Hello fellow camera collectors and 8 millimeter (8mm) film enthusiasts (and those who might become so)!
I began an interest in film at a young age, and now I have begun collecting my own 8mm cameras. I thought I would take a moment to write about the three cameras I have recently purchased and some information about their history- if I know any. The three cameras are: 1. Mansfield Holiday Metermatic, 2. Kodak XL55, and 3. Bell & Howell Zoomatic Director Series 414P. All of the cameras require 8mm film, although the Kodak camera will only expose Super 8mm film, which comes in a cartridge, not a spool, like the other cameras are built to expose.
1. I could find little if any information about the Mansfield camera, except that it shoots at 18 frames per second (fps) and single frames for stop motion animation purposes. It ha sa turret, which means it has three lenses which shoot normal, wide, and telephoto. One has to change these lenses manually. The camera is spring motor driven and has to be wound before filming can begin. It was probably manufactured in the mid 1950's.
2. The Kodak XL55 was manufactured in 1974. It is the camera that takes Super 8 cartridges. It shoots at 9 or 18 fps.
3. My Bell & Howell camera was made somtime between 1962 and 1963. In 1963, Consumer Reports reported that this camera was one of the best on the market for amateur film makers and those who simply wanted to shoot home movies. It shoots at 18 fps or a higher rate for slow motion projection. It also shoots at single frame intervals as well.
The great part about all of this is that the film and it's processing is still available! 8mm film making is not dead!
I plan to use the Bell & Howell for lighting and exposure testing this week, using Ektachrome 50ASA color film. I will let you all know how it comes out.
Have a good week, I'll be checking in frequently.
Josh
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