I am happy to announce the first product from the collaboration between Pro8mm and myself. It solves a long-standing problem that they have had with their Classic Pro camera. As a result of Pro8mm's restoration of the camera (originally the popular Beaulieu 4008) there was not any power solution within the camera itself, it had to be powered externally. Also, the original grip had been removed and even tho you were able to use standard grips you still had to be careful in doing so, not to damage the camera itself.
With this new design, not only does the grip follow the original design and uses its original plate but it also incorporates two lithium cell batteries that provide 7.2v and 3.6v to power the camera action and the exposure meter respectively.
It also fits perfectly and has a guide pin so the grip won’t rotate around.
Side by side with the original grip:
The design has gone through a few iterations to make it more ergonomic, truer to the original one and also to make it as functional and practical as possible.
These are some of the earlier designs:
The problem with this original version was that the hand was sitting too far away from the trigger action in the camera and it was hard to reach. It was also a bit too big for some smaller hands. This the 3D print of this first version:
We made a test with an acetone bath to accomplish a smooth look and avoid the lines that the 3D printer leaves behind (the one on the right). I also tried to coat it with Plasti Dip (the one on the left) for a more comfortable feel. Any test with the acetone came out too shiny for my taste and also it was messing a bit with the tolerances.
You can still see the lines on the left grip even tho it was treated with acetone. It gives good results but it is a bit unpredictable.
For the second version, which is the latest, I created a texture on the surface of the grip itself. That way the lines from the 3D printer are not so visible and there is no need for an acetone bath. The look is less shiny and more retro.
The 2 cells fit perfectly and there will be a cable coming out of the grip to power the camera. Pro8mm is taking care of the assembly.
Brass Heat inserts were used to secure the plates on top and bottom.
The top plate hasn’t been machined yet, ultimately it will have holes for the screws, guide pin and ¼ 20 screw that secures the grip with the camera. The bottom plate is the one used on the original grip, it fits perfectly with the new grip.
Pro8mm is presenting this product at the Cine Expo Gear, at Paramount Studios today (6/2) through Saturday, make sure not to miss it!
Thank you so much for reading!








