Bell And Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera
Bell and Howell's Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera is a classic piece of equipment for videography enthusiasts. It is a vintage camera that became popular in the 1960s and has since retained its charm as a reliable filmmaking tool. The camera is known for its electric eye feature, which automatically adjusts to light conditions to ensure that your videos come out great.
History of Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera
The Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera was first introduced in the late 1950s. At the time, 8mm film cameras were becoming popular due to their compact size and portability. However, the cameras available at the time lacked the necessary features to ensure high-quality videos. Bell and Howell recognized this and set out to create a camera that would revolutionize the industry.
Their solution was the Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera, which was released in 1959. The camera had a built-in light meter that used a selenium cell to measure the light and set the exposure automatically. This made it easy for filmmakers to shoot videos without worrying about the lighting conditions. The camera was an instant success and became a favorite among amateur filmmakers.
Features of Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera
The Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera is a true gem when it comes to filmmaking. Here are some of its unique features:
Electric Eye Feature
The electric eye feature is the standout feature of this camera. It automatically adjusts to the light conditions and sets the exposure for you. This feature makes it easy for beginners to get started with filmmaking without worrying about the technical details.
Variable Speed Control
The camera has a variable speed control that allows you to adjust the film speed from 12 to 32 frames per second. This feature comes in handy when you want to slow down or speed up some parts of your video.
Zoom Lens
The camera has a zoom lens that allows you to zoom in and out while shooting videos. This feature is especially useful when you want to capture a subject from a distance.
Manual Focus
The camera has a manual focus that allows you to focus on a specific subject. This feature is useful when you want to highlight a subject in your video.
How to Use Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera
Using the Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera is easy. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Load the Film
Open the camera and load the film using the instructions provided in the manual. Make sure the film is loaded correctly to avoid wasting film.
Step 2: Set the Exposure
Turn the camera on and set the exposure by pointing the camera at the subject and pressing the exposure button. The camera will automatically adjust the exposure based on the light conditions.
Step 3: Set the Speed
Set the speed by adjusting the variable speed control dial. You can adjust the speed to slow down or speed up certain parts of your video.
Step 4: Focus on the Subject
Use the manual focus to focus on the subject. This feature allows you to highlight a specific part of your video.
Step 5: Start Recording
Press the record button to start recording your video. Make sure to keep the camera steady to avoid shaky footage.
Tips for Using Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera:
Use a Tripod
Using a tripod will help you keep the camera steady and avoid shaky footage. This is especially important when shooting videos in low light conditions.
Experiment with Different Speeds
The variable speed control allows you to experiment with different speeds. Try slowing down or speeding up certain parts of your video to add more drama.
Be Mindful of Lighting Conditions
While the electric eye feature makes it easy to shoot videos in different lighting conditions, it is still important to be mindful of the lighting. Try to shoot videos in well-lit areas to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
The Bell and Howell Electric Eye 8mm Movie Camera is a classic piece of filmmaking equipment that has stood the test of time. Its electric eye feature, variable speed control, zoom lens, and manual focus make it a versatile tool for videographers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced filmmaker, this camera is worth adding to your collection.
