Nizo 6080

Nizo 6080

Year: 1980-82

Weight: 1900 g

Lens: Schneider macro-Variogon 1,4 / 7 - 80 mm

Macro focusing

Split Image Focusing

Auto / Manual Zoom with 2 speeds

Frame rates: 9,16 2/3,18,24,25,54 + single frame

Shutter degree: 200°

Manual / Auto Exposure

Backlight Control

+/- correction for auto

Flash contact

Fades

Lap dissolve of 90 frames

Remote control socket

Cable release socket

Interval timer with 2, 5, 15 second intervals

Sound with Auto / Manual Recording Level Control

6 X AA batteries (rechargables and hence only 1.2V per battery!)

Retractable handle

Made in Germany

Manufacturer: Niezoldi&Krämer / Braun

60 m cassette acceptance.

Instruction manual: http://www.mondofoto.com/manuals/nizo_6080-6056.pdf

Recently paid in eBay net auction:

• eBay USA
  • US$560 in 07/1999
• eBay Germany:
  • 51 EUR (+ 8 EUR shipping) in 10/2005 (for an "untested" camera without compendium and without battery-pack)
  • EUR 123,00 (+ EUR 7,00 shipping) in 01/2006 (camera with original hard-case, compendium, UWL, ...)
  • EUR 84,01 (+ EUR 6,90 shipping) in 03/2006 (the camera + mic & manual, but no other extras)
  • EUR 117,00 (+ EUR 9,90 shipping) in 04/2006 (camera with original hard-case, compendium, ...)
  • EUR 151,00 (+ EUR 6,90 shipping) in 02/2007 (camera with original hard-case, compendium, ...)
  • EUR 183,00 (+ EUR 10,00 shipping) in 06/2007 (camera with original hard-case, compendium, UWL, ...)
  • EUR 100,00 (+ EUR 10,50 shipping) in 06/2007 (just an "untested" camera + mic & manual)
  • EUR 242,00 (+ EUR 10,00 shipping) in 07/2007 (camera with original hard-case, compendium, UWL, ...)
  • EUR 102,11 (+ EUR 6,00 shipping) in 07/2007 (an "untested" camera + UWL, but no other extras)
  • EUR 108,00 (+ EUR 4,10 shipping) in 07/2007 (camera without extras and without a working battery-pack)
  • EUR 139,00 (+ EUR 7,00 shipping) in 07/2007 (the camera + mic & manual, but no other extras)

Comments

Same as Nizo 6056, but with a different lens. The only difference from the Nizo 4080 is the fact that the 4080 doesn't accept a Kodak-60m-cassette. (The 6080 can do some longer rewinds with that 60m-cassette, too.) Unlike 4XXX series, 6080 uses early microprocessor technology to sequence camera functions. Sadly, new chips are unavailable for repair.

The 4056/4080/6056/6080 can handle cartridges with a 64ASA-setting, hence they should be able to handle the new Ektachrome 64T correctly.

There are two versions of the 6080:

• The first models with exactly the same optics as used for the Nizo 4080
• and the later versions (with a slightly larger "Variogon" lens and an "UWL" marking)

According to some rumors, the later versions' lenses are inferior when it comes to sharpness compared to the 4080 or other Nizos.

You can replace the "rechargeable-battery-box" with the battery-box from the Nizo "S"-Series and/or "Nizo "Professional". The later ones can be opened without any problems, hence you can replace the rechargable batteries with newer ones. As the "schmalfilm"-magazine 1-2/1994 states, you can even use normal 1.5V AA batteries instead of the 1.2V rechargable ones: There's a diode called "ZY12" to protect the camera from overvoltage, but the 9V (6x 1.5V) instead of the 7.2V (6x 1.2V) are still within the limits of the "ZY12", which was not confirmed by a recent private test with new alkaline batteries: there is no function with a camera that operates normally with the rechargeable block. Anyway, using rechargable batteries saves you a lot of money and is more "environment-friendly". Opinion is mixed on the desirability of replacing Nicads with 1.5 volt alkalines.

An extremely quiet camera, but silent cartridges can sound noisy within metal casing. No fault of camera, and will not effect operation.

Reviews

2016 Review by Super8Scientist

These Nizo sound cameras (2056, 3048, 4056, 4080, 6056, 6080, etc) are a joy to handhold with their built-in shoulder support. Even the 6080 with the big 7-80mm lens is well balanced enough. The professional matte-box for this camera is a great teaching tool for practical effects if you wish to eventually move up to 16mm or 35mm. The lenses on the 4080/6080 are just sharp enough to give the film a classic 70s/80s B-movie style. However your best bet is to get at least a 2k or 1080p scan, a 720p scan will not do the camera justice; 720p scans are the cause for many people claiming the lens is not sharp. As all evidence suggests, these are the quietest super-8 cameras you can get without using a blimp. I've even shot interior scenes with this camera and a cardioid mic, and the camera noise is easily obscured with a good track of ambient sound. The camera's greatest strength however, may also be its biggest flaw:

The drive belts that allow them to be so quiet do break, stretch, deteriorate, etc as all rubber is bound to do. Braun does not make them anymore so there is a good chance you will not find a replacement. Perhaps it is a better idea to buy a more reliable-yet noisier-camera and blimp it.

If you do want to try to replace the belt, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Get in contact with a company that manufactures belts for old radios and cassette decks. Cut your belt and then measure the length and thickness. If your belt has stretched then they should be able to account for that and come up with the appropriate length. If they make triangle belts, great, but if they don't then most likely they will recommend a square belt. PROS: You will get an accurate replacement. CONS: There is no information to suggest that a square belt will work, and you will have to buy in bulk of 50-100 because they won't turn the machines on just for an order of 5 or 10.

2. Cut a thin strip of gaff tape, or get a piece of string and measure the loop the belt makes around the rollers. Take this length that you measured and your belt thickness, and try to find a replacement on Ebay or Amazon. PROS: Will be able to buy only what you need. CONS: May not be accurate, and possibly difficult to find.

I am currently in the process of trying these methods to replace the bad belt on one of my 6080s. If I have success, I will update this review with the specs and where I got it from.