Canon ZOOM DS 8 (1970)

A Super 8 movie camera with an 8x zoom lens, marketed in 1970 for amateur filmmakers.

Overview

The Canon ZOOM DS 8 is a Super 8 movie camera made by Canon and marketed in March 1970. It was aimed at amateur and enthusiast filmmakers who wanted a high-quality zoom lens in a compact film format. It takes Double Super 8mm film on 30-meter spools and gives an image size of 4.2 x 5.7 mm. The lens is a fixed Canon Zoom 7.5-60mm f/1.4 with an 8x zoom ratio and a 13-component, 18-element construction. The body weighs 3,225 grams (3,370 grams with batteries), and it runs on 8 AA batteries. It has a reputation for a sturdy build and a working light meter, and it still has a following among film shooters.

Specifications

Film Format	Double Super 8mm, 30 m spool
Image Size	4.2 x 5.7 mm
Lens	Canon Zoom 7.5–60mm f/1.4
Zoom Ratio	1:8
Lens Construction	13-component, 18-element
Dimensions (W x H x D)	103 x 227 x 268 mm
Weight (Body)	3225 g
Weight (With Batteries)	3370 g
Power	8 AA batteries
Original Price (UK, 1970)	£382

Design

The fixed 7.5-60mm f/1.4 zoom lens has a 13-component, 18-element construction, which is a complex optical design for its era. The body is built for Double Super 8mm film and includes a functional light meter. It runs on 8 AA batteries, so it is fairly self-contained for field use.

Market

Retailers such as KEH list the Canon ZOOM DS 8 as used and fully functional, with working speeds and light meter. Some cameras have been professionally serviced and restored to factory specifications, including battery replacement. One owner reports being "the happy owner" of a DS-8, and IBX Films notes that DS-8 film can offer cheaper processing and scanning compared to other formats. A Facebook group user has asked about common problems, which suggests people are still using these cameras and may run into maintenance issues.

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