How to Use a Super 8
Super 8 was the first film format to truly democratize film making. Finally there was a format simple enough for anyone to use. Super 8 has the advantage of standardizing the film cartridge, allowing for easy loading and economical filming. This was the camera at the forefront of home video. Shooting in Super 8 today is a wonderful way to recapture the classic look of film.
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Instructions
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Find a Super 8 camera. A number of nostalgia retailers still sell a great variety of 8mm camcorders. However, many of these are not Super 8. The difference being in ease-of-use and availability. 8mm was never properly standardized, leading to a variety of inconsistent systems. Super 8 closed the film into a cartridge with a pressure plate, allowing the camera itself to be more simple. Moreover, while finding 8mm support today is nearly impossible, developing Super 8 is still achievable. Begin your search on Ebay and you'll likely have a Super 8 camcorder in no time.
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Purchase Super 8 film. Finding the actual film cartridges is easier than it may seem for a decades-old format. Check specialty retailers that focus on comprehensive film services. A link is provided below to B&H Photo in New York, which continues to sell Super 8 film stock.
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Check mechanics of Super 8 camcorder. Super 8 does not typically use a lot of power, meaning that their are innovative mechanical systems in place rather than electrical systems. Many Super 8 cameras are powered via crank system that must be turned before use. Newer Super 8 cameras are likely powered by batteries. Most are trigger-operated, with a gun handle. Look into the lens or lenses to make sure their are no cracks or anything in need of cleaning. Once you are confident that your Super 8 camera is in good shape, then you are ready to film.
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Load Super 8 film cartridge. A switch or toggle on the side of the camera will open the camera, revealing the inner mechanics. Slide in the cartridge until it is locked in place.
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Shoot a few seconds of film before filming. As in film for still cameras, the film must be wound in front of the lens before it can be exposed. Letting a second or two run before filming your intended targets will ensure you don't lose anything.
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Manual focus for filming. With advanced auto-focus, few people have to worry about image clarity on modern video cameras. Super 8, on the other hand, will require using the manual focus ring between the camera lens and the camera body. Zooming in and focusing, then zooming out will ensure that your image is perfectly in focus.
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Have the Super 8 developed. Unlike mini-DV, there is no way to upload Super 8 straight to digital or playable to VCR. Super 8 must be sent away for development. One of the few places that still develops Super 8 is A1 Film Labs of New York; a link to whose website is provided below.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a tripod to keep your image steady.
Do not open the camera case at any point to avoid exposing the film.
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Comments
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jimdevo
Feb 04, 2011
Super 8 is not a camcorder. Please stop calling it that. It does not use video tape like camcorders. Perhaps you are confused with the 8mm or Hi-Band 8 video format? That is vastly different than Super 8 film.
