One of the most beautiful motion picture cameras is on sale. Last of the greats. CinemaGear is selling a legendary Moviecam SuperAmerica MK 2 for $10,000. Would you buy this rare beast?

Moviecam motion picture cameras

The first model of Moviecam was created in 1976 after vast research and development efforts. Although only three camera models (SuperAmerica, Compact, and SL) were produced in significant quantities for international usage, the high-quality camera design, simplicity of usage compared to the contemporary models of ARRI and Panavision[citation needed, and integration of modern and pioneering camera features led to widespread usage in the film industry.

ARRI subsequently bought Moviecam in the 1990s. Then the ARRICAM System was invented, based on the technology of the Moviecam, which combined the basic movement and design of the Moviecam systems with the precision electronic parts and complement of camera accessories already designed by ARRI.

We love writing about old film cameras, as we think that these are marvels. Cameras like Moviecam SuperAmerica MK 2 have a vast effect on our industry. These cameras helped to reinvent motion picture cinematography till the digital age and beyond.

From Moviecam to ARRICAM

The ARRICAM cameras were released in 2000 and remain the flagship camera line of ARRI’s 35 mm products. Despite the fact that Moviecam cameras have not been manufactured for almost ten years, their quality and features have kept them in service to meet their consistent high demand for feature film shoots. In fact, the Moviecam Compact which was the successor of the SuperAmerica MK 2, was used on many acclaimed blockbuster features, including modern high-budget films.

SuperAmerica MK 2

Now, the legendary SuperAmerica MK 2 model of Moviecam is on sale at CinemaGear. As explained, this last of the greats model has helped to redefine motion picture cinematography till today. This is how CinemaGear describes the SuperAmerica MK 2: The Moviecam SuperAmerica MK 2 is an extraordinary 35mm sound silent motion picture camera featuring Super 35 format and a PL lens mount. When it was introduced in the 1980s, the Moviecam SuperAmerica (and its successor the MK 2) represented a seachange in the design and functionality of professional motion picture cameras. The design of the original SuperAmerica camera was far more user-friendly and incorporated much more modern electronics and advanced engineering than its contemporaries. The SuperAmerica MK 2 was the next generation of this groundbreaking design, featuring improvements pulled directly from feedback given by actual users of the camera. The popularity of the MK 2 led to Moviecam’s acquisition by ARRIFLEX in the 1990s and culminated in the introduction of ARRICAM.

Price: $10,000

This camera package comes complete with:

1. Moviecam SuperAmerica MK 2 camera body with Super 35 aperture
2. PL lens mount
3. Super 35/1.85 ground glass
4. Movielite module with variable formats
5. Long and short eyepiece
6. Remote hand grip
7. Two 500′ magazines
8. Two 1000′ magazines
9. Top and shoulder mount magazine adapter
10. Moviecam swing-away matte box with hard mattes
11. ARRIFLEX balance plate and dovetail
12. Iris rods
13. Moviecam follow focus
14. Moviecam color video tap (external color video signal is working, onboard electronic viewfinder not working)
15. 24/12 power breakout box
16. Movie speed control module
17. Moviecam Syncro box
18. Diagnostic boards and terminal kit
19. Cases for all

Final thoughts

We love writing about old film cameras, as we think that these are marvels. Cameras like Moviecam SuperAmerica MK 2 have a vast effect on our industry. These cameras helped to reinvent motion picture cinematography till the digital age and beyond. For more details about the SuperAmerica MK 2, head to the CinemaGear website.