1982 to 2024: How to MOD a RETRO camera! 

Oh yeah! You’re right, I’m just a beginner but I can already say that getting into electronics is super fun and rewarding. If you’re ever interested in learning, there are tons of great resources out there to get started. Just dive in and enjoy the process - you’ll be surprised at how much you can learn!

I totally agree. I really enjoy videos of 70s rock bands performing live, captured with this type of camera. You can see how the light from the spotlights adds a different atmosphere and vibe to the stage, and the stars of the show are the tubes in these cameras. I love the term "digital film"; it seems very fitting to describe it! Thanks for your comment!

Yeah, you can definitely call it an analog sensor! Tube-based cameras reached their furthest development in the mid 1980s, when they were used for early high definition video cameras. Yes, ANALOG high definition video! These cameras used three tubes (one for each color), much like the original Technicolor process did with three strips of film. Search for "Hills of the Seasons 1988" and you can find a wonderful demonstration of it.

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

I totally agree! Old tech has such a great charm and brings back simpler times-it's just so much fun! I love cassettes, and it's great to find people who still share this passion. Funny you mention it, because I just bought a "Walkman clone" on Amazon branded as "Reshow" to make mix tapes of my songs. The quality isn't the best, haha, but at least I can give my friends my music in a physical format, and I love that. If you have any recommendations on what device to use for making mix tapes, I'd really appreciate it! I’d also love to talk about this on my channel. I've been thinking about buying a multitrack cassette mixer to make music. Thanks for your support and your awesome comment!

Think you for getting back with me and a multi track tape deck would be cool I have a big Tech 3340 4 track reel to reel I bought in the mid 90s it was kinda old then but come to think about it we are the same age 45 but it still works very well I have it in my sound room I keep it in tape mon.mode that way even when I plug my phone up I get to watch all 4 of those big VU meters kicking over to the music few times a year I hit play and get those big 10 inch reels moving so cool still sounds amazing too if you want to see that unit just look one up on here so cool to use have a good day i won't keep ya

Thank you! That sounds like an awesome setup. It's great to hear that your Canon VR-40 VHS VCR still works well and that you can find new batteries for it. I agree, using the VCR as intended does provide that authentic VHS look, even though transferring the tape to a computer can be a hassle. And yeah! vidicon tubes cameras rocks! they definitely give that true '80s video feel. I’ll check out your channel to see the Panasonic PK-959 in action I was tempted to buy on of that model! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Hey, glad you found it useful! I stumbled upon those mini DVRs by chance, and even though they're mainly used in FPV drones, they work great with retro cameras. The downside is the audio quality is pretty bad, but if you’re only after the image, they’re fantastic. I'm actually prepping a video on different options for capturing tapes or going tapeless, where I also use a USB capture device with a phone. I totally get what you mean-the image quality, even with a higher bit rate, isn't great, and dealing with app ads can be a pain, though the audio is a bit better than with the DVR. Thanks for watching, for your support, and for your awesome comment. Now I know I’m not the only crazy guy having fun with this stuff! 😄

I'm sorry, but this is the only way I can speak English for now (I recently moved to the United States and I'm still learning) Otherwise, I struggle a lot, especially with pronunciation. As for the tone, that's just my natural voice, hehe. I'll do everything I can to improve in the future. Thanks for understanding and for your patience!

@@MaxVegaKun now I feel bad, great content

Hey! Thanks so much! I totally get what you mean - sometimes the fun projects are the ones that might seem unnecessary but bring a lot of joy. You definitely don’t need the latest tech to capture awesome memories. Using old tech is super fun, and it's great to hear you’ve started with analog photography and film developing. There’s something really special about the whole process, right?

It is HD 1280 x 720; however, the camera only outputs video in standard resolution 640x480. In tests I've done with other video capture devices, including the most expensive ones on Amazon, the truth is that this mini DVR offers the best quality, or at least the most faithful. There are two cons: 1) If you choose to capture video in HD, the quality is very good and the difference is noticeable, but you will have video in 16:9 format, which is easy to fix in any video editor but is an extra step. 2) The audio recorded by this mini DVR is quite bad. Since I use it to make music videos, the audio is not very important to me, but if it is important to you, I would recommend recording the audio externally. However, for the price of this mini DVR and the video quality it offers, it is still a great option for me. It is also very small and portable, and it has a rechargeable battery.

