Developing Super 8

By Stephen | 19th July 2024
Super 8

1. Choose a Film Lab

Several film labs in the UK specialize in processing Super 8 film. Some well-known ones include:

  • Gauge Film
  • Andec Filmtechnik (Germany but offers services to the UK)
  • iLab UK

2. Prepare Your Film

  • Label Your Film: Clearly label your Super 8 film cartridge with your name and contact details.
  • Packaging: Ensure your film is securely packaged to avoid damage during shipping. Use a padded envelope or a small box.

3. Select Processing Services

Most labs offer various processing services. Make sure to check their website or contact them for specific details. Services typically include:

  • Standard Processing: Developing the film.
  • Telecine/Scanning: Converting the developed film to a digital format.
  • Push/Pull Processing: If your film was shot at a different ISO than it was designed for.

4. Send Your Film

  • Addressing: Send your film to the chosen lab’s address. Be sure to use a reliable courier or postal service with tracking to ensure it arrives safely.
  • Order Form: Include a completed order form if the lab requires it. This form typically asks for details on the type of processing and scanning services you require.

5. Wait for Processing

Processing times can vary depending on the lab and the specific services you requested. Typical turnaround times range from a few days to a few weeks.

6. Receive and Review Your Developed Film

Once the lab has processed your film, they will usually return the original film along with a digital copy if you requested scanning services. Review the material to ensure it meets your expectations.

7. Additional Tips

  • Communicate with the Lab: If you have any specific requests or questions, don’t hesitate to contact the lab directly.
  • Check for Offers: Some labs might have discounts or package deals, especially for bulk processing or student projects.
  • Follow the Lab’s Guidelines: Ensure you follow the lab’s guidelines for film submission to avoid any issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully develop your Super 8 film in the UK. If you need more specific details about any of the labs mentioned or further assistance, feel free to ask!

Posted in super 8 film stock and tagged

Kodak Super 8 movie camera

By Stephen | 22nd April 2018

Kodak Super 8 movie camera.

Kodak has announced that it will be making a brand new super 8 movie camera.

Features.

It will incorporate a flip out LCD monitor.

The lens will be C-Mount. This will make the camera be able to accept interchangeable c mount lenses. This is a big thing to film makers.

It will have an audio record input.

The Kodak super 8 movie camera will use the same cartridge system of old.

Larger film gate almost 11 percent.

Estimated price will be between $2,500 to $3000 US dollars.

Conclusion.

This price is very high for a super 8 camera. I would suggest that for this type of money you go the 16mm route.

Posted in Cine film transfer and tagged ,

8mm cine film cartridge

By Stephen | 17th June 2015

8mm cine film cartridge.

8mm cine film cartridge

8mm Cine film Cartridge.
The original 8mm cine film cartridge was metal.This time however, the 8mm cine film cartridges would be made of injection-moulded plastic.
Cartridge loading eliminated the threading of the film. No flipping of the film load was required. The entire 50-foot cartridge could be shot without interruption. Rather than manufacture both a “Daylight” and a “Type-A” (Tungsten) form of the new film. Each Super 8 Camera would have a built-in filter. Making it possible to make only the “Type A”” product, which could be used in either kind of light. The perforations (sprocket holes) were reduced in size. Allowing for a wider image area that was about 50% larger than standard 8mm film. Maximizing the film width was a concept that originated in France by Pathe, with their 9.5mm camera system. The perforations were also moved to a point adjacent to the centre of the film frame. Making steady registration simpler. 16mm and standard 8mm formats had placed the perforation at the corners of the frame to reduce fogging of the image at the head and tail of the roll caused during loading of the film. Since Super 8 was a cartridge-loaded product, this was no longer an issue. Virtually all Super 8 Cameras would have built-in light meters, a feature dating back to the early 1950’s in 16mm and 1960 in 8mm cameras.
The cartridge itself provided information to the camera about the speed (ASA) of the film inside and filter information in the case of black-and-white products. Precision notches were set at specific points on the edge of the cartridge, activating mechanical or electronic switches in most Super 8 Cameras. Most Super 8 Cameras were built with battery-powered motors, eliminating the need to wind a spring-driven transport.
In April of 1965. This revolutionary new format was introduced, and while the marketplace has changed in the past thirty years. New generations of filmmakers with film projects and applications which were non-existent in the 1960’s have come to embrace the small film. Many of today’s great cinematographers and directors began their careers decades ago. At the counter of their local photo shop. Buying a cartridge of Super 8 film. [source: kodak.com

Posted in Cine film transfer and tagged ,