Super-8 camera tester with magnifier

Ever ruined a Super-8 film by having dust / hair around the edges of the frame, or mould in the lens ?

 We know how disappointing it can be when you get your Super-8 film processed and it is ruined by hair, dirt or debris around the edge of the image. Worse still if the image is fuzzy due to hidden mould inside the lenses, or the camera aperture isn’t working.

This is always a challenge with Super-8 cameras, as the light path for the film is different to the light path for the viewfinder meaning that you can’t spot these problems just by looking through the viewfinder.

We have the ultimate tool for viewing both:

•           A magnified view of the film gate
•           A through-the-lens image

Our mirror test cartridge is the same size as a Super-8 cartridge and it simply slots into your camera to give you a clear view of the film gate. By pulling the trigger to start the camera, you get a great view of the film gate and also through the lens. Note that it is only for use with cameras that load film via a side door.

A unique feature of our tester is the screw-in magnifying lens that gives a really clear view of the film gate. Simply clean the dirt and debris carefully using a cotton bud and gently blow out, then check again. We recommend using this tester before every film, as dirt can easily creep into the film compartment at any time.

In addition the magnifier what makes our tester truly unique is that it can be set to match the film cartridges of all current Super-8 film types.

Super-8 cartridges have two notches in the side which tell the camera:

•           The film speed (ISO)
•           The film type (Daylight or Tungsten)

The film speed slot (the upper one) normally operates a lever in the camera, and its position tells the camera what film speed you are using so that the camera meter settings are correct.

The film type slot operates another lever which swings a little orange filter in or out of the film path, to ensure that the color balance is correct.

Our tester comes with a set of plastic inserts which slot into the test cartridge, and enable the cartridge to appear to the camera like any of the current Super-8 film types:

•           Kodak Vision 3 50D:  ISO 50 (speed), Daylight colour balance
•           Kodak Vision 3 200T: ISO 200 (speed), Tungsten colour balance
•           Kodak Vision 3 500T: ISO 500 (speed), Tungsten colour balance
•           Kodak Tri-X: ISO 200 (speed), Daylight color balance
•           Ektachrome 100D: ISO 100 (speed), Daylight color balance

Any questions at all - please don't hesitate to ask !