ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 1 month ago - John Lubran

Yep the lenses might just about be OK but for HD work they may not quite meet the grade. Being tube cameras (Not CCD's or CMOS) means more technical faffing than anyone today would want. They'll be 4x3 in a 16x9 world. Standard Betacam (not Betacam SP) is not even SD broadcast standard today but Betacam SP was capable of achieving 720 lines in first generation (as tested by HTV in 1992 using a DXC 570 camera docked to a PVV3 Beta SP VCR and played back on a PVW 2800 VCR) ) which is HD to some! Better than the twice as expensive BVW series, That impressed me at the time.

Your cameras are great bits of engineering art though. It was much more challenging to build pro analogue equipment than today's digital kit. They might be useful as props for 80's period films or as decorative art at company offices etc. They are not worthless in my book, just have to have the space to keep them.

11 years, 1 month ago - ANDY LEWIS

It is sad that these cameras are now only good for decoration. If I had one I'd consider making it into a floor standing lamp for a modern sitting room
If it looked good it may be possible to sell one to a soho tv company reception area. Please don't chrome it like those old studio fresnels you see unsold in Lotts road auction room. I have an old Sony ENG camera that I use as a prop in short films. I dread to think what a prop shop would charge. What about an app to find props that people would lend for zero money, or just a beer!
Please don't bin them.

11 years, 1 month ago - Roland Denning

They were perfectly decent cameras in their time (not quite broadcast standard, but close) but by modern standards, they don't really maker the grade - analogue, tape-based, standard definition. And to edit the tape you'd have to find a Betacam suite or at least a deck to digitise them on. Not really worth it. The lenses, however, might be of use as they should be standard B4 fitting - some modern cameras can take these with adapters, but the cameras themselves - for the bin I'm afraid.

11 years, 1 month ago - Susi Arnott

Sounds like nobody else saw 'Computer Chess', shot on Sony AVC-3260 tube cameras and an award-winner at Sundance last year... can't work out how to do hyperlinks in these postings, but not hard to find! ('nofilmschool' has a piece with the DP, for example)
The subject and period and style were totally supported by the camera technology, though being pedantic I'd criticise some of the shooting style (which felt at odds with the technology - I remember porta-pack cameras and the way the ergonomics affected observational filming - and so the shooting style therefore also felt at odds with the 'period'). But an amazing piece of work!

11 years, 1 month ago - Susi Arnott

Definitely go with the props house idea - but is there a specialist one?
If they're working, there's even more of a life for them; anyone else see 'Computer Chess' (2013)?
A very individual and wonderful film where the medium was part of the message

11 years, 1 month ago - Marlom Tander

I have no idea if they have any value, but if you decide to throw them out I'll pick them up, if only to donate to a museum in 30 years time..

11 years, 1 month ago - Jane Hamer

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the responses so far.

John, wow, you really know your stuff. I love your suggestions on using them as decorative art. That's something I'd never thought about. They really are fantastic to look at. My tiny DSLR sat at the side of these brings a smile to my face. After reading your information about the backstory to the cameras I'm beginning to feel quite sentimental about them. I think I might use one of them as decorative art myself. The props suggestion is great too - again, another way to keep these treasures surviving and be of use.

I also have one flight case the big lens camera came in. This, I was going to use for my own equipment just for safe storage. However, thinking again in terms of props, it would make a fantastic edition to someone's collection. Thanks again, and in particular, cheers John for the great tips and info. Much appreciated.

Jane

11 years, 1 month ago - Jane Hamer

Hi Susi & Andy,

Thanks very much for your tips. Susi, I haven't seen 'Computer Chess,' how fascinating. I will definitely take a look at that. It just goes to show how people still feel about filming on old equipment.

I think I'll hang on to them for a good few years, so Andy, you can rest assured I will definitely not be putting them in the bin. I'd hand them to a museum before ever doing that - hence the reason I've asked on here. You only have to look at them and there's no way I could imagine anyone doing that.

Thanks for all your interest and tips, much appreciated.

Jane :)