a few questions from a newbie

Just today i bought a Bell and Howell Director Series Super 8 Camera (model 1206). Very exciting! I have a few questions:

1. How many minutes of film will a super 8 film cartridge capture? (this model aceptes ASA speeds of 25 daylight and 40 tungsten)

2. When i run the camera with the film compartment door open, i noticed the round piece in the center of the compartment was not spining. Is this normal? It seems to me that it should spin. Does it only spin when the film has been loaded?

Thank for any help you can give me!

There are basically two standard frame rates. If you run at 18 frames per second you will get 3 minutes and 20 seconds, if you run at 24 you will get 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

I have never seen a camera that the cartridge drive does not spin unless the camera has a cartridge installed, but by the same token life deals me surprises almost daily! Does the motor make any sound when you press the trigger?

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ July 16, 2004 11:24 PM: Message edited by: BolexPlusx ]</font>

Thanks BolexPlusx

Will the camera start running at the correct speed when i put different speed film in?

Yes, the motor sounds healthy. The round piece feels realy stiff to spin with my finger. Is there any way to fix it?

I also thought of another question: what does the filter key do to?

I just took apart the camera and found that the shaft connecting the motor to the round piece has broken. Bummer!