Hey, thanks so much! I really appreciate the compliment, but I’m definitely not a genius - my wife can tell you, haha. I’m just passionate about what I do. I'm glad you loved it - stay tuned for more!

Haha, thanks! I’m just passionate about what I do. We’re all learning together here. Appreciate the support!

Hi! This setup results in 30fps footage

I don't blame you. I went through an emotional conflict doing it too, but my curiosity won 😆

​@@MaxVegaKunwhy not buy a din connector and preserve the camera as original?

Wow, thank you so much! I’m thrilled to hear that! Knowing you enjoy my content this much really motivates me to keep creating. Stay tuned for more!

@@MaxVegaKun will do! Keep it up the content is great and the care is evident!

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the project and the song! It means a lot to me! 😊 As for the monitor, the mini DVR actually has a video output as well, so it not only records but also lets you monitor the video. It’s a really handy feature!

@@MaxVegaKun Thats what I would like to have on my Super 8 camera. Be able to Monitor the image. Kodak has done this with new Kodak super 8 camera.

Yes indeed! I’ve received that question quite often, so I’ll try to explain it a bit better :) The process really depends on the model. So far, I’ve managed to do it with six different cameras, but here’s how I approach it-just keep in mind, I’m not an expert, just an electronics hobbyist, so there’s probably a better way out there that I’m not aware of, haha. The first thing I do is search online to see if I can find the pinout for the cable or connector used by the camera. For example, you can Google something like '10 pin video cable diagram' or 'pinout.' There are some sites where they keep this information, and from there, you can see exactly which cables you need. You will need 4 cables: a) Power (usually 12V), b) Ground, c) Video signal, and d) Audio signal (usually mono). However, in my experience, this information almost never works because it’s often different for each model. I assume this is due to the large variety of models and the limited number of cameras I’ve worked with, but sometimes they're very close and it helps me to save some time. So, this is where my multimeter comes in handy in continuity mode. First, and most simply, I look for the ground wire. I place one end of the multimeter on the connector pin I want to test and the other end on any solder point inside the motherboard that has a metal plate or screw (which usually leads to ground). When there’s continuity, the multimeter beeps-there you have your ground. For power, these cameras almost always have a fuse, so I place one end of the multimeter on one of the solder points of the fuse and continue testing the connector wires until I find continuity-now you’ve got power and ground sorted. For finding the audio and video signals, to be honest, it’s trial and error for me. Once I can power the camera using a battery or appropriate power supply (after finding the ground and power points), I turn on the camera and start testing the remaining connector wires using a video capture device connected to my PC. I test each wire with an RCA cable (composite video or pin jack) without soldering-just temporarily connecting them. These RCA connectors have two wires: one goes to ground (the same point we found earlier), and the other is used to test the remaining connector wires until I get a video signal on the PC. I do the same for audio. This is the best-case scenario when the camera is actually functioning, but there have been several times when the camera was simply broken. We have to remember these cameras are around 40 years old, so sometimes they just don’t work. Recently, I managed to revive one when I noticed that two capacitors were desoldered and swollen. Luckily, I had capacitors of the same value, so I tried replacing them, and it worked! On another occasion, the fuse was blown, and I replaced it. These are simple repairs, but sometimes the issues can be much more complicated, and with my limited knowledge, it would be impossible for me to fix them. I love electronics so much that I’ll be starting formal studies in February next year, so I’m hoping to take on more complex projects and be able to help out better in the future! 😊 That’s my simple trial-and-error method. As I mentioned, I’m not a professional, so there’s likely a better way to do it, but at least this has worked for me! I hope this doesn’t confuse you more and that it helps!

