super 8 mirror cartridge

super 8 mirror cartridge

Mirror Cartridge for super8 cameras
The Super8 Reversal Lab introduces the Mirror Cartridge for all super8 cameras. When you insert this cartridge into your camera, you can check that the automatic and manual exposures are working. You can actually see what is happening. How fantastic is that.

Instruction movie:

There are two main uses.
– If you are planning to purchase a used super8 camera you can check that it works before you pay for it.
– Or if you own a camera, check its condition before exposing your first film cassette. In other words, save money and time.
–
Why did we design this product

Left aperture closed and right manual closed
One of the most common problems with super8 cameras is that you can’t see straight through the film window. (There are exceptions like many Braun Nizo models where the camera opens at the back). Being able to look through the film window is important because this is the only way to find out if the aperture is physically moving. The aperture in super8 cameras consists of two or more triangular blades that open and close via a small electric motor. The blades in super8 cameras that have not been used for a long time may have stuck together because the grease dries out after months or years (think of your bicycle’s chain sitting idle for years). To avoid improper exposure, it’s vital that you understand how your super8 camera works and that you check it regularly. That’s where this Mirror Cartridge comes in handy.
This 3D printed cartridge has the following advantages
– 1. Check the automatic aperture
– 2. Check the manual aperture
– 3. Control the built-in filter setting
– 4. Check the movie window
– 5. Check the camera before buying or selling it
– 6. Check the camera before you use it

How it works 1 – check the automatic aperture

Put new batteries in the super8 camera. Make sure you use the right type of batteries, and buy batteries that are made for mechanical loading. Make sure you use new batteries for the light meter if your camera also needs them separately (these are often small batteries found in watches, search for Weincell batteries).
Set all switches to automatic, usually marked with a red dot, and set the camera to 18 frames per second. Open the side cover and insert the Mirror Cartridge into the camera. Let the camera run. Now it is possible to look through the camera’s film window via the small mirror. Keep your focus on the small mirror and move the camera from light to dark, for example from a window to the floor. You will see that the automatic aperture opens and closes. If you don’t see this, you know the camera is broken.
How it works 2 – check the manual aperture

The switch is on manual aperture
Load your super8 camera with new batteries. Make sure you use a battery for the light meter if your camera needs one (these are often small batteries found in watches).
Set all switches to automatic (usually marked with a red dot). Set the aperture switch to manual. Set the camera to 18 frames per second. Open the side cover and insert the Mirror Cartridge into the camera. Let the camera run. Now it is possible to look through the camera’s film window via the small mirror. Keep your focus on the mirror and turn the manual exposure dial slowly and steadily from plus to minus and vice versa. You can see that the aperture is opening and closing. If you don’t see this, you know the camera is broken.

How it works 3 – check the built-in filter setting

Left the daylight – artificial light switch
Most super8 cameras have a built-in filter. This built-in filter is used to allow artificial light balanced films to be used in daylight. Sometimes it is called an orange filter or an 85 filter. When super8 was introduced in 1965 almost all super8 color films were artificial light balanced, they had a higher ASA value on the box and therefore sold better. Charge your super8 camera with new batteries. Be sure to use a battery for the light meter if your camera requires one (these are often small batteries found in watches).
Set all switches to automatic, usually marked with a red dot, and set the camera to 18 frames per second. Open the side cover and insert the Mirror Cartridge into the camera. Let the camera run. Now it is possible to look through the camera’s film window via the small mirror. Keep your focus on the mirror and move the filter switch from the sun symbol to the light bulb symbol. You will see that the color through the film window changes from an orange tint (built-in daylight – artificial light filter is in use) to a blue tint (filter not in use). If there is no perceptible change you know that the camera is broken. Or that the built-in filter is missing.

How it works 4 – check the film window

The rectangle we call the super8 film window
It is not nice to have dust in your film window because they will come and stay in your image after shooting and developing your film. So cleaning beforehand helps. Load your super8 camera with new batteries. Be sure to use a battery for the light meter if your camera requires one (these are often small batteries found in watches). Set all switches to automatic (usually marked with a red dot) except exposure. Set the camera to 18 frames per second. Open the side cover and insert the Mirror Cartridge into the camera. Let the camera run. Open the aperture fully with the manual exposure button (often somewhere between f-stop 1.8 or 2.2, depending on your lens). Now it is possible to look through the camera’s film window via the small mirror and see if it is clean and free of dust and dirt. If you are using your cell phone’s camera, you can point it at the small mirror to magnify the image and see it on your phone’s screen. If the film window is not clean, follow the steps in your camera manual to clean it.

How to do it 5 – check the camera before you buy or sell it

See instructions 1 through 4.
Every week the lab receives visitors who show their purchased or found camera and want to know how to start filming with super8. Many lab inspected cameras are broken because batteries have been left in the battery compartment, or the camera has been damaged by moisture or poor handling. With this Mirror Cartridge, you can check many of the functions yourself before you buy and pay for the camera.

How it works 6 – check the camera before you use it

See instructions 1 through 4.
You are about to make a super8 film, but you haven’t used the camera in a long time. You want to start filming in the next few days, but you’re not sure what filter setting you need, or you want to make sure the built-in filter isn’t between the lens and the film. Is the film window even clean? All of these questions can be answered with the help of this Mirror Cartridge.

A few tips
– You only need one Mirror Cartridge, you can use it over and over again.
– Buy one together with a few friends, organization, family, foundation or film club.
– Always keep the Mirror Cartridge in your camera bag.

More information: https://super8.nl/en/knowledge-base/mirror-cartridge-for-super8-cameras/