Wonder what it was like at the end...

[Mitch Perkins]

While trying to get a Bolex 160 back to life, I was marvelling at the intricate [demonic!] design, which got me thinking of the people who designed/built these cameras, which then got me wondering what it was like at the end, when it was clear that video was taking over.
Lots of the manufacturers kept making SLRs, but the folks working the S8 were probably going to lose their jobs. Much like any other sad story of a dwindling industry, but I just had this image of some one assembling a Super 8 camera when the word comes down from management...maybe this is a boring thread. Boycott!!

But also, where are all the dealer/manufacturer techs who serviced the cameras back in the day? Has there ever been one posting here? That would be pretty sweet - one each from Canon, Nikon, Nizo, Zeiss, etc.
Come to think of it they might get tired of answering the same endless tech questions...I'd certainly have more than one or two for the Bolex techie...

Mitch

[etimh]

I have both the Canon AF310XL and that weird little round Agfa family camera. These are probably the last cameras to come out of the Super 8 design pipeline. I sometimes play around with them thinking about the motivations behind the design (plastic construction, ease and simplicity, cheap). In one sense they are realistic compromises to serve a changing market. On the other hand they seem like products of clueless desperation. They're kind of sad artifacts.

Tim

[filmbuff]

But also, where are all the dealer/manufacturer techs who serviced the cameras back in the day? Has there ever been one posting here? That would be pretty sweet -

A Beaulieu guy posts here on occasion. Bjorn Andersson is his name

[Mogzy]

Bolex is still alive (just) and still makes and repairs cine cameras. Interesting article in the first issue of Smallformat touches on this issue.

Incidentally, you might want to give them a shot if you still need to revive that camera...

http://www.bolex.ch

[tlatosmd]

As for design, I don't think that late S8 cams and early consumer camcorders were that different, it often seems like it was the same design that evolved over time, ever since R8 in 1932. During the early to mid-80s, this design evolution simply changed its host.

The bad thing about that is that you need fairly late high-end S8 cams so nowadays miniDV people won't laugh at you because they can't tell apart design and technological sophistication.

[Mitch Perkins]

The bad thing about that is that you need fairly late high-end S8 cams so nowadays miniDV people won't laugh at you because they can't tell apart design and technological sophistication.

My new favourite camera -

http://oaktreeent.com/web_photos/16mm_F ... _2_web.jpg

Got two of 'em. Thanks Flatwood and Marty!

[aj]

But also, where are all the dealer/manufacturer techs who serviced the cameras back in the day? Has there ever been one posting here? That would be pretty sweet -

A Beaulieu guy posts here on occasion. Bjorn Andersson is his name

He is not from Beaulieu and hardly posts at all. Certainly not anything useful for others.

He is a repair professional who works for money and will not sabotage his market by giving tips for free. While most of us here share information. I.e. two-way and not one-way.

I suppose he makes more money from this forum than any of the advertisers or even the owner. Especially in ratio to the invested money.

[matt5791]

But also, where are all the dealer/manufacturer techs who serviced the cameras back in the day? Has there ever been one posting here? That would be pretty sweet -

A Beaulieu guy posts here on occasion. Bjorn Andersson is his name

He is not from Beaulieu and hardly posts at all. Certainly not anything useful for others.

He is a repair professional who works for money and will not sabotage his market by giving tips for free. While most of us here share information. I.e. two-way and not one-way.

I suppose he makes more money from this forum than any of the advertisers or even the owner. Especially in ratio to the invested money.

AJ - If you have anything more like this to say, Please put it on a post card, stamp it and address it to someone who gives a shit.

[Mitch Perkins]

A Beaulieu guy posts here on occasion. Bjorn Andersson is his name

He is not from Beaulieu and hardly posts at all. Certainly not anything useful for others.

He is a repair professional who works for money and will not sabotage his market by giving tips for free. While most of us here share information. I.e. two-way and not one-way.

I suppose he makes more money from this forum than any of the advertisers or even the owner. Especially in ratio to the invested money.

AJ - If you have anything more like this to say, Please put it on a post card, stamp it and address it to someone who gives a shit.

Ah, the thread is shaping up nicely...

Mitch

[aj]

AJ - If you have anything more like this to say, Please put it on a post card, stamp it and address it to someone who gives a shit.

Have you got anything useful to share?

It is just a correction of a popular misbelief and an estimate about the benefits of the business generated by the forum or site. (Although this shouldn't be overestimated with some 25 frequent posters and unknown but estimated max 150 readers)

BTW On the original topic:
Braun is still known for its design of consumer goods (electrical tooth brushes, etc). So the designers could easily move to other departments. Beaulieu wrecked the company (and sold of the parts to Wittner) and are now into steadicam like things. People retire early in France (at 55) so they should all be safe now. Japanese personal are/were practically owned by their company (then) and probably moved to a desk at video equipment design department.

I suppose as everything is more than 20 years ago most are retired now anyway.

The feeling then should be the same as one's job is outsourced and personal is kicked out with a tie and a bunch of flowers.