01
Nippon Kogaku Optics
Equipped with a Japanese 13mm cine lens produced by the optical masters at Nippon Kogaku.
Curio Gallery
01 / 05
01 / 05Elmo Cine 8-A 8mm Motion Picture Camera with Case — photograph 3
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Cine Elmo 8-A is an early Japanese regular 8mm motion picture camera featuring a robust die-cast metal body finished in brown crinkle enamel. Driven by a clockwork spring motor, it features selectable frame rates and an adjustable optical viewfinder to match interchangeable focal lengths. This example is fitted with a Nippon Kogaku 13mm cine lens and includes its original fitted brown leather carry case.
02
Clockwork Spring Motor
Operates fully mechanically with a heavy-duty side winding crank requiring no battery power.
03
Multi-Speed Capability
Side control dial allows rapid frame rate selection ranging from 8 frames per second up to 32 fps.
04
Adjustable Viewfinder Framing
Dedicated finder dial adjusts internal optical masking to correspond with lenses from 6.5mm up to 38mm.
05
Mid-Century Crinkle Finish
Characteristic 1950s brown crinkle industrial coating accented with polished chrome and maroon lettering.
06
Matching Factory Case
Includes the original hard-formed brown leather carrying case embossed with the mid-century script Elmo logo.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Elmo Co., Ltd., Nagoya
Origin
Japan
Year
1954
Department
cameras
Packed shipment
2.5 kg · 35 × 28 × 22 cm
Film Format
Standard 8mm (Regular 8, Double 8 spool)
Drive Type
Spring-wound clockwork motor with fold-out winding key
Lens
Nippon Kogaku Japan 13mm prime lens
Frame Rates
Dial-selectable speeds including 8, 16, 24, and 32 fps
Viewfinder Adjustment
Calibrated dial for optical field adjustment (6.5mm to 38mm)
Body Finish
Brown crinkle textured enamel with chrome trim
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Elmo Cine 8-A 8mm Motion Picture Camera with Case — photograph 1
Detail № 02 · Elmo Cine 8-A 8mm Motion Picture Camera with Case — photograph 2
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Elmo Cine 8-A 8mm Motion Picture Camera with Case; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Optics & Engineering
Collaboration with Nippon Kogaku
As seen mounted on the camera face in photo 2, the 13mm lens bearing the Nippon Kogaku mark demonstrates the prestigious optical partnership behind early post-war Japanese cinematography before Nikon consolidated its own cine production.
Travel & Field Use
Form-Fitted Field Case
The heavy-gauge stitched leather field case seen in photos 1 and 2 provided amateur filmmakers of the 1950s with rugged protection, securing the Cine 8-A on family travels and outdoor filming excursions.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1921
Founding of Elmo
Hidenobu Sakaki establishes the predecessor to Elmo Co., Ltd. in Nagoya, pioneering Japanese cine projection equipment.
1954
Introduction of the Cine 8-A
Elmo introduces its Cine 8-A camera, establishing a reputation for precision consumer and enthusiast 8mm movie equipment.
1950s
Optical Collaboration with Nippon Kogaku
Early Elmo cine cameras regularly feature premium Nikkor cine optics manufactured by Nippon Kogaku (Nikon).
1965
Transition to Super 8
Following the debut of the Super 8 cartridge format, clockwork double-8 cameras transition to collector status.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The camera body and crinkle brown enamel show minor handling wear with clean labeling and bright chrome trim. The winding crank and adjustment dials are intact with crisp engraved markings. The fitted brown leather case shows light exterior scuffing and edge wear, with an intact latch mechanism and shoulder strap.
✓
InspectedBody & Paint Finish
Crinkle textured brown enamel remains well preserved with minimal edge rubbing and intact die-cast casing.
✓
InspectedLens & Mount
Nippon Kogaku 13mm lens barrel shows clear aperture and focus engraving with minor cosmetic surface patina.
✓
InspectedControls & Dials
Frame speed selector, viewfinder focal dial, and side winding key assembly remain complete and legible.
✓
InspectedFitted Leather Case
Original brown leather case displays moderate surface scuffs and strap creasing; metal latch mechanism remains functional.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Elmo Cine 8-A 8mm Motion Picture Camera with Case