Super 8 Camera - Canon Autozoom 814, fully serviced, optically and mechanically in like new condition, featuring a professional modification equivalent to that offered by Pro8mm in the United States.
. Description of modifications and CLA:
1. Removal of the “automatic engagement mechanism” for the 85A temperature filter (orange filter).
Some film cartridges, including Ektachrome, lack the notch causing this filter to activate, resulting in a significant white balance imbalance (see photos for details of the issue).
Many people complain about the very “reddish” tint of Ektachrome in Super 8mm forums, thinking it’s a development or scanning issue.
The problem is this filter, which activates automatically on certain cameras without the user realizing it, as the filter is positioned behind the viewfinder glass.
The automatic activation mechanism has therefore been removed; the filter itself can still be activated manually via a dedicated button, although I recommend an optical correction filter rather than this built-in gel.
2. Removal of the automatic metering / exposure gear and installation of a cold shoe onto which you can clip a mini light meter such as the Voigtlander VC-Meter II, TT Artisan Light Meter II, or Domo Meter S (the best in my opinion and at a very affordable price of around €80). A much more reliable method for taking measurements.
Not only has the original cells aged, as with all Super 8 cameras, but the voltage of modern batteries (1.5 V) causes inaccuracies.
A discreet brass tab covered in leather was custom-made to support the flash shoe just above the lens.
Another point that few people mention is that these cameras are designed for a specific ISO range; the Canon 814 (non-electronic), for example, does not recognize film speeds above 250 ISO in tungsten light and 160 ISO in daylight; the light meter will therefore produce overexposed readings on films like Vision 3 500T, in addition to the discrepancy caused by the battery voltage.
3. Replacement of the plastic grip cover with a high-quality leather cover.
4. General cleaning and lubrication of the mechanisms, particularly the shutter blade, which dries out over decades, causing abnormally loud noise and occasional jams.
So:
-Smooth operation at all speeds (12fps - 18fps - 24fps), with perfectly smooth electronic zoom as well.
-The lens is like new, with crystal-clear elements and a smooth focus ring.
All-metal version, unlike the “814 Electronic,” which has a plastic body.
Robust and reliable, it is one of the best Super 8 cameras ever built.
Comes with its lens hood and leather carrying case.
A truly beautiful item recently used in a fashion film for a famous luxury brand (the well-known brand with the letter “H”),
Pickup in Paris, shipping available,