PROJECTOR FILMS

SUPER 8

Super 8mm film continues to be a popular format for experimental or short film makers in Britain today. This is despite the difficulties of using the format and the rarity of people that stock the products or can offer more specialist services.

This page is written for film makers who want to try out the idea of shooting a film on Super8 film and some quick pointers to get them started.

Don't know what Super 8 is? Or you don't know your super8 from your standard 8. Go to the wikipedia page.

Looking for buy some super 8 films to watch, or a projector, then there is a special category on ebay

What is it?

Super 8 was a development born out of the old 8mm film that was used for the best part of 30 years to shoot home movies on. The benefits of Super 8 over Regular 8 as it was came to be known were in two main regions. Firstly the actual picture area on the film was increased as the sprockets were made smaller and the height also increased to stay in the same ratio as this increased width. Sound was also incorporated via a thin magnetic stripe which was added onto the side.

Super 8 is an 'easy' film system. You load it in a cartridge rather than having to load your own reels in the dark. You can shoot on reversal stock (normal film means shooting on a negative which you then have to make a print from) meaning you can project your results easily.

As a 'home movie' format it is no longer used. Only film makers now use the stock. It is sometimes used in situations where larger 16mm cameras couldn't fit. But more often it is used because it's unique over-saturated look.

Where do I get it?

Kodak (the last remaining provider) recently gave up manufacturing the film. But stock is still available from specialists such as pro8mm. They take 16mm stock and redesign it to fit a Super8 cartridge. The benefit of this approach is that the latest and best film stocks from Kodak are now available to super 8ers. Pro8mm is American but you can email their London based sales office at europe@pro8mm.com

How do I film using Super 8?

I didn't used to have to put this paragraph in. But for digital film makers trying out Super8 it can seem like a complex process. And it has a few choices within it as well.

1 - Shoot on Super8mm film

2 - Develop the film. In the original 'home movie' days of super 8 this was included in the price. Ask the place where you bought your stock to see if they do developing as well.

3A - Edit the film the old-school way. That means actually cutting your film and editing that way. I recommend film makers do it this way at least once. Its a great antitode to computer based editing. And you get a film master. If you shot on negative stock then you will have a negative master. You could run prints off this.

3B - Edit the film digitally. You can get your footage tele-cined to tape and then you could edit as you would do for any digital video project. Remember that if you shoot on negative stock then its easy to just invert it in the PC. The only downside with this whole approach is that you don't get a film master.

What about equipment?

While new camera equipment is still being made it is very expensive as the target purchasers are promo makers. Second-hand equipment can often be found at independant photographic shops for a range of prices. Cameras cn be from £20 to £100 and projectors from £40 to £150. This often includes a warranty and the equipment has been re-conditioned. If you are lucky you can get equipment from car boot sales or in free-ads type papers. I got a super 8 sound camera with 4 AA batteries in it for £3.50! Remember because the hardware is mechanical you can do more repairs and cleaning yourself than with electronic devices.
Small editors can be picked up even cheaper.

What should I beware of?

The main pitfall to watch out for is that most domestic, home movie gear runs at 18 frames per second (fps) through the camera. Professional users shoot at 24 fps and festivals will want productions shot with this in mind so make sure the camera can operate at this speed.
Also check that the built-in light meter is working. Without this the camera is virtually useless.

Everyday Man (my Super8 film)

For more on shooting on Super8 and other ideas for film makers looking to work in a different way - visit my blog.

BRITISH RESOURCES

The Widescreen Centre: The one-stop shop for ALL things super 8: stock, processing, cameras, even anamorphic lens to shoot in Panavision style.
OnSuper8: The best super8 website. All you need is here.
Classic Home Cinema: As well as supplying everything Super 8, they also perform a sound striping service where the magnetic sound stripe is added to a silent film.
Du-All Camera: Repair and sell all types of Super 8 equipment. You can also hire.
Derann Film Services Ltd: A supplier of commercial movies and shorts on Super8
Lee's Cameras: The most famous domestic and low budget film equipment supplier in this country. Can pretty much help with all needs.

OTHER SUPER 8mm SITES

Pro8mm.com are the top end guys. They take 35 and 16 film and split it down to 8mm
super8camera.com - blog style website. Very in depth and with good info
Black and White Film Factory in Canada do processing and transfers
Super8mm - in New York





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