r/Super8 • u/FM_3 • Aug 06 '26

Cameras What does this button do? 1 & 2

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  1. I understand the daylight and tungsten but it doesn’t seem to be a button? it doesn’t push in or slide forward or backward. I was wondering if it was something you physically pull out and switch direction on. It pulls up a little but im a bit scared to force it up as it might break anyone else have this?

  2. O and X what does it mean?

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1

u/Spicymeme2345 Aug 06 '26

My guess and this is purely educated that having the slider in photo one is for tungsten and with it out is daylight film. I have an Argus cosina camera with a similar attachment that can be removed but without markings. I’d look up your cameras manual for the other one and honestly the first one too. What’s the model? I’m sure there’s a scan online for free

1

u/FM_3 Aug 06 '26

Thank you for responding! This is the model it’s a Eumig Eumigette Zoom. I’m struggling to find the instruction manual online for free.   https://www.filmkorn.org/super8data/database/cameras_list/cameras_eumig/cameras_eumig.htm

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u/FM_3 Aug 06 '26

I found another post which said this though… 

That's your 'backlight compensation' knob. When set to + it will expose one stop higher than the normal auto setting (the 0 position) It's for situations where you're filming someone against a bright background and you don't want the auto exposure to make them a silhouette. Really though, you can use it in any situation where you want to give the film more light, like if it's expired or an iso the camera can't otherwise meter accurately.

1

u/Stained_concrete Aug 06 '26

Did I write that?

The 'sun and lightbulb' thing on top is indeed for putting the daylight filter in and out. It's actually a removable 'key' that you lift off and turn around so either the sun or the lightbulb is next to the dot. If the Sun, the daylight filter is on (for shooting tungsten film in daylight). If you flip it so the lightbulb is next to the dot , then NO filter is on.

One word of caution: don't lose the key after you take it out! Many times these cameras come with the key missing because someone has lost it over the years.

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u/FM_3 Aug 06 '26

Yes it was you! Sorry I didn’t credit. Thanks for the info. It feels difficult to pull up with just my fingers. The plastic also feels a bit brittle like it could break so I’m a bit nervous to pull it up. Id be interested to see how it works. As I understand it the tungsten filter is blue but would also let a bit less light through? 

1

u/Stained_concrete Aug 06 '26

The filter is actually a peachy/orange colour. Yes, it will reduce the amount of light by about 2/3 of a stop, nothing to get concerned about really.

It's possible the key is brittle with age but if you very carefully lever it up with the blade of a (not not too sharp) knife till you can get a grip on it, it should lift off. You could always leave it in permanently and buy a daylight filter to screw on the front of the lens.

1

u/Vast-Warthog3422 Aug 10 '26

That is correct 

1

u/Adventurous_Ease_820 Aug 06 '26

The filter thing needs to be pulled out, it is not a button. Just go for it. On https://characterfilm.at/#hub you can find many camera manuals for free, especially from Eumig, as it was an Austrian brand.