| Fades, lap dissolves, interval timer, time exposure, remote control socket, flash contact
ABOUT MODIFICATIONS MADE
Excerpt from Ignacio Benedeti’s blog (http://mimundoensuper-8.blogspot.com/2019/02/nueva-bauer-a512-egido-version-mark-ii.html)
Bauer A512 (new version with modifications by André Egido):
1) Manual ASA selector.
2) Instant exposimeter lock button.
3) Aperture value indicator inside viewfinder with LED backlight.
MANUAL ASA ADJUSTMENT.
From factory, the Bauer A512 adjusts the film sensitivity automatically, limited to two values that were once sold (40 and 160). Nowadays there are many emulsions and a manual ASA selector has been added to this camera: 40, 50, 64, 80, 100, 125, 160 and 200. The manual ASA selector of the Bauer A512 in version of Egido makes it possible to take full advantage of the variable shutter, compensating exposures when the operator works with aperture angles lower than the normal camera.
Kodak recommends exposing the Kodak Vision 500 to 200 – tests done on this show that Kodak is right.
EXPOSURE METER LOCK BUTTON.
The original exposure meter locking system in the Bauer A512 basically consists on turning the knob of manual exposure meter until it stops at the desired F-stop. But in certain shoots, with a multitude of short-term unforeseen situations, this system is very slow, so an instant lock button is incorporated in this camera, conveniently located above the lens.
BACKLIGHT OF THE DIAPHRAGM VALUE READER.
As it comes from factory, the aperture value is displayed in ambient light thanks to a small window, but it is impossible to read in low-light situations. This problem has been solved: now, after the F-stop, a LED allows its reading in the viewfinder to be seen by the cameraman for the entire duration of the shot.
A512 EGIDO MARK II: THE CAMERA WITH ALL THE NEWS.
Best of all, these developments (manual ASA selector, instant exposimeter lock and diaphragm value backlight) are now available to any user of the Bauer A512, a camera that also has other qualities:
1) ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WITH THE VARIABLE SHUTTER
Variable shutter lock is an option found only on few Super-8 cameras: from a cinematographer’s point of view, variable shutter is a must, especially in combination with this model’s circular diaphragm that it can provide a very nice “bokeh”.
2) AMAZING SCHNEIDER WITH TYPE T COATING
The Bauer A512 has one of the three best variable focal lenses ever made: the Schneider Kreuznach Macro Variogon f1.8 12x, in Schott glass with T-coating (from Tarnug), like the Zeiss Master Prime. This is, due to its resolution capacity, the ideal lens for 4K scans. Its twelve magnifications also have a particularity: the wide angle, 6 mm, is absolutely extreme without distortion. A very high quality German lens for the non plus ultra camera from the Robert Bosch group. This lens features a macro compatible with the Scheneider ultra-wide-angle attachment that transforms the 6mm into an unheard of 3.8mm. The zoom lens, in addition to being manual, has a motor with adjustable speed.
3) FILMING CADENCIES.
The Bauer A512 can shoot at 12, 18, 24 and 54 frames per second. To shoot at high speed it is not necessary to interrupt the shot: it is enough to press a button, while shooting, just at the moment when this cadence is required.
4) INCORPORATED INTERVALOMETER.
No additional accessories are required for timelapse filming: the Bauer A512 has a built-in intervalometer, which can shoot programmatically by the operator between 6 frames per second up to one shot every minute.
5) SLOW EXPOSURE TRIGGER.
The Bauer A512 offers the creator, in addition to its normal photometer, an additional photometer designed for slow exposure: this enables automatic shooting without light with low-sensitivity film (for example, in the twilight of a church or in the light of the moon), with each frame perfectly exposed and with a programmable scene duration.
6) SOUND SYNCHRONIZATION.
The camera has a sound synchronization socket that can be very useful in certain situations, with two systems: the FTS and pulse.
7) CASTING AUTOMATIC FILM LAP-DISSOLVES.
The Bauer A512 is one of the few cameras that can make automatic crossfades by closing the variable shutter (and not with the system of closing the diaphragm, something that alters the depth of field).
8) REVERSE FILMING.
The Bauer A512 enables reverse shooting, within the maximum limit imposed by the Super-8 cartridge (about 100 frames).
OTHER INTERESTING TECHNICAL ASPECTS.
Naturally, the Bauer A512 has all the other features common to other high-end cameras, such as (among others) an electromagnetic shutter release, a large viewfinder for ultra-precise focus or the folding grip.
WEIGHT. With such a number of benefits it would be normal for the Bauer A512 to reach two kilos, but it does not exceed 1,350 grams. In a compact size, with a moderate weight, all the optical and mechanical requirements to make good cinema in Super-8. |
