Geheimtipp Beaulieu S2008: Die günstige 4008-Alternative mit AA-Batterien nutzen

Insider tip Beaulieu S2008: Using the affordable 4008 alternative with AA batteries

Let's be honest: If you're looking for a really good Super 8 camera, sooner or later you'll end up with the legendary Beaulieu 4008. For many of us, it's the "Holy Grail" – solid, professional and with lenses that bring tears to your eyes (of joy!).

The problem? It's damn expensive these days.

But what if I told you that there's an almost identical sister that often costs only half as much, but can do almost the same? I'm talking about the Beaulieu S2008.

I'll tell you now why it's such a bargain and how you can get it back in shape with our new adapter (and save a lot of budget in the process).

Feel free to watch my video about it, where I compare the two cameras directly.

The duel: Beaulieu 4008 vs. S2008

Can you see the difference at first glance?

Vladi hält beide Kameras (4008 und S2008) nebeneinander in die Kamera

Probably not, right? The Beaulieu S2008 was launched only about five years before the famous 4008 and looks confusingly similar. Back then, it was absolute high-end equipment.

The fact that everyone is chasing the 4008 today and often ignoring the S2008 was previously due to an annoying detail: The power supply.

Like many cameras of the time, the S2008 uses a very special battery with a unique 3-Pin connector. We and others have had modern battery solutions for the 4008 for some time, but S2008 owners were often left out in the cold. And without power, even the most beautiful camera is just an expensive paperweight – which is why the prices for the S2008 are so low.

Your chance as a bargain hunter

That's exactly where you can jump in now. Because there hasn't been a reasonable battery solution until now, you can often get a used S2008 for next to nothing. With our new adapter, you can technically turn it into almost a 4008 – for a fraction of the money.

A small catch? Okay, the S2008 can't handle extreme slow motion with 70 fps like the 4008. But let's be honest: who still wastes material at 70 frames per second given the current film prices? Exactly.

The solution: Our new battery adapter

We couldn't listen to the whining anymore and – typically Ausgeknipst – made something of our own.

Our adapter replaces the old special battery and runs on 4 standard AA NiMH batteries. This is ingenious because:


  • You can get a replacement at any gas station (normal batteries will do in an emergency, but we recommend rechargeable batteries).
  • You can use your normal charger.
  • The voltage is a perfect match for the camera electronics.


Installation is that easy

You don't have to solder or screw anything:

  1. Charge batteries: Grab 4x AA NiMH batteries (Eneloop or Varta are great).
  2. Insert: Pack the batteries into our 3D-printed adapter.
  3. Put it in: Slide the adapter together with the circuit board into the handle. It doesn't matter which way round, the contact always fits.
  4. Close it: Screw on the lid.

Vladi schraubt den Deckel auf den Handgriff

The best thing about it: Our screw cap has a metal thread. In contrast to cheap plastic stuff, nothing wears out here, even if you change the batteries often. The lid presses the adapter properly against the contacts so that everything runs reliably.

You can find the adapter directly in our shop here:

Beaulieu S2008 Batterieadapter (inkl. Deckel)

(Note: You will also need 4x AA NiMH batteries and a suitable charger, which you can get in any electronics store.)

IMPORTANT: Keep your eyes open when buying a camera (3-Pin vs. 1-Pin)

Before you buy eBay empty, here's a warning from me. There are two versions of the S2008:

  1. The 3-Pin version: This is the standard version. In the battery compartment you can see three small contact pins. Our adapter is made exactly for this.
  2. The 1-pin version: This is super rare and only has one contact pin.

Currently our adapter works only with the 3-pin version. If you happen to have one of the rare 1-pin cameras: Write to us. If enough people ask for it, we'll get back to the drawing board!

Conclusion

Don't let the hype about the 4008 fool you. The Beaulieu S2008 is a fantastic, underestimated camera. With our adapter you can wake it from its slumber and still have enough budget left for the most important thing: buying and shooting film!

Do you have any questions about the Beaulieu or are you unsure whether the adapter fits your camera? Just write to me.

Good light and have fun filming!

Yours, Vladi

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