Looking for a super8 cam with backwind capacity

Karl151k

Karl151k

Well-known member
Does anyone know of a super8 camera that allows for backwinding in camera? I know there are external backwinders, but they involve opening up the film door and for my shooting situation I will not be able to do that. I know lots of the Bauer and Nizo cameras have a lap disolve function, but I'm looking for a "Just Backwind" function, ie: it doesnt automaticaly stop down the lens or some other nonsense. Does anyone know of a camera that allows for this? Thanks guys.
 
Dude, I seriously have never seen a Super 8 camera that does straight backwind. You may have your work cut out for you.
 
That's what I'm afraid of. I've seen lots with a lap disolve that may be hackable, but I want to find out of there's any other options.
 
Here's the thing...Super 8 wasnt intended to be a Pro format so that may limit the features you will find on a camera. I bought one today for $2.50 from a thrift store but the damn thing has a melting rubber eyecup and no 24fps :(
It does have a pretty piece of glass though.
 
Sweet! I'll check ebay for those model numbers, if no luck, at least I have this place to get them from. Thanks Lakmir0!
 
no sweat...im thinking of shooting a short on S8...you happen to know who has the absolute, bottom line, best deal on film stock, processing, and miniDV transfer?
 
Depends what you're looking to shoot. Pro8 has the best quality stuff I've tried in terms of negative and telecine, but I've seen some quality DIY Transfers with the Workprinter -XP, http://www.moviestuff.tv/wp_xp.html . If you havent tried them already, Pro8's got the bundle deals which are suprisingly well priced considering all you get.
 
BTW, check out what I just picked up on Ebay for $138 (including shipping),
020667.jpg
No backwind, but this one was too good to pass up. (Still planning on getting a Nizo too)
 
I often get back wind while filming with the HVX. It drives the actors nuts, but it is wonderful for me.

Hope this helps. :D :evil:


(sorry, couldn't resist.)
 
Karl, that Beaulieu has a freakin nice looking piece of glass! If you get a Nizo that you're looking for, I would look to make you an offer on that if you are going to get rid of it. Keep me posted.

As far as Pro8mm being the best deal, I was afraid you would say that...I mean, their prices are reasonable but still make a feature out of range for me right now.
 
You can always buy the new Ektachrome and do the transfer yourself. But, I suggested pro8 because it really makes no sense to shoot reversal if your end result will be on TV. I've heard of a few other companies that repackage neg film in super 8 carts, but I don't remember any of them.

Also, if you get their music video package (6 hours of stock), and shoot at a 1:3 ratio, you can get a feature done easily. Heck, if you shoot Robert Rodriguez style, you might even get a feature out of the short film package. Of course, that would be a 1:1.5 ratio (which is insane!)

BTW, has anyone seen this magazine? http://smallformat.schiele-schoen.de/home/zeitschrift.asp I just recently heard about it and just got the first (well, their second) issue yesterday. It's such a great magazine. Covers S8 and 16mm production and gear. Anyway, they are kind of struggling so I figured I should give them a little help by posting it here. It's a great read!
 
Last edited:
Barry_Green said:
Pro8 is not the best deal; far from it. They're about the most expensive processing/transfer option for Super8.
Click to expand...
Barry, with all due respect man, where you going to find a better deal for processing, RANK transfer to miniDV, and the variety of S8 film stock they have?
 
lpcvideo1 said:
I often get back wind while filming with the HVX. It drives the actors nuts, but it is wonderful for me.
Click to expand...

Dude, I think Karl wants backwind for double exposure which isnt possible on the HVX.
 
Why do you want the ability to back wind? If you really need it you probably want a Beaulieu 4008 ZM II. I know the II model has that ability. I don't think the earlier model did. And you still need the crank to use the function.

I had considered this need and also own a backwinder (unload the cart in the dark like a loading bag, and pop it in the backwinder this way so the film never sees daylight). But the fact is, all this stuff you can do in post! So why do it now?

Then again I'm building a HD telecine system for Super 8 and Super 16 from an old JK Optical Printer, so I'm kinda crazy anyway.

"By 1975 the later versions of the 4008ZMII (sometimes showing up as the 4008ZM2) added a small black button above the small circular footage counter. This is a film drive declutch button and when held in while filming, allows the cartridge core to stop moving thus creating film slack. By using an optional Beaulieu Reverse Film Wind Device, you can rewind the film up to 100 frames to allow you to do lap dissolves, superimpositions and other multiple effects. This specific function is one that many think exists on all model Beaulieus, and this is NOT so! ONLY the later model 4008ZMIIs and the final version, the 4008ZM4 has this function."
 
Last edited:
The optical effects you can get by doing it directly on film are so much more organic that doing it in post. Also, an upcoming fest I am planning on entering has the requirement of: "All in-camera editing." Any special effects I need will have to be done in camera.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top