Super 8 film is a quarter the size of 16mm film stock.
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.
Instructions
1. 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.
2. Insert new AA or AAA batteries into your Super 8 camera. It is always best to use new batteries before a new film project.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
Tags: Super cameras, cameras have, film cartridge, Super camera, Super film
