8MM-16MM FORUM WORLDWIDE

I have a Chinon 20XL, but all I am hearing is this is one of the least desirable cameras and the optics are not the greatest. My new roll of Kodak 100D is patiently waiting, so what is a better camera and why?

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The higher end Canon cameras(814, 1014) are highly sought after for their optics and good mechanics. Pro8mm sells excellent cameras brand new, but they are quite expensive. What were you looking to spend? The only camera I have experience with is a Zenit Quarz 1 x 8S-2, a Soviet clockwork camera. It actually has a pretty good 9-39mm lens, and uses a C-mount, so you can swap lenses. Though it's limited because the camera has a built in 9mm lens that makes certain lenses difficult to focus on the camera. On the other hand, it is possible to shoot anamorphic Super 8 with it. I've been wanting to do this but haven't gotten around to buying scope lens.

Harrison, your Zenit Quarz 1 x 8S-2 sounds like a unique find. Can I see some of your footage online?

What I would like to find is a camera with an electric motor, a manual and automated zoom, and a scope option. Something used under $100. Oh, and any ideas as to what kind recroding device to capture some live sound while filming?

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Here's some footage from the Quarz video, not mine.
I think that combination of features is a tall order. From what I've read only a few cameras have interchangeable lenses, such as my Quarz but the only other I've heard of are Beaulieus. They use C-mounts and are motorized, but no have power zoom and they'll run you a bit more than $100. You can also figure out how to screw a scope lens into the filter mount of a lens, but the problem with that is that the picture shifts when the lens is focused. If you want something electric, then the Cannon 814 would be the way to go, it ranges from $60-$200 depending on condition and whether or not it's been tested.

As for a recording device, it obviously depends on what you want to do. I think something like this would suffice, I've used a similar one and the audio was excellent.

How about a Eumig 125XL. I would think the optics a very good.

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