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Colin Clarke | all galleries >> Galleries >> CAMERAS > Bell & Howell
Filmo Sportster
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2007 © Colin J Clarke

Bell & Howell
Filmo Sportster

c.1947. 16mm 'Double Run' film spool
and split for 8mm projection. Working model. Unless you actually
pick this camera up, you can have no idea how solid it is. The
'crackle' finish is just part of the total patina for this mighty midget.


other sizes: small medium original auto
Guest 23-Jun-2011 04:58
This is a double 8mm camera - so it uses double 8m film - which runs through the camera one way, then gets flipped over before running back the other way.

The two streams of frames are then separated during processing, giving 50ft of 8mm film from one 25ft 16mm roll.

Exposure is set manually, using a light meter or the built in exposure guide.
Colin Clarke13-Oct-2010 13:52
Hello Guest. No ID no email address. ;-\.
Value. ? Maybe $20 if you're lucky. If you look at "the" auction site right now, there are plenty. Collecting cameras for me is not about "worth". It's about design and history. Best wishes.
Guest 13-Oct-2010 12:38
Iv got this camera and was wondering what it would be worth,m thanx.
Colin Clarke13-Mar-2010 11:00
Hello Mrs Mayer: What great fun ! I assume you've got a projector also, although you could find someone to transfer the completed film to DVD/Tape. I'd start your search at rockymountainfilm.com and filmrescue.com. I think you will be able to find a processor. (It will not be One Hour processing and $3.99, though.) =:^D Good luck.
Mrs. Mayer 13-Mar-2010 03:29
I think I have found a website I can purchase the film for my Filmo Sportster but how do I go about having it developed?
Guest 28-Aug-2009 06:22
Dear Colin,

Many thanks for your explanation, that is something new for me to add to my memory archives. I never new 16mm was produced for home use.

Best regards

confused (now not confused)
Colin Clarke24-Aug-2009 09:39
Dear Confused:

'Advising' is difficult when you left no forwarding address. ;-) However, in case you return to this page ....

In the evolution of movie film for the 'amateur' user, and for use with small portable cameras, there was a time when Kodak remanufactured regular 16mm film with extra sprocket holes, and supplied the film in small spools. Then, when filming, you exposed the length of the film in an "8mm gate", then opened and turned the spool over to expose the opposite side (not the reverse side), and exposed it. During processing, the film was cut to 8mm width and you received back a small reel of 'Standard 8' or 'double 8' movie film. It was in later years that purpose designed 'Super 8' film was manufactured, in 8mm width, with sprocket holes along one side. I progressed from this early 16mm double run "Standard 8" film through to Super 8, to Super 8 Sound which was provided with a 'sound stripe' for live synchronised filming/recording.

And, yes, it was inconvenient to be changing those spools "mid-roll". But better than drawing thousands of sketches on small pieces of paper. :-))) I hope that helps. Seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_8mm_film
Guest 24-Aug-2009 08:08
Hi, The camera states its a 8mm Double Run, I am not sure what that means? it looks like it should be a 16mm.... Can anyone out there advise me on this and explain why the spool looks like a 16mm and yet it says 8mm, also what is double run????????

Confused!
Mark Lenz 29-May-2009 15:29
I just purchased the same Filmo sportster movie camer and case at a garage sale in St. Paul, Minnesota for $2.50.
Colin Clarke17-Jun-2008 13:50
Rory: Plenty of sources of information on Google. Start herehttp://communication.ucsd.edu/bjones/Moviecam/CineCollection/box20_04-08.html
Rory 17-Jun-2008 11:31
I have just been given an identical camera. I know nothing about them, how do I find out more?
Rory in Cape Town, South Africa
12330-Dec-2007 22:42
Wow!!! I haven't seen one of these in a while. I too collect 8mm and 16mm film cameras.:)
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