posted on November 3, 2000 01:54:02 AM
RE: \'Anyone know how 8mm & Super 8mm Differ?
The predominant format for older movie cameras and projectors was 8mm (serious amateurs and pros would use 16mm). Then Kodak introduced a improved format that was termed as Super 8mm that gave a slightly better image as it uses a "bigger" format.
At that point in history all 8mm movie cameras and projectors started to become obsolete and Super 8mm took over. It was so that to process 8mm film would take longer as less people used it to the point that only a few Labs would develop it.
The size is different, and the perforations also. Both systems are absolutely non compatible in formats, so a new camera design and projector models where required. The splicing/mending kits and tape also differed.
If you think Coca Cola screwed up when they changed the old flavor, think about this:
Polaroid Corp. came up with a new super 8 film that if you would buy a special machine (very boxy and expensive), would develop the movie in your home in a few minutes. I attended the "Gala Premier" introduction of this gadget (the caviar was delicious)...
at the same time the first VHS video tape cameras was released...
(an aficionado created this friendly site)
http://www.super8filmmaking.com/
my fave...
(Very amazingly deep site on the subject. The webmaster is a cool dooood, too)
http://lavender.fortunecity.com/lavender/569/index.htm
a newsgroup to peek into (small, coherent, it's sort of like the internet in the old days....)
alt.movies.cinematography.super8
In a nutshell....
Super8 is still a viable format, the hounds are hungry. Equipment is hard to repair so raiding attics and basements is very important. Not everyone can afford beaulieus. My nizo's are my babies, I would rather nuke an old yashica than bruise my nizos.
Regular8 equipment is an alsoran. I know some folks who develop it at home, I have a small collection of oddities but the average bidder will feel the burn if they don't get a super8 compatible and they thought it was.
"Dual" means it runs both formats.
An added bonus for some, but honestly won't affect the price, I have several "dual" projectors...sorry, didn't buy them on ebay, got several for under $5 at thrift stores before the ebinge caused them to be emptied of all but the more obscure cutters and stuff. Sigh.
Only the truly hardcore are working in regular8 using 16mm as doublerun film. The last local lab that would even deal with it decided no more about 4-5 years ago. So it is basically toast.
You can find mailorder for film and developing...see the last web addy.
A lot of people like super8 because it is still cheap to develop - $5 to $8 in Longs, walmart etc. This is for reversal film (slide type, old film style vs negatives like motion pictures) only.
There are a lot of animators and filmstudents and super8 movie watchers (star wars came out in super 8mm and I have seen it) who love good projectors.
Good Luck!
Capriole
"the highest resolution video will never look as good as film" - friend of mine over his 3rd martini
Forgive the ramble, I just have a soft spot for small filmstock.
posted on November 3, 2000 10:50:47 AM
Super 8 comes from the planet Krypton. It gets its extraordinary powers from earth's yellow sun (Krypton orbited a red sun).
Not everyone can afford beaulieus. My nizo's are my babies, I would rather nuke an old yashica than bruise my nizos.
