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

Thanks for the input thus far folks. I looked at those servicing places. Bernie apparently passed away unfortunately. He was a nice guy and I had him service it when I first bought it. Here are some updated pictures. Based on the name plate on the front of the camera it looks like it was converted by Les Bosher. There's also a clip from one of the last times I used it. I'm not the best cinematographer, and the end is better in terms of seeing the capability. Keep in mind it was also compressed as bandwidth was a bit of an issue back then. Additional Pictures Let me know if there are any issues with the link. Thanks again. Tom

Thanks Aapo, Is there a pinned post or something here that shows places that service? I live in Raleigh, NC, but am also in Chicagoland often. If it's checked out by a reputable place is it considered "fully funcional" without buying film, developing, and scanning? Tom

I hope it's okay to ask this question here. I purchased this camera 20 years ago. I haven't used it much and it's been sitting in its pelican case for 10 years. I'm trying to get a ballpark on the value if anyone can assist. 2 200ft mag and 1 400. I'm including two pictures. I believe the battery belt and charger are toast. So I would need to replace that before selling. I also have 4 lenses, various filters, and tripod. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Tom

I have an Eclair ACL. I also copied this from a manual: "Should the operating speed of the motor fall below the working level, then a warning light on the side will come on indicating loss of synchronisation. This condition applies if the output power of the battery is low." Tom

I wanted to also point out that once you get a few roles of Black and White under your belt (should you choose to go in that direction), there are really nice and unique looks that you can achieve with a Red, Orange, or Yellow filter and Black and White stock. I always found the grain in double-x to be a little much for my taste, but you may like it. Orwo may have a version of Plus-x (my fav B&W). Tom

Hi Gautam, I've always used orange stick to keep the gate clean then compressed air with the can held absolutely level. The sticks won't scratch anything and work well, particularly on build up in the gate. Love black and white film and really miss 7231. Good luck, Tom

a bit OT here, but Kip, do you have any frames you could share of that stock?

Hi Francis, "switchable between regular and super 16" You wouldn't even need a regular mag if the ones you have are S16. If you want R16 you would shoot for that by looking through the ground glass (if 4:3 R16 marks are there). Otherwise you could just scan/transfer the S16 and crop it when you edit. Tom

Hey Christopher, As Will mentioned, I printed one out myself. I glued it to the back on my clapboard. Where it helps me is when I'm filming a person and I want there face to in crisp focus and I don't feel completely sure I'm getting it, I flip the clapboard and take advantage of the visual aid it provides for focus. Tom

Hi Alec, I'm not sure about the polyester question, but just make sure you double check the filter factor when setting your exposure. Good luck. Tom