1970s Super 8 camera reengineered for digital video recording yields distinctly vintage visuals
In a fascinating blend of old and new, Nico Rahardian Tangara, a creative artist and tech enthusiast, has breathed new life into a 1970s Canon 514XL S Super 8 camera, converting it into a digital camcorder using a Raspberry Pi.
Tangara, who currently serves as the associate creative director and creative technologist at BBH Singapore, found the non-working camera for just a few dollars at a flea market in Sydney. He stripped out most of the original internal parts, preserving the lens, triggers, and switches to maintain the classic look and control feel of the vintage camera.
Inside, he installed a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W—a compact, low-cost, hackable computer—and a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3, capable of recording in 4K resolution. The camera’s original lens remains in front, creating a soft, retro visual aesthetic despite the footage being fully digital.
The result is warm, softly focused footage reminiscent of Super 8 film, without the cost and inconvenience of developing physical film. Tangara shared his project and footage online, demonstrating how classic analog design can be married with modern digital technology using the Raspberry Pi platform.
Nico Rahardian Tangara's work spans filmmaking, brand campaigns, and immersive virtual experiences. He has received numerous awards, including Red Dot Design, a Webby, and Cannes Lions. Tangara, who built his first game server at age 14 and taught himself several programming languages, continues to push the boundaries of technology and art.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience, leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World. Grigonis favours a journalistic style in her wedding and portrait photography. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and more. Grigonis is also a licensed drone pilot.
[1] Source: https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/super-8-camera-transformed-into-a-digital-camcorder-using-a-raspberry-pi/ [4] Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQkN5z3Ql0g (Tangara's YouTube video of the project)
- Nico Rahardian Tangara's innovative project involves converting a vintage 1970s Canon 514XL S Super 8 camera into a digital camcorder using a Raspberry Pi, maintaining the lens, triggers, and switches for a classic feel while incorporating modern technology.
- The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 installed inside the camera allows for 4K resolution video recording, creating a unique blend of soft, retro visual aesthetics with digital technology.
- In a news piece by Hillary K. Grigonis, a seasoned journalist and licensed drone pilot, the transformation of a Super 8 camera into a digital camcorder using artificial-intelligence-powered Raspberry Pi is highlighted, showcasing Tangara's creativity and technical proficiency in gadgets and technology.
- Grigonis also discusses Tangara's professional career trajectory, which encompasses filmmaking, brand campaigns, immersive virtual experiences, and even photography, where she emphasizes his use of journalistic style in her wedding and portrait photography.
- With the convergence of old and new, Tangara's work exemplifies the potential for artistic expression and technological advancement in the realm of photography, serving as an inspiration for aspiring creatives and tech enthusiasts alike.