@@MaxVegaKun Thanks for the response brother., Very insightful and motivating. I bought a JVC GXNU70 and I'm going to start tinkering around with this. Appreciate your dedication to your hobby and fans

Yes it does! Although I only tried it with a 64GB Samsung Evo Plus memory card

thank you so much!

Wow! The Beaulieu 6008s is such a beautiful and classic camera! Haha, I don’t have much experience with Super 8 cameras, but to be honest, it’s an idea that’s been on my mind for several months now. I definitely plan to make a video on this. I’ve seen several projects where people install a Raspberry Pi Zero with a camera module and use the vintage camera’s lens, or they put a cheap action camera inside a Super 8 camera. I’m thinking of doing something similar. For now, I have three Newvicon cameras in progress for upcoming videos, so I can’t say exactly when, but a Super 8 camera mod will definitely make its way to the channel. However, I wouldn’t recommend modifying your Beaulieu 6008s-it’s not only beautiful, but from what I see on eBay, it’s also quite expensive. My advice would be to preserve it and maybe get a more affordable Super 8 camera on eBay. That way, if something goes wrong in the process, you won’t have lost much money, and you’ll still have fun experimenting. That’s what I do, haha

@@MaxVegaKun Im just talking about a Video assist like the new Kodak super 8 camera. So what im shooting can be monitored. No interests in digital image replacing super 8 cart. I would like to see you do that as well like u said for a future episode.

You think? I first used that metod I used several capture devices from different brands and even when I raised the bit rate to the maximum, I didn't really like the image. I suppose there are more factors to consider but I still prefer how it looks with this mini dvr, but the audio is much better using the capture device. On the phone, I guess it's a matter of taste! Thank you very much for leaving your coment, it is very valuable so that other people have different points of view!

Haha, that was a good one! 😄

Sure thing! 😊 Here’s the link to the monitor on AliExpress: www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805211321157.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.78.321c1802OSBxl4&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa It’s a great little monitor for projects like this. Thanks for asking, and I hope it works well for you!

@@MaxVegaKun Thank you! I appreciate it.

Thank you! 😊 I'm really glad you liked it!

Thank you! The design and character of these old cameras really are something special, aren’t they? I’m glad you liked the project and found the tip about the mini DVR useful. As for a modding scene, I know a few people near where I live who love these types of cameras, but so far, I haven’t met anyone else who wants to modify them-though I’m sure there must be others out there! When it comes to video games, there’s definitely a huge modding community! It’s funny you mention the Game Boy-just last week, I modded two Game Boys and a Game Gear. I’ve been thinking about uploading videos about those mods to the channel, but since it's more focused on cameras, I’m not sure if people would be interested. But if you like Game Boys, I suppose we’re around the same age, haha, so maybe us 'oldies' have a soft spot for that kind of stuff!

@@MaxVegaKun yea absolutely - these old cameras just feel like "camera". and I love the design of ancient technology. yep the game boy fascination is a chapter for itself...I can't see a reason why you should not post something about that theme. my fascination for older technology goes way beyond... I grew up with 8mm family films, we always filmed our vacations. I had my self a (silent, with audio was too expensive) 8mm projector and enjoyed different movies from the past...like short versions of frankenstein, sure charlie chaplin and I had an ago old short version of a sci-fi movie "This Island Earth" (1955).....these were times...😄😄😅😅

Absolutely, there’s something about these old cameras that just feels so authentic-like they embody what a 'camera' truly is. The design of vintage technology has a charm that’s hard to beat. And I totally get the Game Boy fascination-it’s a whole chapter of its own! I appreciate your encouragement about posting more on that theme. It’s amazing to hear about your experiences with 8mm films; that’s a special kind of nostalgia. Growing up with family films, an 8mm projector, and enjoying classics like Frankenstein and Charlie Chaplin must have been incredible. Those were truly magical times, and it’s so cool that you’ve kept that love for older technology alive!

@@MaxVegaKun thank u man, thank u👍

Thank you!

Hey there! Actually, it’s not VHS technology. This camera uses a Newvicon sensor, which is similar to those used in old TV cameras. These cameras didn’t have internal recording capabilities and required an external recorder. Cool, right?

