hey i know this is a dv forum, but i figured some people would know a little about film.
so i am trying to start using 8mm for more artsy shots and stuff, i already have an old 8mm, not super 8 that i got for free from a relative, its a bell and howell filmo companion double run 8. it is tiny and seems pretty crappy, but the footage i saw that was shot with it looks pretty good, it has that old home movie look that i really like. but i want to get a pretty nice super 8 to get more high quality shots. im willing to pay around 400-500 but i dont wanna spend alot if i dont have to, ive looked at the Beaulieu 4008, which seems nice and its a little more than 500 some places. and the Nizo 6080 & 6056, or Nizo S560 & S800. but there are hundreds of different models and its so hard to find which ones are good and which ones arent. so if anyone can reccomend a camera or anything that would be great.

Scott,
I own half a dozen super 8 cameras, so I'm familiar with a lot of the different brand's.

What exactly are you hoping to do with the camera? While DS8 and R8 film is still available, it's a little hard to find. You can get S8 film, and even better s8 NEGATIVE film for modern cameras. They won't print the negative film, but they will transfer it to DV tape for you, so you get the lattitude of shooting negative stock, but the convenience of importing and editing from DV tape.

It's possible to find some good deals at yard sales, and thrift stores. Some of my favorite cameras, I picked up for a song, and simply cleaned the battery compartments to get them running.

Don't bother buying 'sound cameras'... since SUper 8 sound film stock is no longer available. You can shoot regular cartridges in sound cameras alright, but don't let someone sell you on the fact that it is a 'sound' camera... won't mean a thing to you.

Bargains can be found on EBAY, but you really should get a refund policy if possible. Buy cameras that have been used to shoot stock with recently.

My favorite cameras are the ELMO 612 and 1012, the SANKYO EM60 and the Minolta's.

Lots of cameras have a small battery for their light meters, that are hard to find/replace. Make sure any camera you buy has replaceable light meter battery.

Aside from the russian cameras, you are essentially buying 'antique' gear. Cameras that were manufactured in the seventies. It's a testament to their construction that they still run like clockwork. (At least the better ones!). Always check to make sure the lenses are clean, clear of fungus and unscratched. Make sure the seals on the compartment are still entact (Light seals can be replaced/repaired... but it's better if you don't have to)

Jump in, and enjoy shooting FILM!

If you want to ask questions to people who still use S8 then go here.

http://www.filmshooting.com/scripts/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

Looking for info regarding all aspects of S8 then go here.

http://homepage.mac.com/onsuper8/

Good luck.