How to Repair Super 8 Splices on Very Old Film

You don't have to go high-tech to repair super 8 splices.

If you need to repair super 8 splices on very old film, you had best be prepared to take your time. There are two methods to doing it: the first is a quick and dirty fix that is sure to be noticeable, and the second is a more painstaking fix that will restore your very old film to its original splendor.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade
• Film splicing tape
• Light box or super 8 film editor

Instructions

1. Lay the film on your work surface so the damaged splice is flat on the table.

2. Using a razor blade or your fingernail, scrape the remains of the old splice tape off of the film. Your film should now be in two sections.

3. Apply a new piece of film splice tape over the two sections of film, joining them. Do this on one side only, and do this only if you are wanting to do a quick fix and do not mind that the repair will be obvious. If you are looking for a more seamless repair, continue to the next step.

4. Place the two halves of the film onto your light box, or, if you are using an actual super 8 movie editor, put them in the film pans that are then inserted in the viewer.

5. 

   Look closely at each frame and identify where the frames can be cut to create a new splice that will not include the damaged portions or interrupt the flow of the images in the scene. Cut the film there with a razor blade. Push the two ends together and, using splice tape, join them by placing the splice tape on one side only.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pencil eraser to remove as much of the old adhesive as possible before applying your splice tape when doing a quick fix.

• Never use acetone or rubbing alcohol to try and clean leftover adhesive off very old film. You can destroy the integrity of the film and lose the images in the process.

References

• How to Repair Splice Damage

Resources

• Super 8 Metadirectory