Colin Curtis

Hello there...I realize how many years later this is - since you posted this - but do you have any modern links to the Canon Scoopic 16 repair manual? The link above doesn't seem to be working.

Thanks Will! It seemed hard to believe to me also. Where-ever I read this, a few years ago, I think the info was just mixed up with the new series, like you suggested. C

Hey Mitch! Thanks...some very informative stuff you mentioned! You are likely right about the FX. C

Hey...K Borowski...Thanks for that very detailed blast of information. Wow! You know your stuff. I guess what I read, might have been related to the new series starting out on film, and perhaps the grainy look they went for might have lead people to believe they actually used Super 16, when it was actually 35mm. It just might have gotten confused with the original show in what I read - not really sure. Another commenter suggested that also. What I don't understand though is (in the newer BSG pilot)...why didn't they just use Super 16? If they wanted a grain that extreme anyway, couldn't they have saved in budgeting? I worked in Toronto on many different TV shows and Super 16 was used often (2000 to 2002). I recently became interested in 16mm prints and was searching Ebay for some...but man...they ARE pricey. Saw a 'Frankenstein' one on there! Projecting Frankenstein at home...that would be VERY cool... The rip offs you mentioned WERE pretty blatant, weren't they...Haha! In some ways though, I actually prefer the story line of Battlestar Galactica (either series) to the story line of Star Wars. I think it was unique to put the humans in the position of being the ones on the run, unlike most sci-fi shows/movies where there are usually humans at the seat of power, governing everyone else. And, them searching for Earth, meaning they were essentially in the same 'universe' as the viewer, made it more identifiable and 'closer to home' I thought - even as a child at the time. Anyway, thanks for clarifying some things! Colin

Hey folks... I read somewhere (and I can't find where now) that there were a few episodes of the original Battlestar Galactica series ('78) that were shot on 16mm film. Does anyone know anything about this? I would love to know if it is true. There are a couple of stand alone episodes (The lost Warrior, The Long Patrol) that do look extremely grainy, but I'm not sure if 16mm has anything to do with it. I'd love to hear back about this. Thanks! Colin

Hey Dom...Thanks for the link...and I did manage to find a battery replacement that works for the light meter, but will test some film to be sure it exposes properly. Unfortunately, there is no manual control though. Pretty basic camera. Thanks for reading and commenting! C

Hello 8mm enthusiasts! I have in my camera collection an 'Olympus PEN 8 EE'. It is a regular 8 camera - from 1963, I think. I might just use this to make some old style home movies of my new-born son. Does anyone on here know where I might find a manual for it, or at the very least some detailed specs? I've read that this camera shoots really sharply. Has anyone had experience with it? Anything I can find on this camera would be great. Here is a picture...It came in the original box. Cool huh?! Thanks for reading! COLIN

Sounds like an Eclair ACL might be the camera for you. You just might find a standard one at or just above your price range. But, ones that have the newer modifications (Super16/Ultra16), lenses and extra mags could cost you double or triple. Depends on luck, really. The price range seems so wide out there. It's... - Good for handheld work, especially if you use the 200' mag - Flexible as far as lenses, adaptors available or easily made - Quiet w/crystal sync, so you have the option of recording sound, if needed - Easily maintained (Many shops/technicians are familiar with them) - They were manufactured for quite a long stretch, so many (and parts) available - Support: Lots of information out there on them, so it's quick and easy to solve problems. I hope this helps! Take it easy... C

I can't add to the extensive amount of films listed here. Seems to be covered. It might be interesting, also, to know if there were any reasonably well-known films shot with Ultra-16. Anyone know?

Thanks for replying Mitch! But...no...certainly not a recording head. This camera is a non-sound and there are no other additions to the camera that would enable it to do sound. Thanks!

Thanks for replying Mark. Yeah...it does move up and down. Maybe you are right about the automatic trip-off - never thought of that - but the button needs quite a bit of force to be pressed in. The button is spring loaded and pushes back down again. I am still waiting to have my batteries re-celled, but when the camera is powered up (without film) it should be easy to test your theory. I wondered if it was some sort of de-magnetizer, but couldn't think of a reason why it would be needed. I am pretty new to cameras at this caliber, so your thoughts are much appreciated.

Hello Everyone... I posted this picture to show an additional part in the film chamber of my Canon Scoopic 16. In the direct center of this photo you will see a square, flat, disk-like object with a wire running from it and into the body of the camera. The wire may be difficult to see in the photo. There is also a chrome button on the bottom of the object. Does anyone know what this is? This is not shown in the manual and it is not on other cameras that I saw online. Could this be something Canon added to the later units from the factory? Or, is it some custom add-on by a previous owner? Thanks for reading and I hope someone can explain it... COLIN

I totally agree Tom...the fixed lens is a draw back. Eventually, I would like to get an Eclair ACL for exactly that reason. I'd even be able to use SLR lenses on it. I thought the Canon Scoopic might make a good camera two. And, it should also serve me well in learning the basics in shooting 16mm. And I like the feel of the Scoopic also. Thanks for commenting.

Hey Oliver...In case you (or anyone else) are interested...I found this YouTube video of a film test done with an Original Scoopic 16 and I thought it was quite decent and this is reg-16. It is nicely telecined and the folks that shot it did a great job. I hope they don't mind me posting this link(?). The test is for a horror film and the end is a touch disturbing. If you look at the comments, the fellow who posted it gives details about shooting it. Here's the link...

Hey...Thanks Oliver! That link was very informative.