kodak super8 XL33 camera-problem

I have an old Xl33 kodak movie cam. Plus I have 2 extras from ebay just to
have. I have known that the shutter gets jammed after years of not being
used. Is there anyway of repairing it. My Xl33 passed down to me still
runs. I asked other people that have this model and they have the same
problem. Just wondering if anyone can fix it for a good price. I called
one place they wanted to charge me 500.00 bucks to repair it, before
seeing it. I rather put the 2 cameras and used the parts to make one good
one. If anyone has any idea let me know.

Texas (usa)

Super 8 Fan!

In article <bt7quv$soj$1@services.kq.no>, johnlawrence1975 RemoveThis @msn.com (JOHN L.
RENTERIA) writes:

>Subject: kodak super8 XL33 camera-problem
>From: johnlawrence1975 RemoveThis @msn.com (JOHN L. RENTERIA)
>Date:Sun, 4 Jan 2004 01:40:47 +0000 (UTC)
>
>I have an old Xl33 kodak movie cam. Plus I have 2 extras from ebay just to
>have. I have known that the shutter gets jammed after years of not being
>used. Is there anyway of repairing it. My Xl33 passed down to me still
>runs. I asked other people that have this model and they have the same
>problem. Just wondering if anyone can fix it for a good price. I called
>one place they wanted to charge me 500.00 bucks to repair it, before
>seeing it. I rather put the 2 cameras and used the parts to make one good
>one. If anyone has any idea let me know.
>>Texas (usa)
>>Super 8 Fan!
>>

Hi John,
The problem is with the deterioration of the neoprene drive gear on the
motor shaft that KODAK used in construction of these cameras. It falls apart
after all these years and renders the camera useless. If some ambitious person
were to design and have made a decent brass, nylon or even plastic replacement
gear....they could be used again. This is a basic flaw in many of Eastman
KODAK products; many of the Super 8mm cameras, and even the many varied
Carousel slide projectors. Since the cameras would have a low resale value
(even if in excellent working condition), the cost to fabricate a replacement
gear and the necessary strip down, adjustment, cleaning and reassembly is way
beyond economical repair. I had hoped to tackle it one day, since there's tons
of these KODAK Super 8mm cameras out there....but I have too many projects that
are much more important. Besides, there are so many better made Super 8mm
cameras out there that you can buy for cheap prices. The only redeeming
factor the KODAK XL cameras have, is in their ability to film in extremely low
light conditions. This is due to the separate optical viewfinder, thus no
light is robbed for reflex viewing, in combination with the 230° degree shutter
opening and XL type lens. Modifying these cameras would only be cost
effective if many were repaired; then providing that they could be sold at a
decent price to recover the costs and labor involved. So modified with a new
solid drive gear, cleaned, adjusted and lubricated, they might well be reliable
to use within their limited features of course.
Save the camera as a shelf display item and go out and just buy a reliable low
cost Super 8mm camera. Most of the CHINON made versions are fine, such as the
1970's GAF ST series cameras, which have a host of features. For "XL" (thus,
available light or low light) filming, just find some of the later made "XL"
type Sankyo, Chinon, Canon, or Elmo cameras and dedicate those just for low
light level film work.
Good luck,
Martin W. Baumgarten