Need help for super 8 camera

[Niklas Pedersen]

So the camera is Bell and Howell 440 Optronic Eye. It has only automatic exposure with +1 to -1 adjustment. The motor seems to be working well on both speeds and shutter also.

 

The problem is that I don't have a manual so I don't know what film speeds it supports. Also there are some readouts at the view finder that I don't understand. Does anyone have any experience about this camera or any similar Bell & Howell model?

[Niklas Pedersen]

I know that Tri-X would propably work. But I currently live in slovenia and here I have only found E6 processing. The guy who does the processing is out of B&W chemicals and only has ektacrhome in stock.

 

So please could you help me with the film speed support issue thing... :)

[alexandros petin]

hello

 

http://super8data.com/ there is a list with bell and howells models.

 

but doesn't say anything about asa.

 

check if there is a pin inside the film chamber near the door.

If there is the camera is probably 40/160 type.

In any case search the forum and you ll find plenty information how to shoot film in 40/160 cameras

 

good luck

Edited October 28, 2009 by alexandros petin

[Art Leal]

So the camera is Bell and Howell 440 Optronic Eye. It has only automatic exposure with +1 to -1 adjustment. The motor seems to be working well on both speeds and shutter also.

 

The problem is that I don't have a manual so I don't know what film speeds it supports. Also there are some readouts at the view finder that I don't understand. Does anyone have any experience about this camera or any similar Bell & Howell model?

 

 

Niklas:

 

Don't know if this model is similar to the 431, but if it is, and if the ASA feelers look like this:

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr22/le...;current=BH.jpg

then the camera supports ASA's 10 to 400.

 

Here is a copy of the manuals description of the viewfinder info...again, not sure if yours is like this one.

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr22/le...urrent=view.png

 

One thing to watch for on these "Optronic Eye" models is that the meter is s-l-o-w to respond to light, maybe due to its age. I've owned two of them and both had the same slow-meter issue, though one was a bit quicker than the other.

 

Hope this helps.

Art

Edited October 29, 2009 by Art Leal

[Niklas Pedersen]

Niklas:

 

Don't know if this model is similar to the 431, but if it is, and if the ASA feelers look like this:

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr22/le...;current=BH.jpg

then the camera supports ASA's 10 to 400.

 

Here is a copy of the manuals description of the viewfinder info...again, not sure if yours is like this one.

http://s466.photobucket.com/albums/rr22/le...urrent=view.png

 

One thing to watch for on these "Optronic Eye" models is that the meter is s-l-o-w to respond to light, maybe due to its age. I've owned two of them and both had the same slow-meter issue, though one was a bit quicker than the other.

 

Hope this helps.

Art

 

Thanks for the help. I think I'm getting there but still I'd like some more info before shooting.

 

It has a same kind of serrated triangle measuring thing that is circled in the first picture. The viewfinder has the black under exposure needle but it also has some other markings and needles. One for the +1 -1 adjust and one that I'm not sure about.

 

I'll take a picture of the cartridge compartment and I'll also try to draw what I see in the viewfinder.

 

And yeah the meter is quite slow....