Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera
Are you a cinephile looking for a reliable and high-performing Super 8 movie camera? Look no further than the Canon Auto Zoom 518. This camera is a masterpiece of engineering and design, and it revolutionized the way people made home movies in the 1960s and 1970s. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera, including its features, benefits, and how to get the most out of this iconic movie camera.
What Is the Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera?
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera was introduced in 1965, and it quickly became a popular choice among amateur filmmakers. It was a lightweight camera that was easy to use, and it had a built-in zoom lens that could shoot from wide angle to telephoto. The camera was also equipped with a light meter that helped users get the correct exposure settings for any lighting situation.
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 was a significant improvement over previous Super 8 cameras. It had a more precise zoom lens, better exposure control, and a built-in filter system that allowed users to shoot in different lighting conditions without having to change the film. It was also one of the first Super 8 cameras to offer a built-in electric motor drive, which eliminated the need for hand cranking and made filming smoother and easier.
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 was a groundbreaking camera that set the standard for Super 8 cameras for years to come. Even today, it is still considered one of the best Super 8 movie cameras ever made.
Features of the Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera had a range of features that made it an outstanding camera for its time. Here are some of its key features:
Built-in Zoom Lens
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 had a built-in zoom lens that could shoot from a wide-angle of 6.5mm to a telephoto of 65mm. This feature made it an ideal camera for shooting a variety of scenes, from landscapes to portraits. The lens was made of high-quality glass and produced sharp and clear images.
Electric Motor Drive
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 was equipped with an electric motor drive that eliminated the need for hand cranking. This feature made filming smoother and more comfortable, as users did not have to worry about maintaining a consistent speed while cranking the camera.
Built-in Light Meter
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 had a built-in light meter that helped users get the correct exposure settings for any lighting situation. The light meter measured the amount of light coming through the lens and suggested the appropriate aperture and shutter speed settings for the camera.
Filter System
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 had a built-in filter system that allowed users to shoot in different lighting conditions without having to change the film. The camera came with three filters: a daylight filter, an 85 filter for tungsten lighting, and an ND filter for bright sunlight.
Benefits of Using the Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera is an iconic piece of filmmaking history, and there are many benefits to using this camera. Here are some of the key benefits:
- The Canon Auto Zoom 518 was one of the first Super 8 cameras to offer a built-in electric motor drive, which made filming smoother and easier.
- The camera had a range of exposure controls, including a built-in light meter, that helped users get the perfect exposure settings for any lighting situation.
- The Canon Auto Zoom 518 had a built-in filter system that allowed users to shoot in different lighting conditions without changing the film. This made it a versatile camera for shooting in any environment.
- The built-in zoom lens was made of high-quality glass and produced sharp and clear images. It was an ideal lens for shooting a variety of scenes, from landscapes to portraits.
- The Canon Auto Zoom 518 was lightweight and easy to use, making it an ideal camera for amateur filmmakers.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera
If you are lucky enough to own a Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of your camera. Here are some tips:
- Practice using the zoom lens to get a feel for its capabilities. Experiment with shooting from different angles and focal lengths to create unique and dynamic shots.
- Use the built-in light meter to get the correct exposure settings for any lighting situation. Take the time to learn how to use the light meter to get the best possible results from your camera.
- Experiment with the built-in filter system to create different moods and looks in your shots. Try shooting with different filters to see how they affect the colors and tones in your images.
- Take care of your camera by storing it in a cool and dry place when you're not using it. Keep the lens clean and free of dust and debris.
- Consider investing in a high-quality film stock to get the best possible results from your camera. Look for film stocks that are known for producing sharp and vibrant images.
Conclusion
The Canon Auto Zoom 518 Super 8 Movie Camera is an iconic camera that changed the way people made home movies in the 1960s and 1970s. Its lightweight and easy-to-use design, coupled with its powerful features, made it a popular choice among amateur filmmakers. Today, the Canon Auto Zoom 518 is still considered one of the best Super 8 movie cameras ever made, and its legacy lives on in the world of film and video production.
