Lot of 2 Bell & Howell Vintage 8mm Movie Cameras - Filmo Sportster + Model 252

Description

Lot of 2 Bell & Howell Vintage 8mm Movie Cameras - Filmo Sportster + Model 252
Own a vintage set of 8mm movie cameras from the 1940's and 1950's.
To see any other currently listed items from Cairo Camera (as well as cameras, lens, and/or projectors from other clients), or to watch for items as they get listed, see my Vintage Cameras and Projectors eBay Store page at: https://www.ebay.com/str/quantumonlinesalesservices/Cameras-Projectors/_i.html?_storecat=34571924011
Sold as is. No warranty. No Returns.
OVERALL CONDITION NOTE:
Used, but in overall good condition given their age. See the full listing description below for details on the condition of each piece and whether they were tested and if manuals and cases are included. These items will be carefully packed and insured for safe shipping. See detailed high resolution (zoom-able) pictures to know what you are purchasing.
This listing includes the following two cameras:
(1 of 2) Vintage Bell & Howell 8mm Filmo Sportster Double Run Eight Movie Camera with rare Mytal Anastigmat 12 1/2mm f/2.5 Lens ( Circa 1939-49)
Uses double 8, spool loaded film (run 1st 25’, turn over, tread again and film the other 25’).  The first 1939 models did not say “Sportster”.  Dark grey brown metal and is compact and small. Spring motor Speed setting for 16 to 64 frames per second for slow or fast motion filming   Sun Dial is built into the side of camera to make it simple for figuring the right lens settings for conditions. Comes with a hand strap.  Lens does not screw on but two push levers in front of camera releases the lens. Advertising for the camera stated: “We believe that if a picture is worth the film, it is worth a B&H camera”.  Accordingly, if a vintage American movie camera is worth having, why is it not worth a B&H camera!
Bell & Howell 8mm Filmo Sportster CONDITION NOTE:
Used: The camera is in good condition for 70 years old. The inside shutter works at all speeds. The inside film loading area is in good condition.  Not tested by filming and then developing the film. The lens optics appear clean and clear with no scratches, chips, streaks, fungus, fog or haze that I can see (see pictures). Has rust and scratches.  Viewfinder has some surface glaze but is not visible looking through the viewfinder. The camera does not come with its original box, original packaging, or any instruction manual. The camera will be carefully packed and insured for safe shipping. See detailed high resolution (zoom-able) pictures to know what you are purchasing.
(2 of 2) Vintage Bell & Howell Model 252 8mm Movie Camera with Super Combat 10mm f/2.3 Lens and Original Strapped Cowhide Carrycase (Circa 1954)
Referred to in ads as the “Monterey”.  Camera is a two tone brown die-cast aluminum body.  Spring motor  Front sun-dial makes it easy to properly set the lens openings.  It was available in single or turret models.  Speed setting for 16 to 64 frames per second for slow or fast motion filming.  Comes with original B&H logo, strapped, push button closure carrying case.
Bell & Howell Model 252 CONDITION NOTE:
Used: The camera is in average age condition. The inside shutter works at all speeds. The inside film loading area is in good condition. Tried with film without any problems but did not test by filming and then developing the film. Winds strong. The lens optics appear clean and clear with no scratches, chips, streaks, fungus, fog or haze that I can see (see pictures). Have only a few scratches.  Camera body does have some top fading but no dings.  Film loading plate is loose in closed position. Viewfinder has some surface haze but is not visible looking through the viewfinder. The camera does not come with its original box, original packaging, or any instruction manual.  The cowhide case surface has wear but in good condition except that loose threading was superglued. The camera will be carefully packed and insured for safe shipping. See detailed high resolution (zoom-able) pictures to know what you are purchasing.
HISTORY: BELL & HOWELL COMPANY (B&H) - DISVERSIFICATION SUCCESS
The founders, Donald Bell and Albert Howell were instrumental in the theater motion picture business.  Their camera solved the flutter of early crank cameras and standardized film use for movie theaters all over the country.  However, they did not rest on their laurels. They decided to go into the amateur cameras and projectors and then still other industries.
They decided to remain headquartered in Chicago.  Eastman Kodak invited them and others to come to New York and observe their development of 16mm reversal film.  Excited about the benefits of this film, they designed the first spring driven 16mm camera.  Their camera beat the Kodak 16mm camera to the market by two years!  In 1932, they introduced their Filosound 16mm sound-on-file projector and a Zoom lens.  If you went to school in the 20th Century, you are very familiar with watching films on 16mm projector many of which were made by B&H.  With the introduction of the Filmo line movie cameras, they entered the 8mm amateur camera market in 1935. During WWII, they made the B29 Bomber device for aiming guns at the enemy.  After WWII, B&H acquired many businesses; among them are microfilm eq., mailing machines, text book publishing, electrodynamics and DeVry Technical Institute.  Their 35mm SLR cameras were made by Canon.
They are the winners of three “Oscars”.  Corporate officers served as a Senator and a Cabinet Secretary for President Nixon.  At the turn of this Century with sales over a Billion in 99 countries they began selling off their businesses until being acquired in bankruptcy.  Bell & Howell is now a business systems company with a portfolio of automated business management tools and headquartered in North Carolina.
ABOUT THE CAMERAS
An amazing find for vintage camera & projector enthusiasts! The cameras are part of many items acquired from the Cairo Camera Shop.  Please check often as many become available in the near future.
BACKSTORY:  Frank G Cairo, Owner of the Cairo Camera Shop
Frank Cairo moved from the Bronx, New York to Kenosha, WI in 1943.  The next year, after getting married, he acquired the neighborhood grocery store next door and made it into Cairo Camera Shop.  He operated the store for over fifty years until his death in 1997.
He loved cameras, projectors, movie stars and movies and was the photographer for the local auto workers union. He began collecting 8, 16 and 35mm films.  Eventually, Cairo Home Movies became the largest private film collection in Southern Wisconsin.  In addition to renting films and projectors, one could rent him to show movies from his library at parties and events. In the summers, he had free outdoor movie nights for neighborhood kids. If you would like to see a 5 minute video about Frank Cairo and his camera shop as told by his son, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqCoUsiGfaA
Payment:
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Shipping:
We ship to the verified address only. Usually ships the next business day.
Shipping Options:
Often multiple shipping options are offered (USPS Priority Regular, USPS Priority Flat Rate, and/or FEDEX Ground/Home Delivery). Before completing your purchase, please check to see which shipping option provides you with the better price and/or arrival time.
Local Pickup Option:
If you are located in the Phoenix, AZ area, and would like to arrange for pickup, please send the Seller an eBay email prior to purchase and Seller will adjust the listing to remove the shipping cost and email you to make the purchase and arrange for pickup.
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My Other Items For Sale:
Please be sure to take a look at my
other items listed on eBay
(https://www.ebay.com/usr/garyde).  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.