Kodak Magazine 8 Movie Camera (1946–1955)
Introduction
Congratulations! You are the proud owner of the Kodak Magazine 8 Movie Camera. Produced between 1946 and 1955, this wind-up 8mm camera was designed to make home movies simple. Its unique magazine system eliminates threading film by hand.
Camera Overview
Film Type: 8mm magazine (Kodak Magazine Load 8).
Lens: Fixed Kodak Cine Ektanon 13mm f/2.7 lens (standard version). Some models offered interchangeable lenses.
Shutter: Rotary, fixed speed (approx. 16 frames per second).
Motor: Spring-wound clockwork (no batteries needed).
Viewfinder: Optical direct viewfinder with parallax correction marks.
Getting Started
Film:
Original cartridges were Kodak Magazine Load 8 film (25-foot loads).
Each magazine was split into two 25-foot lengths — after shooting the first half, you flipped the magazine to expose the second half.
Modern use: Kodak no longer manufactures Magazine 8 film, but some specialty film labs reload original magazines with fresh 16mm film slit to 8mm. Check with boutique labs like Pro8mm or specialists on forums.
Loading the Film
Prepare the Camera
Place the camera on a steady surface.
Press the latch to open the film compartment door.
Insert the Film Magazine
Take your fresh Kodak Magazine 8 Film (25-ft load, daylight type).
Note that the magazine is designed to fit only one way; align the notches with the camera’s guides.
Slide the magazine gently into the chamber until it locks into position.
Engage the Take-Up Spool
The film is factory-threaded inside the magazine.
Check that the exposed leader is correctly looped around the take-up sprockets within the magazine itself.
Confirm that the take-up spool is free to turn.
Close the Camera Door
Swing the compartment door shut.
Be sure the latch is fully engaged to keep the magazine light-tight.
Test the Film Transport
Wind the spring motor two or three turns.
Run the camera briefly while pointing it toward the light.
Observe the film counter window; it should advance, confirming correct transport.
Winding the Motor:
Locate the winding key on the side of the camera.
Turn clockwise until resistance is firm. Do not overwind.
A full wind runs ~20 seconds of film.
Shooting:
Open the film door.
Insert the magazine into the chamber until it clicks.
Close the door securely.
**To shoot the second half of the magazine, remove it, flip it, and reinsert.
Viewfinder Use:
Look through the finder to frame your subject.
Parallax marks help compensate for close-up shots (subjects under 5 feet).
Operating the Camera
Press and hold the exposure lever (usually located near the lens).
The motor runs and film advances at ~16 fps.
Release the lever to stop filming.
Exposure Settings
Early models had a simple aperture dial (f-stops from f/2.7 to f/16).
Set the aperture according to light:
Bright Sunlight: f/11 – f/16
Cloudy Bright: f/8
Overcast: f/5.6
Indoors with strong lights: f/2.7 – f/4
(Tip: A handheld light meter or smartphone light meter app helps with modern film stocks.)
Unloading the Film
Finish Exposing the Roll
Continue filming until the magazine counter reads “END.”
Do not attempt to remove the magazine mid-roll, as light may fog unexposed film.
Open the Film Compartment
Press the latch to release the door.
The magazine will be visible, with the exposed take-up side now full.
Remove the Magazine
Grasp the magazine firmly at the sides.
Pull straight outward to disengage from the film chamber.
Seal the Magazine
Each Kodak Magazine 8 is self-contained and light-tight.
Place the used magazine immediately into its protective carton or a light-tight film canister for safe keeping.
Prepare for Processing
Return the magazine to your Kodak dealer or laboratory for development.
Replace with a fresh magazine if further filming is desired.
After Filming
Remove the magazine and store in its case.
Label it with scene details and send to a processing lab.
If reloaded film is used, your lab will handle developing and scanning.
Maintenance & Care
Store the camera in a cool, dry place.
Avoid overwinding the motor.
Keep the lens clean with a soft cloth (avoid alcohol cleaners on coating).
Exercise the motor occasionally by winding and running without film.
Troubleshooting
Camera won’t run: Motor may be overwound → let it relax and try again.
Uneven exposure: Aperture sticky → lens may need CLA (clean, lube, adjust).
No image on film: Film not properly seated in magazine, or magazine empty.
Extra Notes for Modern use
Film availability is limited but possible through specialty labs.
You can digitize old footage with film scanning services.
This camera is best used today as a collector’s item or for experimental filmmaking.
