Okay, here’s my story about figuring out the best Super 8 film camera for me.
So, I’ve always been a bit of a nostalgic guy, and I’ve got this thing for old-school film. Not just any film, mind you, but Super 8. There’s just something magical about that grainy, vintage look you get with it. Anyway, I decided it was time to get my hands on a Super 8 camera and start shooting some memories. This was about four years ago, when they were a little easier to find, and definitely cheaper.
First, I hit up the internet, naturally. I spent hours reading forums, blog posts, and product reviews, trying to figure out what would be the best camera for me. I learned that Super 8 cameras have carved a unique niche in filmmaking. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to shoot a Hollywood blockbuster with one, but they’re perfect for capturing that raw, authentic feel.
I stumbled upon some information about a bilingual Super 8 magazine that was coming out, which got me even more excited. It had some articles about Nikon Super 8 cameras, which I started looking into.
As I dug deeper, I discovered that the Leicina Special and the Beaulieu ZMII, ZMIII, and ZMIV were considered some of the top-of-the-line models. But, man, those things were pricey! I’m talking over a thousand bucks. I also heard that the Canon 1014 was a popular choice, and that Beaulieu, in general, made some really good cameras.
- Considered top-of-the-line models (over $1K):
- Leicina Special
- Beaulieu ZMII
- Beaulieu ZMIII
- Beaulieu ZMIV
- Other popular choices:
- Canon 1014
- Beaulieu models
I even found a thread where someone mentioned using their Bolex 155 and 160. That got me curious, so I started looking into Bolex cameras too.
Honestly, at this point, my head was spinning. There were so many options, and I was starting to realize that this was going to be more expensive than I initially thought. Then I saw a comment that said using Super 8 is going to be way more expensive and a lot less practical than I might think. If I want something not practical that takes tape, I should check out the pxl 2000. I didn’t know what to expect. But I decided I was still gonna do it.
But then I thought, you know what? I’m not just buying a camera; I’m buying a piece of history, a way to capture memories in a unique and special way. So, I decided to keep searching, and finally, after weeks of research, I found the one.
My Choice
I ended up going with a Canon 814, and let me tell you, I don’t regret it one bit. It’s a solid, well-built camera, and it produces beautiful images. Sure, it was a bit of an investment, but every time I see the footage I’ve shot with it, I know it was worth it.
So, there you have it. That’s my story of diving into the world of Super 8 cameras. It was a journey, for sure, but one that I’m glad I took.
