How to Shoot and Develop Super 8 Film
Super 8 cameras were introduced in 1965 for home movies but film enthusiasts are still embracing the format. According to Kodak, the first 8mm cameras used 16mm film stock that ran in one direction and then reloaded to run the other way. When the film was processed, the lab spliced it in half. The model was popular but the film needed to be threaded and turned around, while Super 8 cameras were designed for easy use. Shoot and develop Super 8 film by loading a cartridge into a working Super 8 camera. Once you shoot the film, find a lab near you to develop it.
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Things You'll Need
- Super 8 camera
- Super 8 film
- AA or AAA batteries (depending on camera)
- Light meter
- Microphones
- Shutter bulb
Instructions
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Insert a Super 8 film cartridge into a working Super 8 camera by removing the side of the camera. Most Super 8 cameras are old, so it is best to test them with a film cartridge before shooting your real movie. Each camera is different, but the notches on the film should face the front of the camera and its label should be visible through the camera's side window. Replace the side of the camera once you have inserted the film.
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Insert new AA or AAA batteries into your Super 8 camera. It is always best to use new batteries before a new film project.
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Remove the lens cap of the camera and check the light meter. All Super 8 cameras have built-in light meters but test it by comparing readings from a separate light meter to be sure the camera's meter still works.
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Take the camera outside if you do not have lighting equipment. Film needs to have sufficient lighting for good picture quality. Unlike video that can be used easily indoors, Super 8 needs lighting. Going outside in daylight is a simple remedy to shooting without lighting equipment.
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Set the camera's exposure for the film, if it is not automatically set. Some manual cameras have a cloudy icon setting or a sunny icon setting. Insert microphones or other devices, such as a shutter bulb. Turn the setting to the movie format rather than shooting single frames, which can be used for making animated films. Be sure the film is set to normal speed, which is 24 frames per second.
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Focus the image by rotating the focus ring on the exterior of the lens, unless the camera has automatic focusing. Macro setting is for shooting objects very close to the camera. Press the trigger on the handle to shoot the film. Some Super 8 cameras have a lock button so you do not need to keep pressing it. Release when you want the camera to stop shooting.
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Press the trigger again to shoot more footage. Once the film runs out, you are finished. Remove the film cartridge and find a Super 8 film lab near you. The Kodak website has information about labs who develop Super 8.
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Tips & Warnings
Most Super 8 film cartridges are 50 feet long which provides a little over three minutes of shooting at 24 frames per second. Some cameras can be set at 18 frames per second, so you would then shoot for about two minutes.
Choose film for the type of lighting you are using and the activity on the film.
Reversal and negative film is available for Super 8. Reversal would be used if you were planning on viewing the developed film on a projector. Negative film is used if you want to make multiple prints. You cannot watch the developed negative film on a projector because it will show the negative image.
Clean your lens and camera thoroughly before using.
Some film stock is no longer available for the camera.
Kodak no longer develops Super 8 film. The company stopped processing it 2010.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
Comments
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This "how to" needs updated badly. A1 Film Lab Went out of business, and Kodak STILL makes super 8 film. You can buy it directly from Kodak or from a store like B&H. What store sells super 8 and offers free developing? Please reference the store(s).
