would you happen to know how to (or know of anyone) that would know about re-wiring a camera like this to work without a deck? I'd like to have a power cord and video out direct
@Knoptop You need a tube camera power supply -- back in the day, simply called "video camera power supply", so by searching for that you can sometimes find them on eBay and other places.
@vwest7ife Ive got myself a few old tube type cameras off ebay sent over here from the US. I have a PAL portable VCR unit like yours and DrCassette's which I have connected these cameras up to them and they power on. Not done anymore testing just yet but hope to put up some vids on them. They are very interesting and cool looking.
Years ago I got scammed, but that was back before PayPal was common. Generally you have to expect people to exaggerate the condition of what they're selling, so I always look for detailed photographs. I've also encountered "seller's remorse" when the seller makes up some excuse for not selling you the item after you win it at a very low price ("I dropped it down the stairs," etc.), but PayPal seems to have helped stamp out most outright scammers.
Yeah, still. It probably would've been a good idea, though. I have a Kodak Z740 (2005, all solid state) and it still gets fairly warm. Then again, it has a small casing. With a much bigger casing in that camera, you don't really expect it to get all that warm.
That's a really interesting piece of equipment! The viewfinder is really huge! Maybe because the resulution of a smaller sreen wouldn't have been good enough. Also really nice that it has auto focus! I really miss that on my old JVC camcorder!
I have a camera like this wich I can hook up to my Mitsubishi VCR. But it has the same problem as your camera has: It's very unsensitive to light! My camera is a bit older than yours, maybe late 70s. It looks like an old 8mm film camera.
The autofocus works pretty well, but has a noisy motor which is constantly seeking as you move the camera around, so the built-in microphone picks up a lot of annoying whirring noises when you have autofocus on.
Indoors it's bad - all of those vidicon tubes sucked indoors, of course..technology HAS improved. But...I got a surprise coming for you.
Now - try to use that camera outdoors on a SUNNY day - and LIVE (don't bother recording)...but live to a monitor - and you'll see the BEST color reproduction of any live image you've ever seen (just dont point it towards the sun)...you're in for a NICE treat!
I did get some video captured directly to Digital8 tape from this camera, using a VCR just as a passthrough (not recording to VHS). The colors are still a bit iffy on this camera, but the resolution is actually quite good. The manual lists a minimum lighting level of 70 lux -- that's brighter than any ordinary indoor room, so special lighting for indoor scenes is a must!
I remember my parents had something similar, but sold by RCA, I think. It had a VCR/TV tuner that split apart. You wore the VCR part on your back, like a backpack, and plugged the giant camera into it. My how things have changed!
I have a Quasar portable VCR/TV tuner just like that, and amazingly it works with this camera. I didn't think the Sharp's camera plug would be compatible because it's a different brand, but apparently there was an industry standard connector for video cameras.
cool video i like old cameras!!!
gloobicus93 3 weeks ago
Wow, that's a huge retro beastie :o)
RetroGamerVX 1 month ago
would you happen to know how to (or know of anyone) that would know about re-wiring a camera like this to work without a deck? I'd like to have a power cord and video out direct
Knoptop 2 months ago
@Knoptop You need a tube camera power supply -- back in the day, simply called "video camera power supply", so by searching for that you can sometimes find them on eBay and other places.
vwest7ife 2 months ago
@sygo7g Yah, if you don't mess with the settings a bit the image will look terrible.
thedarkone2134 3 months ago
I had a strange recurring daydream about becoming a singer and using old cameras like this to make the music videos. Should I be worried?
MattTheSaiyan 6 months ago 2
it looks like a rocket launcher.
Kbrusky15 1 year ago
Do all of these tube cameras require 10 pin connections to portable VCR's? No video out or coaxial connection?
MrHotpantsImComin 1 year ago
@MrHotpantsImComin Correct. Tube cameras use a single large connector to provide power, video, and audio, all through one cable.
vwest7ife 1 year ago
@MrHotpantsImComin I only found out about them today and i've seen cameras that have video out, so i'm going to say no :D
SepradistPhantom 4 months ago
looks like ed's camera from ed edd 'n' eddy, anyone see that episode?
bakonfreek 1 year ago
@bakonfreek think so
strikeah 1 year ago
I herd a baby screaming starting at 3:30 if you listen closley.
winerrs 1 year ago
@winerrs No babies here.
vwest7ife 1 year ago
@vwest7ife Probably was a demon
777jones 1 year ago
@vwest7ife lol
RWL2011 1 year ago
Lens hood screw on type?
