There are often good cameras to be found in thrift stores or at garage sales. I have bought lots of them to test and resell, but the market for them is very weak now.


I'd recommend super 8, the image quality is better, and its easy to find monochrome film. Canon made some excellent super 8 cameras, Bolex is the cadillac, but hard to find and expensive.There are other makes that are good as well, research the specific model before you buy it.


Also be very aware that many pull the cameras out of grandpa's garage, where they have sat for 40 years. The lubricants have hardened, they may have coroded batteries, and be of near junk status. The people selling them don't know anything about them, and you can never depend on a statement that it worked when it was put in storage, because there is a excellent chance that it won't work any longer.


I'd go for a Canon model, excellent for the price. Don't pay extra for the sound model, sound was never popular on super 8 and sound film is expensive and rare. The 514 XL is excellent. The sound model is 514XL-S whichever is in the best condition would work as long as the price is the same.


http://reviews.ebay.com/How-To-Buy-A-Super-8-Movie-Camera_W0QQugidZ10000000001941186