Penncrest Zoom 600 Super 8 Movie Camera- What to LOOK for when Buying your 1st Camera

[clydoscopeyes]

I have the opportunity to day to buy a Penncrest Super 8 Movie Camera....is anyone familiar with this brand and could tell me if it worth paying some money for or if it was a bust model.

It is quoted to be in good working order at a cheap price... a older couple cleaning out their attic. My other half is currently finishing up his degree in cinematogrpahy and I thought this might be something fun for him to play with.

I'd appreciate comments.

Thanks

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ June 26, 2003 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Forum-405 ]</font>

[Alex]

I don't have any experience with that camera. The number 600 might imply it has a 6-1 zoom on it.

anychance you have some documentation of the features the camera has?

[clydoscopeyes]

This is some information that was given by the seller...from the manual apparently.
Uses Super 8 film cartridge --Lens: Registar Fast F/1.8, 9mm to 54mm --Shutter Speed: 12, 18, 32 frames per sec. --Finder: Reflex through lens system with adjustable eyepiece and red warning frame with visual diaphragm needle. --Expo. Meter: "Through the lens" fully automatic exposure meter. --Filter: Built-in Type A filter can be either enagaged or rejected. --Focusing: Micro image focusing system. --Power: 4 AA batteries operate miniature film transport motor and power zooming motor. --Additional features: Built-in battery checker, eyepiece locking device, shutter trigger lock, professional shaped pistol grip, back-light control, film transport signal.

I assume it is in working condition, but I don't know how to tell prior to purchase.

[Alex]

I found this info on it.

Penncrest

600

Lens: 2,8 / 9 - 54 mm

Frame rates: 12, 18, 32

Manual / Auto Exposure

4 X AA batteries + Mallory PX14 / 2,7V for light meter.

You'll probably need to change the light meter battery. I don't know how easy that will be.

Are we talking 20-30 bucks here? Might be worth it at that price.

[Alex]

Our previous posts came in at 3:09. so you probably didn't read my follow up post before posting.

I'm troubled that it might not have manual exposure.
(or did I rush through your post too fast).

Definitely bring fresh double-A batteries, and have them show you that the auto-exposure meter works.
This can be verified by panning the camera around a well lit room and seeing if the exposure needle changes.

Listen to the sound the camera makes when it is running, if it makes a grinding sound, the camera needs lubrication. Press the zoom buttons to make sure the zoom motor works.

Zoom all the way in and check to see if the camera focuses easily and properly.

How much do they want?

[clydoscopeyes]

They are asking $50.00 for the camera with case and manual... the description did say "fully automatic exposure meter" but i'll make sure to check if it can be manually adjusted. They say the zoom slides very smoothly. Apparently this camera has been in the family attic since the 70's and is in really good shape.

Up to this point, I have answered an ad in the local paper by email but will make the trip and take your advise on what to look for.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

[Alex]

Here a couple things to weigh.

The camera MUST have a manual exposure capability, because manual exposure setting is critical for it to be a useful tool for your cinemtographer signficant other to learn from.

The price is somewhat more than what you would pay on ebay, but with no shipping costs involved, it probably is an OK price. The fact that you can check the camera first is a plus also.

But because you may not know what how to check the camera could be a minus. Can someone come along with you that knows about Super-8 Film Cameras?

Many people over the age of 35 know about Super-8 cameras. (perhaps dad?)

By the way, you may be able to bargain them down to the $25-$40 dollar range. If the guy is real passionate about the camera, he might be offended and lecture you on how he paid $281.74 cents for the camera when he bought it 25 years ago. [img]graemlins/sure.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/shhh.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ June 01, 2003 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Forum-405 ]</font>

[clydoscopeyes]

I was hoping to make this a father's day surpise for Michael, but you have a good idea about older relatives....my grandfather was a real home movie buff, I'll drag him along! and I'd assume that $50 is the starting price and they will negociate lower...

Thanks ever so much for the help. You've been too kind!

Evelyn

[Alex]

Your husband is pretty lucky, a wife who buys him a super-8 camera! [img]graemlins/smarty.gif[/img]

To be a fly on the wall for your encounter. Grandad should be thrilled. Let us know how it goes.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ June 01, 2003 03:59 PM: Message edited by: Forum-405 ]</font>

[clydoscopeyes]

wll then... i didn't realize i had such a barganing chip in such a cheap little trinket! i'll have to make sure my reward is worth it. thanks for the tip...