Looking at Hi-8 camera and not sure if I found a good deal at DVinfo.net

Scott J. Smith · December 28th, 2007, 12:33 PM

I know long title but I wanted to get everyones attention!!! Ok, I've introduced myself in the neighborhood forum...And couldn't find any other place to post this so I decided to come here.

I found 2 camera for sell. The guy the currently owns them bought them when he purchaced a room lot that was for auction. Basically he paid 1 sum of money for the rooms contents. Anyway, he has a Canon L1 and L2 with tons of extras I think...I know both come with Aluminum Cases, Shotgun mics, I think a couple extra lenes....But...Are they worth buying? I checked on ebay and the ones listed for parts are going for close to 200. The ones with accessories are going for 800 to 1300. I can get both these camera for under a grand. I was thinking of selling the L1 to pay for my purchase or even keep it so I have a spare or another camera angle.

I'm wanting to get into short film, weddings, documentaries....Would these camera work for that?

Thanks,
Scott

Don Bloom · December 28th, 2007, 01:28 PM

the L series are very very old cameras and frankly a friend of mine finally just threw his away. (it was broken).
If you're looking to spend very little money perhaps a GL1 or GL2 or a Sony PD 150. I would really stay away from the 2 you mentioned, but that's just me.

Don

Nate Weaver · December 28th, 2007, 01:59 PM

A good deal on those cameras would be $50.

They are almost 17 years old, and in technology years, that's a millennium.

Do not buy.

Chris Hurd · December 28th, 2007, 02:34 PM

Can't recommend it. Agree with others, do not buy.

The L1 and L2 are very old Hi-8 camcorders. Back in their day they were great, but those days are long gone. All Hi-8 camcorders from that era will suffer from leaking capacitors sooner or later (resulting in a dead camera) and the cost to repair will far exceed their value.

The suggestion to spend your money on a current model such as a GL2 is excellent advice.

Greg Laves · December 28th, 2007, 10:34 PM

I bought an L1 way back when. Right after the warranty was up, the view finder died. I bit the bullet and had it repaired but sold it right away. After what seemed like a pretty short time frame, I heard it had died again. I later talked to someone who also had one who had died way too soon. I would be surprised if those 2 even worked. Spend your money somewhere else.

December 28th, 2007, 12:33 PM	#1
Scott J. Smith Tourist Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Orleans, IN Posts: 4	Looking at Hi-8 camera and not sure if I found a good deal I know long title but I wanted to get everyones attention!!! Ok, I've introduced myself in the neighborhood forum...And couldn't find any other place to post this so I decided to come here. I found 2 camera for sell. The guy the currently owns them bought them when he purchaced a room lot that was for auction. Basically he paid 1 sum of money for the rooms contents. Anyway, he has a Canon L1 and L2 with tons of extras I think...I know both come with Aluminum Cases, Shotgun mics, I think a couple extra lenes....But...Are they worth buying? I checked on ebay and the ones listed for parts are going for close to 200. The ones with accessories are going for 800 to 1300. I can get both these camera for under a grand. I was thinking of selling the L1 to pay for my purchase or even keep it so I have a spare or another camera angle. I'm wanting to get into short film, weddings, documentaries....Would these camera work for that? Thanks, Scott

December 28th, 2007, 01:59 PM	#3
Nate Weaver Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,100	A good deal on those cameras would be $50. They are almost 17 years old, and in technology years, that's a millennium. Do not buy. __________________ My Work: nateweaver.net

December 28th, 2007, 02:34 PM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Can't recommend it. Agree with others, do not buy. The L1 and L2 are very old Hi-8 camcorders. Back in their day they were great, but those days are long gone. All Hi-8 camcorders from that era will suffer from leaking capacitors sooner or later (resulting in a dead camera) and the cost to repair will far exceed their value. The suggestion to spend your money on a current model such as a GL2 is excellent advice. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

December 28th, 2007, 01:28 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	the L series are very very old cameras and frankly a friend of mine finally just threw his away. (it was broken). If you're looking to spend very little money perhaps a GL1 or GL2 or a Sony PD 150. I would really stay away from the 2 you mentioned, but that's just me. Don

December 28th, 2007, 10:34 PM	#5
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	I bought an L1 way back when. Right after the warranty was up, the view finder died. I bit the bullet and had it repaired but sold it right away. After what seemed like a pretty short time frame, I heard it had died again. I later talked to someone who also had one who had died way too soon. I would be surprised if those 2 even worked. Spend your money somewhere else.