Richard Key

Here's the link. Take a look and see if you like it. It's in good shape. http://cgi.ebay.com/Spectacular-Beaulieu-4008-ZM-WORKS-W-BONUSES-/280703722094?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415b3ee26e#ht_700wt_976

Your camera looks brand new! These cameras are addictive aren't they? I'll be sending one to Björn soon too! I'm researching a DOF adapter to add to it and investing in a few c-mount lenses; I have a non-reflex H16 Bolex so they'll work for both!

You guys were right! The mirror wasn't in the neutral position. I charged the battery for a couple hours and was able to get it running for about 30 seconds (definitely needs to be re-celled). The mirror corrected itself. You guys have been great! Thanks for all the help! I have one more question though: I tried using the electric zoom control contact and it didn't work. Is this due to the battery having such a low charge?

So I got the 4008 today in the mail. After doing a little more fact checking and taking some advice from you guys, I've decided to re-cell the battery that came with the camera. It won't be terribly expensive and it should fit my needs nicely. When the camera arrived it had this red dust all over it :( So after an hour of cleaning it and making sure it was dust free, I tried looking through the viewfinder. I couldn't see anything. It was well lit environment too. I took the lens off and inspected it and it seems fine. So I'm thinking it's the viewfinder. When I pointed the camera to a light, I could see (barely) a very faint outline of the lamp. The image kind of looks like it's covered in a thick somewhat translucent grease. Does anybody know what's going on with it and if it can be fixed? Once I get it going, I'll take your advice Andries and do a proper test with it.

Thanks! That's going to help a lot! I have a buddy who I'm sure can wire that up for me. It does look fairly straight forward.

Thanks for the advice guys. Do you know if there is a video online to show how to do that? Or a step by step pictorial guide. I'm a very visual person, and I need to be shown and not to told so I can learn. I suppose that's a very good reason why I'm a filmmaker; I gotta see it! :)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=280676859868&si=kwcWd0mBdlnUieJAT2%252FWiMPVpCw%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT#ht_500wt_949 How come I got this camera so cheap? Is there something wrong with it? I haven't received it yet, but I'm getting this gnawing feeling like I just spent a small fortune (a fortune for a low wage earner like myself)on a camera that's going to screw me in the end. I've read so many positive things about the 4008 zm, and bought the camera on impulse. Do any owners of this camera have any advice for a Super 8 newbie like myself on how to take full advantage of it and avoid the pitfalls(and perhaps find a video on how to construct a battery pack for it). Once I receive the camera I'd like to be able to test it without having to spend another small fortune on buying a pre-made battery pack. Recently, the Super 8 bug bit me and won't let go! I've been doing video for so long; I can't wait to try out film. P.S. Once I get the camera I'll post whatever blessings or shortcomings came with the camera. P.S.P.S. This is my first post here on cinematography.com; please be gentle :)