Introduction

This guide is intended to help Ebay members to buy a working Super 8 movie (also known as Cine) camera to use and make movies. Buying cameras as an investment or for a private collection is not covered as value depends purely on supply, demand, condition, history and extras such as packaging, accessories and manufacturer's literature. It covers Super 8 cameras from 1965 to the early 1980s. Earlier 8mm cameras made between 1932 and 1966, using spools of film rather Super 8 cartridges are now rarely used and are for specialised collectors only.

Super 8 Film

A bit of history. Super 8 cameras use super film cartridges invented by Kodak in the mid 1960s and still made by Kodak. They are particularly easy to load - like a video tape but can only be used once. After use they must be processed to allow projection by a Super 8 projector or transfer to video tape or computer file. Home processing is difficult and expensive and its easiest to send the cartridges to a laboratory in Europe or the USA. The original Super 8 film from Kodak was called Kodachrome but was discontinued in 2004, however another colour film called Ektachrome 64 is now available. These are reversal films and suitable for projection without making a positive copy. Negative film is also available and is  intended for immediate transfer to video although a positve copy can be made for projection. Sound recording film using magnetic stripe on the edge of the film was introduced in 1973 but discontinued by Kodak in 1998. It is now extremely hard to obtain.

Cameras

Cameras fall into four main groups as follows: Basic, Easy, Advanced and Semi-professional. Cameras are also divided into Silent and Sound cameras. Sound cameras can only be used a silent camera using silent film.

Basic cameras have fixed focus lens with short range zoom lenses - no more than 2 to 1 and have automatic exposure only and a single running speed. A few cameras have manual exposure and no zoom. Viewfinders are separate not through the lens.

Easy cameras have modest zoom lenses up to 4 to 1 with through the lens viewfinders. The longer zoom lenses will be have focussing either manual or auto. A second faster speed may be provided.

Advanced cameras have longer zoom lenses from 5 to 1 through to 10 to 1 with large clear viewfinders, automatic and manual exposure control, single frame, multiple running speeds, remote control and macro (close-up) focussing.

The few semi-professional cameras offer extras such as interchangeable lenses, ground glass focussing, sound synchronisation system sockets.

Prices

These vary widely on Ebay. Perfectly good cameras can be obtained for £5 from honest but ignorant sellers. Equally if they can't or won't put in a few batteries to test the motor, expect the worst. Sellers say things like I think it should work because it looks "as new." Cameras stored for years or even decades are prone to seize solid or worse the batteries left inside have leaked and corroded the conatcts and wiring. The wonder is that some cameras work perfectly after many years of disuse. Cameras in the Easy or Advanced class from popular makes typically fetch £15 to £40 but there are many overpriced cameras out there from sellers charging dealer prices but offering no returns or adequate descriptions. Working Advanced or Semi -pro type cameras can fetch from £40up to £200 or more. Unless the seller is a reputable and knowledgeable dealer always inspect before parting with serious sums of money and pay by Paypal or other equivalent payment system.

The cheaper cameras can often take as good pictures as the expensive ones. The expensive ones just do more. You pay for the name as well. Do not pay extra for a sound camera as a silent one may be more versatile and lighter.

Best Makes

Very personal but my favourite makes are Agfa, Bauer, Bolex, Braun Nizo, Canon (best lenses), Chinon (very underated), Eumig, Elmo and Sankyo. Beware of overpriced Canons and Braun Nizos though.

Worth Considering

Beaulieu (very expensive), Bell and Howell (mostly cheap), Nikon (expensive), Rollei and Minolta

Avoid

Any Kodak as these cameras do not last and tend to stop working suddenly due to break up of their plastic gears.

Useful Features

Get 24 fps running speed for easy transfer to video at normal speed

A reflex viewfinder

Single frame for animation or time lapse photography

Built in automatic single frame timer (Intervalometer) for easy time lapse otherwise make or buy an external one if you have an electrical camera release

Automatic reading of Ektachrome 64T cartridges or + or - auto exposure adjustment - see Super8wiki web site.

Camera Check List

When you receive your camera or visit the seller:

Check lens glass condition and cleanliness

Inspect cartridge chamber and body for damage or missing parts

Put in batteries (AA) and button cell if necessary

Check motor runs at normal and slow speeds (not high speeds without film)

Check metering reacts to light (pointer or low light warnig)

Test battery checker works

Operate power zoom (some work only with film transport running)

Insert old Super 8 cartridge and run for 8 to 10s. Check film running OK indicator in viewfinder and try high speed (slow motion)

Ask for manufacturer's instructions, carrying case, box, wrist strap and all accessories. You might even get them.

Good luck and start filming.