JJ Abrams Super 8 Camera ID

[nickytea]

I've been going blind the last few hours trying to ID the camera used in JJ Abrams new movie Super 8. (There are two shown in the trailer, I'm looking for the one in the train crash scene.)

I think the reason I was initially met with such trouble is, it appears the logos may have been replaced, and a different pistol grip and lens used. Either that, or they're using a model I can't find a picture of.

Either way, the camera body is definitely from a BELL & HOWELL FILMOSONIC super 8mm movie camera. What model exactly is eluding me. The model numbers of this line ran from Bell & Howell 1221 to 1239, roughly. There's several models in that range I can't find ANY pictures of, so it's possible that the exact camera is one of those.

None of the currently available ones on ebay are exact.

Here's the reference I'm working from:

Any ideas?

 

[nickytea]

Here's a pic of the 1235, which I don't believe is the right model, but will give you an idea:

 

[CSMacLaren]

Ah, nickytea beat me to it.

It's the 12XX series.

THere's one on eBay right now.

Bell & Howell SoundStar Filmosonic Xl Movie Camera | eBay

Logo might have been a prop mod.

 

[nickytea]

Unless there were heavy mods done, I don't think that's the model.
Check out the screencap, and you'll see an additional switch on the upper right corner of the body. Also, the switches below that don't match up exactly.

 

[nickytea]

And I've still had no luck IDing the pistol grip.

 

[nickytea]

This XL 1236 has a much closer set of switches, but is still missing the one in the upper right:

 

[CSMacLaren]

Well, here are a few images. Getting ones pointing to the right are really hard to find.

1238 - http://www.ioffer.com/img/item/588/946/36/Zk5QAPB6QvXLRR9.jpg
1237 - http://particle.physics.ucdavis.edu/Graphics/Cameras/bell_and_howell_1237.jpg
1223 (Metallic gray highlights) - http://images.shopgoodwill.com/7/5-9-2011/sa789740959-el.jpg
XL 1230 - Free Stuff: Bell & Howell Filmosonic XL 1230 8mm SOUND Movie Camera - Listia.com Auctions
XL 1236 - http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/2/3/7/8/1/webimg/468143364_tp.jpg

The only thing I'd say is consider the grip. It's removable, but it might be an indication - there are no finger grooves in the grip in the screen capture you posted.

 

[nickytea]

Exactly, and the shape on that pistol grip is very specific. Either it's from a model we dont' have documentation of, or they pulled it off of another camera.

 

[Zombie Killer]

It's a Eumig 66

 

[mvmagic]

It does look like Eumig. Here's a pic:

http://www.super8data.com/database/cameras_list/cameras_image/eumig_66xl.jpg

 

[Zombie Killer]

Believe me when i say i have no doubt. :lol

 

[mvmagic]

Oh I was agreeing with you! I've had an Eumig myself. Here's another shot:

http://www.fuchsberg.at/eumig/pandreas/members.nusurf.at/pandreas/eumig-museum/kameras/sound66xl.jpg

 

[Zombie Killer]

The 33 almost the same. It's missing one button on the side shown in the screencap.

 

[mvmagic]

I think mine was 66, but now that you said there's one button difference I cant be sure. It stopped working when I was a kid and the insides became-surprise surprise-important parts of a raygun.

 

[Zombie Killer]

I had bought one at one time when i was looking for something else. I sold it though.

 

[nickytea]

Man, I was way off.

EDIT: Well, it's not the 66 XL or the 33 XL, as neither have that additional switch. Might be the 31XL.

 

[Grey]

I'd swear that looks like the Encom logo from Tron. :lol

 

[Zombie Killer]

Man, I was way off.

EDIT: Well, it's not the 66 XL or the 33 XL, as neither have that additional switch. Might be the 31XL.

Yikes, i missed that top button. Is there a higher numbered model? Seems like the more options the higher the model #.


Edit might be the 65 XL and there is an 80 also

 

[nickytea]

Edit might be the 65 XL and there is an 80 also

Yep, I'm pretty darn sure its the 65 XL.
Which would explain a few recently ended auctions. :lol

 

[nickytea]

Guys, we literally have no chance of finding these.

I just called a guy who had listed one on craigslist. Coincidentally, in my hometown in California. I thought my parents might be able to pick it up from him. No such luck. Someone contracted by Paramount bought it the week before I called.

I think they're buying these up to use in promoting the movie.
Grrrr.