Earlier this year, I delivered several posts touting the virtues of certain cameras that I have used – and loved. That might sound a bit strange, but the connections that developed were similar to the ones you’ve probably had with certain cars or musical instruments. Though I never had the opportunity to shoot with the Canon Scoopic, I suspect it would’ve entered the pantheon, given half the chance. Forget about its technology or functionality. There’s something in the Scoopic’s late-60’s design that appeals to me, that speaks of a time that held a lot more optimism than we’re used to seeing today – no matter how illusory it may have been.
Search out some information and make your own judgement. Or, just imagine this: A battery-operated, plastic-bodied, fixed-zoom, reflex-viewing 16mm newsreel camera that loads 100′ daylight spools… What’s not to love, if not really, really like?
I have used the Scoopic a few times. It’s a good camera, FUN. I absolutely loved my Canon 1014XLS Super 8mm camera. Yes! Optimism. I look at those cameras and pickup my trusty Bolex ELIII to remind myself how much joy there is in making images with tools like these. They make want to take the train to Coney Island to shoot some sunset magic.
I owned a Scoopic for many years and shot all over the world with it. I did shoot mainly B&W and it performed perfectly, no shredding or hair in the gate. They did make one that had a removable top plate which allowed attaching a 400′ magazine on it which I always lusted after, but never did buy.
And it was extremely reliable, never jammed or gave any problems, and I wish that I still had it. I probably traded it for a Nikon or old Polaroid roll camera which I needed at the time, a Marty Forscher conversion to pack film.
Loved using the Scoopic back in film school. (A loooong time ago!) Nice sharp lens and so easy to use. I actually loved using it to single frame some stop motion I did. Just press the button and take a frame.
Great post!
Roberto – Marty Forscher…now there’s a name from the past! There should be a plaque somewhere for him…
Thank you, Tracy! I agree!
and I wish I hadn’t sold my Marty Forscher modified Polaroid but I used the funds to buy a more modern model 180 (and subsequently a 195) both which I still have. Unfortunately I can’t find any usable 667 B&W film packs anymore.
In the early 70’s it was the camera of choice for doing air to air shots from a USAF F-4 to F-4 because of the compact nature and ease of operation when sitting in the back seat of an F-4