Keystone K-25 Capri Movie Camera — Specs & History

An 8mm movie camera made in the USA, featuring a dial-set exposure system and reflex viewfinder.

Overview

The Keystone K-25 Capri is an 8mm movie camera It uses double 8mm film and features a single-lens reflex viewfinder for accurate framing. The camera includes a "Dial-Set" system that allows users to adjust exposure settings based on lighting conditions, with ASA sensitivity adjustable from 10 to 40. It supports film loads of 25ft, 50ft, and 100ft, making it suitable for short home films. The unit is handwound via a crank and operates without batteries.

Specifications

Film Format	8mm (Double 8)
Smallest Aperture	f22
Frame Rates	16fps & Single frame
Exposure System	Manual exposure
Viewfinder Type	Single-lens reflex type
Film Capacity	100ft (30m), 50ft (15m), 25ft
Motor	Handwound motor (crank)
Weight	4 lb
Country of Origin	USA MADE

Design

The K-25 Capri features a "Dial-Set" exposure system that simplifies operation by letting users dial in light conditions for correct exposure. It includes a built-in filter (as referenced in garbled OCR text: "built in biter") and is described as "Precision Built." The camera has no electronic components, relying entirely on mechanical winding and manual controls.

Context

The Keystone K-25 Capri was used as a prop in a 1960 film depicting pilot Francis Powers and the top-secret U-2 plane program, appearing alongside a Revere Model 40.

Market

Listed prices for the Keystone K-25 Capri range from $20.95 to $152.99, with one untested unit offered at $36.90. An original instruction manual is available for $18.00. One owner reported being "really quite content" using their grandfather’s camera, noting it was hard to justify upgrading.