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
@GanEdenAustralia No, it just clips on.
vwest7ife 1 year ago
@vwest7ife Ive got myself a few old tube type cameras off ebay sent over here from the US. I have a PAL portable VCR unit like yours and DrCassette's which I have connected these cameras up to them and they power on. Not done anymore testing just yet but hope to put up some vids on them. They are very interesting and cool looking.
GanEdenAustralia 1 year ago
looks like the camera ed used to make a video for eddy
bakonfreek 1 year ago
ok thank you.
MedelProductions 2 years ago
do you think you can do a video using the quesar as well?
MedelProductions 2 years ago
I already have... I just need to get around to uploading it.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
can u use this one with ur quesar portable vcr?
MedelProductions 2 years ago
Yes, I've tried it and it works.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
Very interesting.
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
Wow nice. Have you ever had a phoney/damaged ebay purchase? I wish I would trust ebay so I could buy some vinyl records :P
AccordionManiac 2 years ago
Years ago I got scammed, but that was back before PayPal was common. Generally you have to expect people to exaggerate the condition of what they're selling, so I always look for detailed photographs. I've also encountered "seller's remorse" when the seller makes up some excuse for not selling you the item after you win it at a very low price ("I dropped it down the stairs," etc.), but PayPal seems to have helped stamp out most outright scammers.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
oh wow, okay. Sorry about the further question, but how does paypal "stamp out" scammers?
AccordionManiac 2 years ago
Because if you pay for item and then either don't receive it, or get something "significantly not as described," you can get your money back.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
Thanks for the info vwestlife!
AccordionManiac 2 years ago
You're a pretty calm guy. I don't think I've ever heard you raise your voice.
pcwalker 2 years ago
I yell at other people, not inanimate objects. :-P
vwest7ife 2 years ago
LOL! at 10:03
pcwalker 2 years ago
Is that a fan at the back?
TheGeek1028 2 years ago
No, just a cooling vent.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
Oh. It would've been a good idea for them to put a fan at the back, though.
TheGeek1028 2 years ago
It doesn't get that warm, because aside from the camera tube itself, the circuitry is all solid state.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
Yeah, still. It probably would've been a good idea, though. I have a Kodak Z740 (2005, all solid state) and it still gets fairly warm. Then again, it has a small casing. With a much bigger casing in that camera, you don't really expect it to get all that warm.
TheGeek1028 2 years ago
I'm not sure. On eBay most tube cameras have artifically inflated "Buy It Now" prices. I got lucky on this one: $25 plus shipping!
vwest7ife 2 years ago
Interesting video! Regards!
Felix2417425 2 years ago
That's a really interesting piece of equipment! The viewfinder is really huge! Maybe because the resulution of a smaller sreen wouldn't have been good enough. Also really nice that it has auto focus! I really miss that on my old JVC camcorder!
I have a camera like this wich I can hook up to my Mitsubishi VCR. But it has the same problem as your camera has: It's very unsensitive to light! My camera is a bit older than yours, maybe late 70s. It looks like an old 8mm film camera.
DrCassette 2 years ago
The autofocus works pretty well, but has a noisy motor which is constantly seeking as you move the camera around, so the built-in microphone picks up a lot of annoying whirring noises when you have autofocus on.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
That's awesome.
I can't wait to see the direct hook-up :)
Jamiep84 2 years ago
Very cool, a lucky find!!
bbishoppcm 2 years ago
My God, I forgot how big those things were back then!
batterymaker 2 years ago
Indoors it's bad - all of those vidicon tubes sucked indoors, of course..technology HAS improved. But...I got a surprise coming for you.
Now - try to use that camera outdoors on a SUNNY day - and LIVE (don't bother recording)...but live to a monitor - and you'll see the BEST color reproduction of any live image you've ever seen (just dont point it towards the sun)...you're in for a NICE treat!
Jo0ngle 2 years ago
I did get some video captured directly to Digital8 tape from this camera, using a VCR just as a passthrough (not recording to VHS). The colors are still a bit iffy on this camera, but the resolution is actually quite good. The manual lists a minimum lighting level of 70 lux -- that's brighter than any ordinary indoor room, so special lighting for indoor scenes is a must!
vwest7ife 2 years ago
I remember my parents had something similar, but sold by RCA, I think. It had a VCR/TV tuner that split apart. You wore the VCR part on your back, like a backpack, and plugged the giant camera into it. My how things have changed!
burtoncharlessmith 2 years ago
I have a Quasar portable VCR/TV tuner just like that, and amazingly it works with this camera. I didn't think the Sharp's camera plug would be compatible because it's a different brand, but apparently there was an industry standard connector for video cameras.
vwest7ife 2 years ago
NICE!!!
lol i have a 1992 panasonic camcorder :) i cant use it :( .
techguy1995 2 years ago