Tom Hepburn

Hey Folks, Some inquiries, but this Super 16 ACL II is still available.

I've had some "conversations", but still available.

FYI for anyone interested, I posted this ACL II for sale in the Marketplace here: ACL II Super 16 Kit for sale

For Sale Eclair ACL II Super 16 kit - late model #2947 See Film Test *please read the disclaimer section at the end. This is a Super 16 camera (uses all of the film frame) Kinoptik viewfinder MIVAR crystal sync motor - 8,12,24,25,50,75 fps 3 French magazines (includes all covers for pressure plate) 1 400 ft 1 200 ft 1 200 ft Hand grip Visual Products custom switch Battery belt and charger - new batteries 8/2024 Rod system with base plate Mirror auto parks (see video) Angenieux zoom lens (slight vignetting at the end of full zoom) 3 additional kodak lenses form K-100 (25, 50, 75) 1 Wide angle lens Various lens mounts (see pictures) Spectra Cine light meter Various filters Pelican case and lens case Note, there’s no inching knob on the motor (see disclaimer) Pictures and Video Film Test - Shot in August 2024 Disclaimer Although I have used this camera and have shot the film test, I’m not a professional cinematographer. Please refer to pictures and the film test for reference. If you would like additional pictures or information feel free to email me. I’m an honest person looking for an honest buyer at a fair market price. There’s no inching knob on the motor. My process has been to check the loops for 2 seconds or so to confirm good loops and claw is engaging. With automatic mirror parking, personally I’ve never had an issue. I talked with Paul at Visual Products about a CLA and described the visual state of the camera and case. He said “I think you’re fine” in terms of the CLA. Other than the film test I have not used the camera for 10-12 years, but it's been in its case, in a non smoking controlled environment. I’m asking $5,500 for everything. The buyer would pay for shipping. Prefer to sell in the US only at this time. If you’re close by, I would consider meeting in the middle. I’m in northern Illinois.

Ha! I think I'm one of those as well Duncan. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ztGKmSZ08rwuFrUEag2FvGzwq7AcF6wv

Thanks Chris, I've thought about it and won't be disappointed if I don't, but I also thought someone else would be able to get much more use out of it. Let's see 😁

I recently got the film test back and thought I'd share it: Eclair ACL II super 16 film test

I understand what you mean Duncan. It's hard to get my phone on the eyecup to get a good picture, but I managed. Here is the link: Viewfinder Super16

Hello again, I have a quick update. I appreciate this site and the feedback thus far. It's much more of a friendly community compared to some other places these days. I manually turned to motor (thanks Duncan) to make sure nothing was locked or stuck. That was successful. A little lubricant was on the motor face which was not sticky or gummy. Today I ran it at 24fps and it purred nicely. See video links below. I spoke with Paul at Visual Products. He asked a few questions about it. Then said if it's been in an air conditioned controlled environment (which it has), he didn't think there would be any big issues if it worked fine before (understand that's not a film test). Confirmed that all of the magazines (1 400', 2 200') are French. Apparently this camera has automatic mirror parking? My understanding is that the inching knob is primarily used for this. If that's the case (and correct me if I'm wrong) the missing or removed knob seems a little less critical. In the below video you can see there is an automatic adjustment/sound after stopping the motor, which I assume is the mirror being parked. This video will probably explain everything better than I can. Shutter movie Again, I'm not the expert here so open to other feedback. Thanks, Tom

Update: turning smooth! The rubber coupler tried to make a run for it. Thanks for pointing that out Duncan. A little lubricant in there as well, which seems in good shape and not too thick or sticky. Next step is the battery. I'm assuming that a lot has changed since bescor battery belt. Any (4pin) recommendations? I just need to test it at full speed.

Understood Duncan. Let me take a couple of deep breaths first 🙂 I really appreciate your help.

A couple of updates I wanted to share. I found the manual that explains more about the motor. I can see that there was an inching knob in the reference pictures of the manual. Manual motor 1 Manual motor 2 I also removed the small plate to uncover what is there now. It does not seem to turn and I'm not sure in its "updated" state it's designed to. Obviously it has worked without the knob (see footage). motor plate removed Here is where I am: I want to test the motor, but I won't turn it on, or even connect a battery until I'm sure things move freely. It seems good that the mirror will park in position as per the manual, but I still need the knob to manually turn it to see if things are free. Any alternative to doing so other than the inching knob? Hope that makes sense. If I can confirm that things move smoothly and easily, I will get a battery and test the motor. As always I'm open to any thoughts on the subject. Thanks again, Tom

I wanted to get back to this. As you can imagine I still haven't found an inching knob, but I'm not giving up yet 🙂 I had a thought that I wanted to run by here. The inching knob doesn't seem like a very complicated component, correct me if I'm wrong. I mean it doesn't seem to require all of the accurate adjustments and calibrations that some other components might. If that's the case, it seems like a handy person or machine shop would be able to fabricate one. I would just need the proper reference with measurements etc. Any thoughts? Hopefully this will display in the regular size font....my phone made it large. Thanks, Tom

Thanks Steven, I spoke with a gentleman at Visual Products yesterday and he said the same thing. Thanks for the responses folks. It all makes sense and I'm thankful to get this information. The camera has been dormant for 10 years so although it was working fine at that time I'm planning on taking it to VP for a review and potential service. I wouldn't want to spend this kind of money on something without it working if I were a buyer. In my mind something is either fully functional or parts. It could take up to a month for them to get to it, but I'm sure I'll post here if all is well with it. Actually I'll probably post it here even if it doesn't work and include the Visual Products assessment or repair. All the best for now, Tom

Following up as service options are limited and could take months. If I was to shoot 200ft, develop, scan, and post a clip would that meet the standard of "Fully functional" here? Of course I would need to but a battery and brush up on my skills 😉 Tom