BEAULIEU 4008 SERIES

Innovative Genius

The period '65-'74, were Boom years for Beaulieu, who in 1965, released one of the most innovative small format cameras, the 2008.

It used a Mirrored Shutter, C-Mount Removable Lens, and Variable Speed Selection. Innovation came through the use of a Vertically Oscillating, rather than a Rotating, Radial Shutter.

This allowed light to travel relatively unhidered through the camera, leading to both a brighter view and sharper picture on film.

Functional Simplicity

Having a removable lens also simplified the exposure system, as the iris could now be incorporated in the lens.

Auto control over the Iris could only be achieved through the factory lens that came with the camera. However, a vast variety of lenses could now be used.

Manual setting of Emusion Speed, did away with the need for Cartridge Notch Sensors, simplifying the cartridge chamber and, at the same time, allowed for Fractional control over exposure.

Lasting Design

By the late 60's, Amateur film makers wanted more sophisticated functions, such as Synchronised Sound, and effects such as Double Exposures.

The 4008 ZM, the improved version of the 2008, was releaed in 68-69, addressing some of the sortcommings of the 2008.

It was soon replaced by the ZM II, with later versions comming with what many serious Super 8 filmers consider as one of the finest lens ever made, the Schneider f1.8 6-66mm.

Zenith

In 1976, the Series II was updated as the ZM IV. At various times afterwards, from recycled and reconditioned parts, and with modification on some to the film gate for widescreen filming, the later version of the ZM II, and ZM IV were produced by various companies.

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Beaulieu 4008 ZM II

• On the left is the Emulsion Speed Selector, on the right is the Frame Speed Selector.
• The ZM II also had a later release that incorporated a button that allowed for the Synchronization socket to be disengaged from the motor, but still be connected to the Super 8 cartridge axle, for film rewinds.
  
  Top Row, and to the left is the Focussing-Screen Retraction knob. Next to this is the Frame Counter. To the right of this lies the smaller Footage Counter. On top of the Footage Counter is the Film Wind Locking Button.
  
  Lastly, there is the Master Switch. This turns the diaphragm associated with the Reglomatic Lens, On (Auto), or Off (Manual). The third position is required to test the battery. Below this is the Synchronization Socket.
• The early version of the ZM II had the f1.9 8-64mm Angenieux lens. This was also the lens used in the first model of the 4008 series, the 4008 ZM, and was an improvement on the lens used on the 2008.
  
  The Macro function could be used from any focal length by sliding the Macro Slider (left of the Aperture Ring)all the way down, and using the zoom lens as a focus ring.