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Search the archives here and you'll find a lot of suggestions for first cameras. Search EBAY and you'll find a lot of possibilities.
I've become convinced that the absolute best camera for a beginner is an inexpensive one that works. Most Super 8 cams are long in the tooth, generally 20 to 35 years old. If buying on Ebay, be sure to ask the seller if it works, if it has been film tested, if the battery compartment is corroded, etc.
Spend less than $100 on Ebay, and reserve some cash for film and processing. Some cameras go for under $50. I've seen some go for $10.00.
The Canon 514 is common on Ebay for around $50, and it is a quite capable camera. Same for the 518SV, another very good cam. Chinon Super 8's are also quite common. Sometimes an excellent Elmo 1012xls will go for under $100.
Don't be afraid to buy a sound camera. Sound film is no longer manufactured, but all sound cameras also accept silent cartridges.
Canon 814 and 1012 are great cameras, and they tend to fetch a fancier price on Ebay. Same for Nikons, Nizos, Elmos, and Beaulieu.
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All good advice above.
Canon is the least likely to make you pull your hair out. I recommend the Canon 518SV as I own 2 and they're rock solid cameras - good quality and extremely reliable.
Lucas
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looking for a very basic super8 that won't make me pull my hair out.
any suggestions for a starter cam?
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If you're looking for anything under $40 bucks I recommend the GAF camera series. I own an SS805 and I've been really happy with it. They kind of looks like a tiny Scoopic! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Also, if you do wanna pick up a GAF, keep a look out for any of the "M' series. The optics on them are supposedly even better then the "SS" brands.
<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 10, 2003 07:23 PM: Message edited by: seekaee ]</font>
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I'll recommend this camera again: the Elmo 612. Solid camera, good lens and doesn't usually go for too much on Ebay as compared to the longer-lens-cousin Elmo 1012. 18/24 frames per second, single frame, manual exposure, zoom. Good first camera.
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Here's my .02: I highly recommend the Bauer C5XL or it's identical upgrade, the Bauer C50XL (identical plus macro capability). These cameras are great for beginners, easy to use, and yet are of high quality German manufacture. The lens is a fast f1.2, 5-1 zoom ratio (8mm to 40mm)with both power and manual zooming capability. Frame rate speeds are single frame, 9, 18, 24, and 36 fps. Best of all, there is a manual exposure override, which is all important if relying on an external light meter or need to set your own exposure for other, perhaps creative, reasons as well. I recently picked up the C5XL on Ebay for less than $100. It's hard to find but they do crop up occasionally. Good luck.
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Nothing at all wrong with any of the advice given, but I'll second (or third?) the recommendation for most anything by Canon. Low-end or high-end, they are solid cameras that have stood the test of time and are straight-forward to operate.
Good luck, and have fun.
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hello
If its your first venture in film making Id suggest buying a very cheap second hand...anything!
Just make sure it does run smoothly, the lightmeter works, and the lens isnt loose. Check there isnt much corrosion on the battery terminals.
My first camera cost me nothing at all, and although it is limited in functionality it got me familiar enough to venture out on my own when buying something better, and was good enough to expose film (which in my opinion is all you really need [img]smile.gif[/img] )
