Mike Crane

You can always have a look at Spectra's order page to get a very basic idea of shipping rates. However, I doubt anyone could easily enlighten you as to cost of tax/duty for customs. I can only advise that you ask Spectra to assign a lower value for customs paperwork.

Not really. They rent well maintained Canon 1014XLS cameras for far less than Pro8 cameras. And, their equipment produces better results. As cheap as I admit I am, i've actually rented their cameras for important projects. They were very quiet and reliable. While their price is not rock bottom, their 1014 cameras are better than any I have rented elsewhere. For me, thats a sweet bargain. ;)

The 85 filter is removed via a switch in the film compartment when a roll of B/W film in inserted into the camera. This is the purpose of the 85 filter notch. So, the answer is no, the in camera 85 filter does not affect your exposure settings.

Ebay is always a good resource hunt for bargains, but not the most reliable. I can't tell you how many times I've been ripped off with garbage battery corroded cameras and fungus filled lenses. Most of the cameras I've gotten usually require service costing at least $100 - 200.00 (if they can be fixed). Some just get thrown out when they arrive. If you need a more reliable source you may want to consider a good camera store as well. Spectra sells cameras for $100.00 and up that have been serviced and film tested. If problems arise you can always count on their warranty. Some of these cameras run quieter and better than anything I have ever owned. Check out their current list here: http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/Cameras.html The drawback is that Spectra cameras are typically more expensive than ebay. But, if you figure in ebay shipping, film tests and servicing you may soon realize that Spectra has some of the best deals going with a solid warranty as a bonus. Not to mention the time and trouble you can save yourself. If you insist on ebay I can only advise that you avoid sellers that do not accept PayPal. Be sure to bid low on anything you buy because it will probably require service. Avoid bidding frenzies. Consider shipping costs into the camera price. Be sure to carefully read the description. Ask questions if information (such as shipping cost) is not provided. Be suspicious! Good luck with your search! ;)

I've got 3 crumpled dollar bills and some change I found under my car seat. If you throw in air shipping with the projector I will send you the entire amout! SUPER DEAL! Let me know ASAP!

...whatever. However, I did want to thank you for your earlier suggestion of going into Spectra for a freebie sneak peek. That was really helpful! Sometimes, you're alright. ;) Next, I think I may ask Spectra to let me use their photocopier to copy a few select pages for a more in depth review at home. Then i'll look for a cheaper place to buy! (anyone have a used copy to sell for cheap?) Man, I feel great hearing that extra change jingle in my pocket! :P

I feel like being evil! I'm dropping by Spectra tonight to thumb through their store copy! If it looks good i'm gonna snag that new copy on ebay. :P

Why don't you try sending your camera over to Pro8 as a warranty repair?

The Kinoflex is nothing more than a $50.00 low end russian camera with a Pro8mm "Kinoflex" name-plate and a HUGE mark-up. Instead, you should consider using the source where Pro8mm probably got them to begin with: http://www.geocities.com/russiancamera/super_8_cameras.htm Or, consider some of the rebuilt cameras that Spectra sells for those on a low budget: http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/Cameras.html good luck!

I think they did a great job. I wonder if it is possible to allow the camera to work with standard super 8 films. Then there would be more film variety and larger group of customers willing to pay. James, thanks for running this. I have always found your site very interesing.

It has been known for a while now that Pro8 packs their super 8 cartridges with short ends. You can ask Media Distributors who sells them most of their short ends for conversion. Some Pro8 employees (both former and current) have also stepped forward with this info. Ultimately, anyone who wants to know should just ask Pro8mm point blank. So many now know about the short-ends that they may have given up trying to keep it a secret.

If you knew what Pro8 packs into their cartridges, you might re-evaluate the bargain. <_< Would you consider it a bargain if a tuna canning company offers you 1/2 price premium tuna that is really dog food? What would be the resulting damage to the tuna industry as well as the honest companies that struggle to compete?

The carts only have a VERY thin layer of this material applied to the cartridge. None of it sticks to the film. The roll I shot sounded very smooth in my old camera and came out perfectly after processing. No special lab proceedures are required. kodak has also coated the interior of their carts with a very thin lubricant. You can see it smear a bit when you rub your finger on some interior cartridge parts. But, perhaps older carts become dry with time.

Nah, Pro8mm is very expensive with sketchy quality. For what Pro8 pays to make a roll, $30.00 is no bargain. Remember, when you buy their "new" bargain film you are really buying unused short ends that where converted to super 8 at minimal cost. There may be Xray damage or expired film in that "new" box. It's a huge gamble for saving a buck or two on stock/processing. As for shipping from the US, there are other places that will take the time to walk to the post office to save you some money. Shipping one roll of film DHL is a ripoff and Pro8mm knows it! DHL is easy to do as well as profitable for a company of their size. If you want to shoot neg, go with easily obtainable Kodak film. Your results will be better than anything Pro8 can deliver. Plus, it supports Kodak in their effort to continue to offer super 8 film.

Velvia in super 8 would be the ultimate phycadelic stock. Super saturated colors with minimal grain. Spectra sells it.

Hmmm... sounds unlikely. <_<

I would advise you get a viewer instead. It will allow you to view your dailies and edit with minimal dirt and scratching. The Elmo Dual 912 Viewer is a good choice.

You can give this place a try for film in Japan: http://film.club.ne.jp/english/englishindex.html

All super 8 cameras with no speed selection are always 18fps.

Spectra carries projector and film viewer lamps and will ship to any location. Just provide them with the 3 letter code on the side of your lamp (or projector).

I also think that the flip grip 518 model does not have the manual exposure over-ride (I could be wrong). I consider it a must on older super 8 cameras. The 518 AutoZoom has an over-ride dial at the base of the camera (where the grip connects) while the flip grip 518 does not appear to have one.

You can try Spectra's camera page. You won't pay ebay prices, but at least you will get a camera that has been serviced and tested with a warranty. It is also worth just speaking to them since they are very knowlegable about all super 8 cameras. There may be others as well. Spectra just happens to be the company I use.

The 10.00 price for this camera is not bad all things considered. Where do you buy the "Zenit Quarz 1x8S-2" at such a good price? I may order 5 of them just for stunt cameras.

I am sure they must be quite cheap if purchased from Pro8mm's source in Russia. Blades to the iris sticking in closed position seems to be a common problem with these cameras.

The Pro8mm "Kinoflex" has got to be one of the worst super 8 cameras I have ever used. Soft picture and easily broken wind-up S8 camera at a very high price.