straight 8

everything is super 8

Beaulieu 4008

beaulieu 4008 zm-ii
france, 1971-1977

one of the best super 8 cameras ever made. it’s super flexible, with manually adjustable ISO and frame rate, and super sharp, with a great lens and viewfinder. it’s a joy to use and amongst most famous super 8 cameras for a reason…

lens: schneider optivaron 6-66mm 10x zoom - f/1.8 - manual & auto exposure. macro. interchangeable, so camera can be used with any c-mount lens.

shooting speeds: 2 - 70 fps, single frame

features: high speed, manual ISO selection / exposure compensation, variable shutter, great viewfinder

watch a straight 8 shot on this exact camera || another using the same model

hire fee: £225+VAT / day for weekdays | £350+VAT for weekends (collect fri pm, return mon am) - includes a main body and a backup in case of issues

check out a video overview of how to get the best out of this camera here

and find a copy of the original manual here


hire info:

  • we always rent a pair of cameras out in case of any issues: they’re all antiques after all.

  • once the package is collected, from camden, it needs to be insured or in your care at your risk.  replacement value of this package is £5000.

  • we can supply film at a 5% discount with any hire.

  • payment in advance. deposit taken if no insurance in place.

  • we will supply private link to explanatory video, manual, and can trouble shoot / teach you on collection / by remote during your shoot, within reasonable limits!!!

  • although we send you a spare body, this should only be used in case of issue with the first body. you are not hiring two cameras for use in a two-camera shoot, and the price reflects that. we also can’t offer any guarantees, or be held liable, in case of an issue with one or both of the cameras.

  • package includes: 2 x beaulieu 4008 body with lens, cable release, case


more techy camera info:

  • meters: 10 - 400 ISO, manually selected. this includes kodak 50d, 100d, 200t, 250d, 500t. with kodak 500t, auto-exposure will overexpose by one-third stop (this is recommended)

  • shutter speeds: 1/7s @ 2fps, 1/30s @ 8fps, 1/65s @ 18fps, 1/86s @ 24fps, 1/130s @ 36fps, 1/250s @ 70fps. 1/7s - 1/130s adjustable @ single frame (used via screw in remote cable)
    note - beaulieu 4008 has a 100º shutter angle, so images are sharper but can look more strobey in fast motion.

  • lens: the main lens unscrews, and the camera can be used with any c-mount lens.

  • batteries: powered by a rechargable battery, supplied with the hire. be very careful not to overcharge these batteries: they are delicate!

  • diopter: this camera features an eyepiece that can be adjusted for different eyesights, so you don’t need to wear glasses / contacts. just turn the metal diopter lock screw on the eyepiece, and rotate the eyepiece to adjust. do not try to rotate the eyepiece without unlocking it first.



hire fee: £225+VAT / day for weekdays | £350+VAT for weekends (collect fri pm, return mon am) - includes a main body and a backup in case of issues
get in touch to hire this camera