keystone super 8

[gnaomi]

i just bought "keystone k-620 zoom super 8" at a thrift store and have no idea if it runs or not. i picked up an instruction manual that was next to the camara even though it was for a different model- thought i might learn something because both models appeared similar (the brochure was for bell&howell 306 autoload). im not sure how to go about making this work, or if it's even worth it. the front of the camara says "electric eye" and there isn't a crank on the side of the camara like the camara in the brochure. if anyone could tell me how these kind of camaras work, i would appreciate it... also i have no idea where to find film etc.

[soupastar]

Hi there. I don't have any knowledge in particular about the specific model you are asking about but I buy a lot of old crappy/not so crappy cameras from thrift stores with and without manuals. I apologize in advance if this is not the kind of information you are looking for.

(check out http://www.city-net.com/~fodder/s8mm/cameras.html which is a great page that lists makes and models of super 8 cameras)

I have found that super 8 cameras for the most part are pretty simple. Batteries and a place to stick the cartridge (and the cartridge only goes in one way..)
The first thing to do on your camera is to find out where the batteries go. You can judge what kind from the shape of the compartment. Usually this is the first place to check before buying a used camera because if there is all kinds of green blue gunk the camera is shot.
Check for a light meter battery compartment - some cameras won't run without a battery for the light meter.
After you put batteries in just test the trigger - look inside where the film cartridge goes and see if the little turn thing is turning.
Test the zoom button and any other buttons on there to see what they do.
Just drop a few bucks and run a test roll through the camera - you'll be glad you did.
-S

[CSR94]

I have one that was handed down to me by my father. It has a wheel turning mech. to open where the film goes. It is silver and black and some of the logos are blue. Keep in mind that it wont shoot sound. For about eight bucks on youtube you can get a film to dvd converter. The batteries in mine are at least 32 years old.

Nice find.