Thanks a ton! Really glad you liked the project. As for the ports vs. custom cable decision, I figured adding ports would make the camera more portable and versatile for future mods and easier to connect with different devices. Plus it makes it easier for me to think about adding new accessories in the future. And, honestly, it looks nicer on my shelf haha. Cheers! 🤙

I love the Atomos Ninja-they provide spectacular quality, even though the price is quite high. For more professional productions, they are ideal. And I totally agree, tapes always add a certain je ne sais quoi! 😆 Thanks for your comment!

Thanks! It was fun to work on

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone starts somewhere, and learning electronics can be really rewarding. There are plenty of great resources and tutorials out there to help you get started, and I can tell you because I’m there right now - I’m just a beginner. Keep at it, and you might surprise yourself!

It's the next video! Stay tuned! Thank you so much!

Hey Douglas! It's awesome that you're working on a similar project. Based on my experience, it's always necessary for the video cable to have a ground connection, just like with audio. Generally, they share the same ground, even the camera's power supply can share the same ground (though it's best to take the power ground from a different point to reduce interference in the video signal). I usually use a 4-pole connector and assign each pole to connect: Video, Audio L, Audio R, and ground, according to the diagram you can see in the video. Although there are other configurations, this is the most common standard for the 3.5mm mini AV outputs used in VHS and Hi-8 cameras from that era. However, this mini DVR shown in the video has a different standard, so I had to make a special cable with the standard I mentioned on one side and the compatible one for the Mini DVR on the other. In fact, the pinout for the Mini DVR is in the manual, indicating which pole corresponds to which signal. I hope I explained it well and didn't confuse you even more, or probably that wasn’t even your question, haha. I've been thinking about making a video explaining this. What do you think? Would that be helpful for you?

@@MaxVegaKun ooooh, okay. So I could find the correct pin that my miniDVR takes, find what wires do what, open up the back end of it and wrap those ends around the corresponding pin on my hitachis 10-pin cable. Then I do something similar with the 12 volt power supply / battery pin

That’s awesome! I’ve experimented with using a phone as a monitor and recorder too, though I personally find the video quality from the mini DVR to be a bit better than with the USB video app. No matter how much I bump up the bit rate, the image just doesn’t quite convince me-maybe my capture dongle isn’t the best quality, haha. But one thing’s for sure, the audio quality through the USB capture is much better than the mini DVR. It’s funny you mention this because my next video on the channel is actually comparing the video quality of different capture methods, including using a USB-C capture dongle connected to a phone. I’ll be sharing the pros and cons of each method, at least from my experience. By the way, what a classic and cool camera you’ve got there! Thanks so much for your comment and support!

@@MaxVegaKun the capture quality is as good as plugged into a Mac/PC. I expect it's all about the dongle. DV capture is the best option, but those battery powered DV capture devices are VERY expensive. I just want to preserve the tape mechanism if I decide to resell. I bought a 2012 Mac Mini just to capture from DV, but the FW400-800 conversion doesn't work for whatever reason. 🤔

Yeah true! those original sony DV captures are totally out of my budget but there's a reason why they're so expensive a friend of mine has one and I love it! It’s a shame the FW400-800 conversion isn’t that can be frustrating when you’ve got everything else set up. Sometimes these older connections can be finicky, I hope you find a solution that works for you!

@@MaxVegaKun I'll probably buy an older 2009 macbook with FW400. Wish me luck 🤣

Thank you so much for watching and for your support! I’m really glad you enjoyed the project. It means a lot to me!

Thank you so much for your encouragement! I'm glad you found it interesting. And yeah! there’s more to come. Stay tuned!

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video. Your support means a lot to me. Stay tuned for more content like this!

Thanks, bro! I really appreciate it. Means a lot! 🤙

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your support!

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you like it!

Thanks for the encouragement! I really appreciate it!

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it! I really appreciate your support :)

Thank you! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

Muchas gracias!, Me alegra mucho que te haya gustado!

Muchas gracias! Me alegra que te haya gustado!

Thanks a ton! I'm thrilled you think so. More cool stuff coming your way soon!