also known as 'Regular or Double 8mm which comes in a 7.5m roll form and requires a different camera and projector or Dual 8mm projector.
Single 8mm has a significantly thinner film base so when mixed with Super 8 on the same reel, focus adjustments are required as the film runs.
Standard (Regular/ Double) 8 cannot be mixed with Super or Single 8 film. Dual 8mm projectors are designed to run all three films but you have to switch the gate to run the Standard 8 film.
If you want to film all three types of film but want only one camera then you should hunt down the rare Elmo C3 which has different changable backs so that it can shoot the three formats. It is a battery operated camera however.
Now I can't say if there is such a thing as a 'Hand-cranked' super 8 camera, I don't think Kodak or any other company had any such notion when they created the format. It was all about simplicity. That aside there is the super 8mm format Kinoflex or Swella Quarz 8S-2 camera which is clockwork and only needs two small batteries for the light metre, these last for ages but the aperture can be oporated without the batteries.
The Kinoflex is the same as the Swella (Pro8 also sell it) but Kino rebuild the camera to a higher specification so it is more efficient. Either way, this camera does a brilliant job and is very versitile. Otherwise even the most basic super 8 camera is always battery powered.
I hope this helps.
it was me asking the question.
Indeed the question was a little unclear.
When i look for camera's on ebay, a lot of the Bolex models seem to be double 8, or just regular 8mm. The super8 models just look to automatic.
And that goes for most other brands super8 models i see.
And i'm unclear if it's still possible to use other camera models then the super8, as it seems only super8 film is available.
(just found out fuji released the single8 film as well.)
So let's cut the question down. Which Bolex uses super8. records no sound, can be operated by a cranck and is manual (aperture/focus)?
Indeed the question was a little unclear.
When i look for camera's on ebay, a lot of the Bolex models seem to be double 8, or just regular 8mm. The super8 models just look to automatic.
And that goes for most other brands super8 models i see.
And i'm unclear if it's still possible to use other camera models then the super8, as it seems only super8 film is available.
(just found out fuji released the single8 film as well.)
So let's cut the question down. Which Bolex uses super8. records no sound, can be operated by a cranck and is manual (aperture/focus)?
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bakanosaru
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As far as I know there are no Bolexs which run Super 8 and can be hand cranked. If we drop those requirements there are some nice bolex Super 8 cameras but all take batteries (most of these can be fully manual in terms of aperture, and all are manual focus as far as I know)
If you are looking for a battery-less camera I can recommend the Kinoflex (aka Quartz) which can be picked up cheaply from ebay (I got mine for less than US$10).
The lens is okay, it runs at various speeds, has manual aperture (or automatic), and is small and rugged. (as mentioned above it takes two mercury batteries px625 I think but will run without them or with the alkaline replacements satisfactorily at least in my experience)
good luck
P.S. alternatively you could try Double Super 8 (DS8) search the forum for more info.
If you are looking for a battery-less camera I can recommend the Kinoflex (aka Quartz) which can be picked up cheaply from ebay (I got mine for less than US$10).
The lens is okay, it runs at various speeds, has manual aperture (or automatic), and is small and rugged. (as mentioned above it takes two mercury batteries px625 I think but will run without them or with the alkaline replacements satisfactorily at least in my experience)
good luck
P.S. alternatively you could try Double Super 8 (DS8) search the forum for more info.
It sounds to me like your dream camera is a Bolex regular 8. If you want to use prime lenses then look for a Bolex B8, D8L or the grandaddy the H8. If you want a zoom the K2 or P1 are superb. Regular 8 film is plentiful and gives great results.mrtn wrote: So let's cut the question down. Which Bolex uses super8. records no sound, can be operated by a cranck and is manual (aperture/focus)?
Actually, such a camera does exist. Though it was not originally made this way - it was converted to it's present form. It's a Bolex double super 8 camera. This will allow you to use super 8 film in a fully manual, mechanical camera with crank handle. Though I must point out that they are a little bit rare and they cost lots of $$$.