Since you are new to the format, I wouldn't spend too much (under $100US) on a first camera and I'd stick to a fairly simple and reliable camera that the seller guarantees to function.
Some models that my students have used and had success with are:
Minolta XL 401/601
Sankyo EM 40/60
These are later designs and don't require any unusual button type batteries, just AAs. Plus they both have built in intervalometers and manual exposure controls.
These cameras very capable whether you are shooting black and white or color.
Once you gain some experience with the format, upgrading to a Beaulieu, Nizo or Canon 814/1014 may be something to look forward to.
nelsong wrote:
Some models that my students have used and had success with are:
Minolta XL 401/601
Sankyo EM 40/60
These cameras very capable whether you are shooting black and white or color.
I'm really confused why you recommend these cameras for the beginner. These all are suitable only for AE with 40/160 ASA stocks. Manual mode also are very problematic with such models. So I'd never recommend this choice.
Buy Canon 814 AZ. Very serious and reliable and cheap on eBay. Great lens and functions. This Canon would be fine for you.
I think the Canon 814 is a good choice too, but less so due to the button cell battery issue. If Kodak Tri-x reversal film is used, the metering problem shouldn't be an issue.
I'd recommend a Canon 310XL as a starter camera. Easy to use.
Small and lightweight. Only needs two AA batteries.
Reads pretty much all stocks including E64T with a very basic mod.
Readily available at an inexpensive price. http://super8wiki.com/index.php/Canon_310_XL
nelsong wrote:
Some models that my students have used and had success with are:
Minolta XL 401/601
Sankyo EM 40/60
These cameras very capable whether you are shooting black and white or color.
I'm really confused why you recommend these cameras for the beginner. These all are suitable only for AE with 40/160 ASA stocks. Manual mode also are very problematic with such models. So I'd never recommend this choice.
Buy Canon 814 AZ. Very serious and reliable and cheap on eBay. Great lens and functions. This Canon would be fine for you.
Best regards
I agree, go with the Canon 814 AZ. Starting out with a lower quality camera will create frustrations which may cause you to loose interest. I was shocked at how well my 814AZ shots turned out. My Nizo 801 shots look pretty good as well. By far the best images come from my Canon 1014XL-S, Leicina Special and Beaulieu 4008ZMII. Do a search on YouTube for "thouston314159" and you'll see samples from the cameras mentioned. All images are compliments of my wonderful Workprinter XP RGB. MAN, I LOVE SUPER 8!!!
Tom
Tom Houston
Virginia
WorkPrinter-XP to HD Conversion & Beaulieu Battery Re-Celling:
http://www.FilmMaker8.com
vidwerk wrote:I'd recommend a Canon 310XL as a starter camera. Easy to use.
Small and lightweight. Only needs two AA batteries.
Reads pretty much all stocks including E64T with a very basic mod.
Readily available at an inexpensive price. http://super8wiki.com/index.php/Canon_310_XL
vidwerk.
Whoa, hold on now! Did you say Mod? I love the 310XL but wasn't aware of a mod to make 64T work in it. Please share a link or whatever info you have on the mod.
Thanks a lot!
Tom
Tom Houston
Virginia
WorkPrinter-XP to HD Conversion & Beaulieu Battery Re-Celling:
http://www.FilmMaker8.com
BigWorm wrote:Whoa, hold on now! Did you say Mod? I love the 310XL but wasn't aware of a mod to make 64T work in it. Please share a link or whatever info you have on the mod.
Thanks a lot!
Check this link I posted earlier. http://super8wiki.com/index.php/Canon_310_XL
Scroll down. I've posted instructions on it and a video clip showing the variations with different settings of the 310XL.
The update from July 2008 is mine.
Yes I see. Thanks for posting this info. I'm confused about one part of your instructions "Ensure that only 1 asa film speed detection pin is engaged (may have to force it over a bit)." Sounds like I need to push the pin farthest to the left over a bit to fall in the cartridge notch? If this is true, why not just notch the cartridge a little bit more so there's no question it isn't in the up position?
Tom Houston
Virginia
WorkPrinter-XP to HD Conversion & Beaulieu Battery Re-Celling:
http://www.FilmMaker8.com
Yes I see. Thanks for posting this info. I'm confused about one part of your instructions "Ensure that only 1 asa film speed detection pin is engaged (may have to force it over a bit)." Sounds like I need to push the pin farthest to the left over a bit to fall in the cartridge notch? If this is true, why not just notch the cartridge a little bit more so there's no question it isn't in the up position?
Tom Houston
Virginia
WorkPrinter-XP to HD Conversion & Beaulieu Battery Re-Celling:
http://www.FilmMaker8.com
BigWorm wrote:Yes I see. Thanks for posting this info. I'm confused about one part of your instructions "Ensure that only 1 asa film speed detection pin is engaged (may have to force it over a bit)." Sounds like I need to push the pin farthest to the left over a bit to fall in the cartridge notch? If this is true, why not just notch the cartridge a little bit more so there's no question it isn't in the up position?
Other way around. You may need to ensure that the top pin doesn't fall into the notch. Cutting the notch wider will only make it worse.
BigWorm wrote:Yes I see. Thanks for posting this info. I'm confused about one part of your instructions "Ensure that only 1 asa film speed detection pin is engaged (may have to force it over a bit)." Sounds like I need to push the pin farthest to the left over a bit to fall in the cartridge notch? If this is true, why not just notch the cartridge a little bit more so there's no question it isn't in the up position?
Other way around. You may need to ensure that the top pin doesn't fall into the notch. Cutting the notch wider will only make it worse.
It's nice to see this thread transform into a way to modify carts.
Getting back to the original request for advice: the Canon 310XL is a good secondary camera (f1.0!!!), but will be a frustrating starter camera because of it's focusing system- which is purely "guestimate", with no split image finder.
It's nice to be able to actually see that you're shot is in focus when you are a new filmmaker.
