One of the things that continues to fascinate me about the Super 8 universe — and I say this after all my life immersed in it — is that even now, deep into the 21st century, real innovation continues to emerge.
Not only from massive corporations as Kodak, but from small firms and passionate technicians who keep the flame of analog storytelling alive, pushing this narrow-gauge format to levels we could hardly have dreamed of a few years ago.
Among these dedicated forces, one name stands out: TESTED SUPER8 CAMERAS, previously known as CBD, an acronym of its founder name, César Ballesteros Domínguez, a Spaniard motion picture technician based in the East of the country, in Requena (Valencia).
I’ve been a client of César’s since the late 2000s. Over the years, I’ve acquired many of his clever accessories — all of which have found a natural place in my filming routines: a slider I use often, and a slow-exposure module for my beloved Fujica ZC1000, just to name a couple.
Though we live more than a thousand kilometers apart, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him twice in person. Each time, I’ve thanked him for his tireless work in support of Super 8. And I was delighted to discover we share a particular opinion: the ZC1000 is arguably the finest motion picture camera ever made, and remains, to this day, unequaled.
Very soon, I’ll be sharing exclusive updates here on this blog about new developments related to that remarkable camera. But for now, let’s turn to the present.
THE KODAK CAMERA: FROM EXPENSIVE TOY TO PROFESSIONAL TOOL
A few years ago, Kodak surprised the world — and raised a few eyebrows among Wall Street analysts — by announcing a brand-new Super 8 camera. The device, while visually appealing and technically sound, was clearly aimed at educational institutions (which, due to procurement rules, cannot purchase used gear), camera rental companies, and filmmakers whose mortgages are already paid off.
But the camera had a glaring shortcoming: no proper mounting options for professional accessories. And in serious production environments, that’s not just a limitation: it’s a deal-breaker.
One of the strongest defenders of the Kodak Super 8 camera in Europe is Swedish cinematographer Sune Eskelinen, himself a devoted fan of the ZC1000N. But even Sune acknowledged this design flaw. So, he teamed up with César Ballesteros to develop and manufacture a dedicated base for the Kodak, turning it into something finally worthy of a professional setup.
The result is a solid, functional support that respects the industry standard 85mm spacing between rod center and optical axis, with a tripod screw mount vertically centered under the lens, a fundamental fix for a major design oversight.
At the moment, only a prototype exists, which Sune is currently putting through rigorous field testing. If it passes — and all signs are promising — a limited production run will follow.
With this base, the Kodak Super 8 camera finally becomes a truly professional filmmaking tool, not just in price, but in practical, on-set functionality. And it’s thanks to the shared vision and expertise of two names who, within the passionate ecosystem of European Super 8, are helping to shape the format’s future.
NEW!!!DIGITAL VIDEO ASSIST FOR NIZO CAMERAS.
Even more impressive is the video-assist solution for Nizo cameras, with a highly useful feature: cartridge swapping without removing the video unit — a true innovation.
This version includes:
HD SDI video camera (1920x1080p) with dual 1/4″ threads.
Zoom lens f/1.4–2.8, 12 mm.
Adapter machined from technical plastic, with screws to fix the viewfinder and the camera body.
The design permits opening the cartridge compartment while the video assist remains in place.
Lens and body caps.
Allen key and spare screws.
Battery (Li-Ion, 12V, 9900mAh) with smart charger (100–240V, 50–60Hz, 1A, EU plug), mounted on a custom side plate designed to sit between the tripod and camera base. A screw allows mounting the battery on the camera grip when handheld.
Each component also available separately:
Video camera.
Adapter ring.
Battery with charger
DIGITAL VIDEO-ASSIST FOR CANON XL-S CAMERAS
Among César's latest breakthroughs is a new video-assist system for Canon XL-S models, a remarkable solution for filmmakers seeking accurate framing and timing in live action shooting with Super 8.
The full kit includes:
HD SDI video camera (1920x1080p) with 1/4″ threads (top and bottom).
Zoom lens f/1.4–2.8, 12 mm.
Adapter machined from 6082 black anodised aluminium, which threads securely into the Canon viewfinder housing using six nylon-tipped screws that protect the surface.
Battery (Li-Ion, 12V, 9900mAh) with smart auto-switching charger (100–240V, 50–60Hz, 1A, EU plug). The battery uses a quick-release V-mount with male cold shoe to attach directly to the camera’s top cold shoe.
Lens and body caps.
Allen key and spare screws.
Each item can also be ordered separately:
Video camera.
Adapter ring.
Battery with charger.
SPECIAL VIDEO ASSIST BATTERY, WITH DISCOUNT FOR CUSTOMERS.
Also noteworthy is the dedicated power system for video-assist users:
12V Li-Ion battery (9900mAh) with charger and multiple mounting options.
Regular price: €239.
Discounted to €189 for existing customers (price difference refunded after payment).
Mounting options include:
Side plate between tripod shoe and camera.
Male cold shoe (for Canon XL-S, Beaulieu 6008/7008, or any female cold shoe system).
1/4″ thread mount for cameras like ZC1000, Nizo 6080, Bauer 715XL, etc.
Clamp for 15 mm rods.
Optional Arri-style rosette with M6 thread.
César's video-assist systems are robust, precise, and designed with the filmmaker's practical needs in mind. And, as always, they come with that rare quality: made by someone who understands not only how the machines work, but what it means to use them to tell a story.
From Galicia, in the North West of Spain, I follow these developments with admiration... and gratitude.
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