Getting a head start in Super 8
Welcome to the wonderful and frightening world of Super 8!Well, it's not so frightening but it sure can be wonderful. Be warned though, Super 8 isn't about instant gratification, it's about care and patience, but for those prepared to ditch the point and shoot digital video ethos, the results and imagery possible from Super 8 can be stunning. So, where to start?
Getting a Camera
Unless you're lucky enough to have a Super 8 camera stashed in your loft, long since forgotten when video came along, you're obviously going to have to find one. There are various specialist suppliers who can sell you cameras that will have been fully tested and may even come with a limited warranty, but this will cost (see our Shoot! page for suppliers).A cheaper option is to use eBay and see what's out there (search using "Super 8 Camera"). Clearly this has risks and the usual caveat of "buyer beware" applies. Here are our top eBay camera purchase tips:
• Only buy from those with good feedback, read comments on previous sales
• Focus on sellers who provide good descriptions for their items
• Do not buy anything where functions are said not to work
• Avoid any camera which may have lens fungus
• Make sure that the camera can take all film speeds
• If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask the seller questions
As for what you should be looking for - if you can afford it, go with a name, Beaulieu, Nizo and Canon models are particularly sought after. Cameras with "XL" in the name means that they have a wider shutter angle (letting in more light), ideal in low level light situations.
Check out online camera guides such as the Super 8 Wiki to do research (including guide prices) before you commit your hard earned cash. With some luck and judgment you'll have a fully working camera with which you can start filming. Now the fun can begin!
Choosing your film
With the loss of the Kodachrome 40 film stock, there are now no pre-paid shoot 'n' process Super 8 films. This aside, there are numerous Super 8 film stocks available, all of which will require laboratory processing (although some suppliers do include this in the price).Initially choose a film which is common and easy to use, the new colour Kodak Ektachrome 64T or the Black & White Plus-X or Tri-X are a good starting point and will be processed by a large number of laboratories the world over.
See our Film Stock A to Z for the full listing of currently available Super 8 colour and Black & White filmstocks. A list of film stock suppliers can be found on the Shoot! page.
Shooting
The key to working with Super 8 is knowing your camera - try of find the instruction manual, either in print or online. If possible shoot test films in a variety of lighting situations, indoor and outdoor as well as manual and automatic, and write down your actions. You'll then be able to determine how well the camera performs and have the invested knowledge to make your shoots more successful.If you've come from a video background you'll have to remember that Super 8 film requires a lot more care than video. You can't just point and shoot, think about where the light is, ensure that your subject isn't going to be in shadow and remember to keep the camera focused for all shots.
Here are our top tips for successful Super 8 shooting:
• Make sure your camera is in full working order and has fresh batteries
• Tap the Super 8 cartridge a few times to loosen the film before loading
• Think before you shoot, film costs money and last only 3 minutes a cartridge
• Don't shoot into the sun unless you really want unpredictability
Filmmaking is an art form and whilst the theory can be taught it's practice that makes perfect and attention to detail is a valuable asset. Shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Learn from your mistakes and keep on moving on.
Processing
After shooting, get your film to a laboratory for processing as soon as possible. It won't do it much good to have it sat around for months after use. Numerous labs can be found on our Process! page, or if you're feeling adventurous you could do it yourself, again details can found on our our Process! page.If you've processed via a lab, a week or so later your film will be returned on a 50 foot reel ready for the next stage in the journey that is Super 8.
Editing
There are two schools when it comes to editing Super 8. Those who edit the film directly, splicing scenes together and then creating a separate soundtrack to be played when the film itself is projected. The purists if you like. They'll be using an editor, splicer and splicing tapes (or cement) to do this, all these essentials still being readily available.The other (and arguably) more flexible option is to get the film digitise into video files so that the film can be edited in a computer environment. This will require the film to be telecined to convert the film images to data and can be done in variety of ways depending upon budget, see our Process! page for professional, semi-professional and do it yourself solutions.
Digitally editing Super 8 may seem like an unholy alliance given that we're shooting on film, but it truly gives the best of both worlds as the Super 8 films gives the unique imagery, whilst the computer provides the powerful editing tool.
Either way, editing is where your efforts really start to come to life and if you've take the time and effort to shoot carefully you'll be telling your story with images which just aren't possible in analogue or digital video.
Showing your efforts
When you've finished your masterpiece, there's no point in it going unshown and unloved. Show it to friends, get it online, enter it into festivals. There are numerous short film festivals and film events as well as those dedicated just to Super 8 film. See our Show! page for details.
The biggest thrill in filmmaking is seeing the film you've lived and breathed for all that time on the big screen with a room full of other people.
Get involved
Super 8 has been around for over forty years and has a dedicated band of followers who are pushing the its artistic boundaries all the time. Critics say that Super 8 is an expensive option and too hard learn. The fact is that it's as accessible as ever, cameras and equipment can be picked up reasonably and there are more films now available than for ages. As for cost, you'll learn your craft and find you shoot less but of better quality.If you're half serious about wanting to make beautiful moving images, you should give Super 8 a try. Putting it simply, get involved!
Leonard Zelig
