When I was at Jeff and Amy's mom's house in Aiken for Thanksgiving, I came across an old Super 8 silent film camera in the room where I was staying. I asked their mom about it, and she said she couldn't imagine why she'd ever need it again, and that I could have it. That was an unexpected turn — I've been wanting to buy an old film camera on eBay for a while now, but could never bring myself to spend the money on it.

This camera appears to be in almost brand new condition, but to my dismay it doesn't seem to work. I installed four AA batteries but it still doesn't react in any way when you pull the trigger. Considering how nice it looks, I don't imagine it's a mechanical problem. Based on what little information I could find about this camera online, it appears that, in addition to the four AA batteries for the motor, it also requires a button cell for the light meter. Since the camera has no manual exposure controls, I'm guessing it's designed so that it will refuse to operate if the light meter isn't providing a reading.

The battery it requires is actually the same discontinued mercury cell that my Canonet uses, so I already have an appropriate replacement on hand. The problem, though, is that I've searched and searched but I can't find anything resembling another battery compartment anywhere on the camera. I've even unscrewed every screw that I could find, with no success.

I can't imagine the battery compartment would be too hard to get to, if it was intended to be replaced by the consumer. So I'm totally vexed about what to try next. There are also a few jacks and buttons on the camera of unknown functionality, but I figure if I can get the camera working, their use may become apparent.

Obtaining a manual for this camera would solve both problems, but apparently this wasn't a very popular model, because there isn't much information online about it. Ah well, I suppose I'll relegate it to the back of my bin of projects for now.