The New Kid

[Ritchie Rich]

I've been working with digital for last year and once you look at film there is no comparison. I want film! The only problem is that I don't know anything about it. I need to know how much a good super8 camera will run me (Equiped with various lenses) I don't want to get ripped off so I'm to you guys first.
Please help the new kid (he's hurt'n)

[56films]

hey ritchie,
Glad to here you moving towards film!
there are tons of places to get super-8 equipment. the number one spot would be http://www.ebay.com
you can usually find some good deals there.
just go to the site and click on "photos/electronics" and then click on "Movie"
in general super8 cameras' prices range anywhere from $5 to $2000! There's a french co. by the name of beaulieu which still makes new super8 cameras but they are VERY costly. however i understand that they are quite exquisite. (dissolve/fade capabilities, interchangeable c-mount lenses, the whole sha-bang)
i have been really wanted to get a particular beaulieu that i have heard nothing but great reviews on. it's the beaulieu 4008 series. i've seen them on ebay between $250 - $600. i suspect you want something a little more involved than a kodak point and shoot instamatic super8!
you can definitely find cameras that will do dissolves and fades for way less than this.

a really great place to just do some research on super8 cameras and their abilities is http://www.city-net.com/~fodder/s8mm/cameras.html

the last but certainly not least best place to find super8 equipment is your local thrift or antique store.
the past two weekends, i've been going this personally owned antique/thrift store. i found a dual 8mm projector for $2!! it works great! just needed a little dusting. and then this past weekend i found a bell & howell filmosound 16mm projector for $10. it runs, the lamp is burned but i can pick a brand new one up from bulbman.com for about $30 no problem.

as for pricing a camera. i myself wouldn't put over $300 into a camera (unless i won the lottery and then i would have to invest in the beaulieu)

i hope this has help somewhat!
laters,

will e.
(56 films)