Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera Value Guide

Bentley Super 8 B-3 Motion Picture Camera | eBay
Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera
Estimated Value
$20 – $22
Period
1965-1975
Origin
Japan
Materials
Plastic, Metal, Glass

The Bentley B-3 is a quintessential example of the mass-market Super 8 craze, offering an affordable entry point into 1960s home filmmaking. Its simplified plastic-heavy design and fixed-focus lens made it a popular choice for families seeking a user-friendly alternative to professional-grade equipment.

What Is Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera Worth?

The typical price range for Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera is $20 - $22 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Mechanical functionality, specifically the motor's ability to run smoothly with batteries installed.
  • Cosmetic condition of the plastic housing, including the absence of cracks or heavy scuffing.
  • Clarity of the internal optics and whether the lens is free from fungal growth or haze.
  • Presence of original packaging or the instruction manual which can bolster the $20-$22 market price.

How to Identify Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera?

  • Look for the 'Bentley B-3' branding prominently displayed on the side of the camera body.
  • Check for the distinctive top-mounted film counter used to track Super 8mm footage consumption.
  • Verify the 'Made in Japan' marking on the chassis, indicating its late 1960s to mid-1970s origin.
  • Confirm the presence of the fixed-focus glass lens and the handheld pistol-grip style handle.

History of Bentley B-3 Super 8 Movie Camera

Manufactured in the late 1960s to mid-1970s, the Bentley B-3 was marketed as an affordable, user-friendly entry point into home filmmaking. Unlike high-end cameras of the era from Nikon or Canon, the Bentley utilized a plastic-heavy construction and fixed-focus lens to reach a mass-market audience during the height of the Super 8 craze.

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