single 8 heaven

Single 8 was Fuji's answer to Kodak's Super 8 and was introduced in 1965. With a simple drop in, drop out cartridge the Fuji Single 8 film system is simplicity and elegance in itself. The film stock dimensions are identical to Super 8 and all cameras have an in built pressure plate which ensures perfect alignment to the lens (a perennial problem with the Super 8 system) resulting in consistent, stable images.

Marketed aggressively, it was the VHS vs. Betamax battle of its time, with Single 8 being largely beaten by Kodak's stronger product. However, some forty years on the arguably superior Single 8 film system survives and has a dedicated following in Europe, the USA and in its spiritual and technological homeland, Japan.

Single 8 Information and Support

Single 8 information and resources are scarce due mainly to the language barrier with the format's Japanese home. The following sites provide background information information and support through other Single 8 users.

Film Club Blog (Japanese + English version)
Film Club Blog (translated via Google)
Into 8mm Film - Camera Guide
Single 8 Film
Single 8 (Translated via Google)
Super 8 Techguide
Small Gauge Film Forum (English)

Single 8 Cameras and Equipment

Single 8 cameras were produced by Fujica, Elmo, Canon, Konica and Yashica. These ranged from simple point and shoot cameras to sophisticated variable shutter models with features such as demountable lenses and sound capability.

Second hand models can be bought through specialists or via online auctions (search for Single 8 camera). As the Single 8 film system is identical (albeit the film base is thinner) Super 8 splicers, editors and projectors are can be utilised and telecine can be undertaken as per Super 8. The following sites sell single 8 equipment.

Cameras Etc.
eBay
FIlm Project Consultant
Retro Enterprises (English)
F. & S. Marriott

Single 8 Films

Some Single 8 films use a polyester base (the same as most modern theatric motion pictures) which is more robust than acetate film and is a 1/3rd thinner, however sincle Fuji's announcment to Stop manufacturing other stocks are now being used. The simple design of the cartridge allows for unlimited backwinding (for special effects) and films are less prone to jamming than Super 8. Single 8 films can be sound striped (although sound films are no longer available) and this can be specified at processing by indicating on the film cartridge. Films are readily available from a number of specialists as below.

Andec Filmtechnik (English)
Fuji Japan (Japanese)
Retro Enterprises (English)
Single 8 Film
Super 8 Reversal Lab
Widescreen Centre

Single 8 Shorts

A few rare examples of shorts shot in the medium of Single 8.

8mm Megami (subtitled)
Ika Matsuri (Sqid Festival)
Pigeon of Kajol (subtitled)

Single 8 news

Reecent news snippets - just for the Single 8 user.

17 Apr:  It's Good for Euro Single 8 users
31 Mar:  Last batch of Fuji Single 8?
10 Jan:  People power saves Single 8
6 Jan:  Fuji Single 8 processing re-starts
19 Dec:  More Single 8 Woes
18 Oct:  Single 8 mag down!
17 Sept:  New Single 8 Stocks