8mm Forum: 8mm releases: do we STILL have to say sound?

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Topic: 8mm releases: do we STILL have to say sound?

Adrian Winchester
Film God

Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004

posted January 07, 2008 06:50 PM

Just a thought, but I can't help thinking that around 25 years on from the days that 8mm films were sometimes sold in sound and silent versions, it's a bit odd - and quaint-sounding - that new releases are still referred to as "Colour/sound". Surely, anyone collecting films now takes sound for granted, unless there's good reason for a film to be silent.

So whilst it's not exactly a matter of great importance, is it maybe about time that dealers and collectors dropped the references to sound, unless a film is stereo or silent?

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Adrian Winchester

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David Kilderry
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 963
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Feb 2006

posted January 07, 2008 11:52 PM

Good point Adrian. On ebay when no mention is made of sound or colour, I always assume silent and B & W, luckiliy my favourite dealers are always clear on this.

It always pays to ask as there is still so much silent product out there, especially Castle and Blackhawk. On new releases as you say it would almost always be colour and sound, but I still like to have it written clearly as it could be a new release of a B & W short.

David

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted January 08, 2008 03:17 AM

Whilst I agree on the one hand; on the other hand I still think it's a good idea for the sake of clarity to state sound or silent. Then there can be no doubt, particularly where e-Bay purchases are concerned, as David points out.

If we are only collecting well known or recent features, cartoons, shorts and releases etc., then there is probably no need, but if you're into the older Blackhawk, Castle and other similar genres, like I am, then I think it's important to know in advance what you're getting.

It's really a "horses for courses" situation.

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Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted January 08, 2008 11:54 AM

Buying std 8 or super 8 on eBay can be a minefield. Most sellers don't know what they have, and whether it is sound or silent.

At the moment there is a seller advertising a film which he/she calls "Perry's Movies." Well, that's what it says on the box!

Our own favourite dealers should be supported at all times, otherwise one day they won't be there.

Maurice

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Maurice

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Lee Mannering
Film God

Posts: 3216
From: The Projection Box
Registered: Nov 2006

posted January 08, 2008 12:22 PM

I agree 100% Maurice and had my fingers more than burnt in the last few weeks with ebay purchases.

Pink films, some with no sprocket holes for nearly 1ft of film, missing sound tracks and to top it all only 1 reel sent of a two part film purchased and clearly shown on the listing as 2 reels.

Its not been a good month for ebay here and as you say, many either dont know what they are selling or are acting dumb to make a quick buck.

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Barry Johnson
Master Film Handler

Posts: 358
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jul 2003

posted January 08, 2008 12:43 PM

I agree entirely.Lets have some more old time films in silent on our screens.They make interesting viewing without obnoxious soundtracks intruding.Live the film and let your imagination run riot.

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Standard8 rules!!

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David Pannell
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1072
From: Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Registered: Nov 2004

posted January 08, 2008 04:09 PM

Actually I've never (yet) purchased a film on eBay - fortunately, it would seem. I was just re-iterating the fact that it is important to be thoroughly clear, or at least as clear as possible, when doing so.

I have used our own favourite dealers and other Forum members exclusively when purchasing films, and haven't been disappointed yet - though it must be tempting if that illusive film that you've been after for ages, suddenly pops up on the dreaded eBay.

If such a temptation should arise, I for one, would be inclined to ask Forum members if they have had experience with the seller in question - a sort of "in-house" feedback. That is probably the only way to get an honest opinion.

What say you?

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Dave.

Valves and celluloid - a great combination!
Early technology rules OK!

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Graham Sinden
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1131
From: Kent, UK
Registered: Aug 2005

posted January 08, 2008 04:20 PM

There's a simple answer to this. DONT buy films on EBay. Only buy from the well known dealers and at film fairs. That way we can keep the dealers and film fairs happy because if we dont, both will dissapear for good [Smile]

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Steve Klare
Film Guy

Posts: 7016
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted January 08, 2008 04:21 PM

I've bought a lot of films on E-bay, most of them have been exactly as the seller described, and in the few cases I've gotten rubbish the sellers have actually been pretty reasonable about taking them back and refunding all costs.

Classically, the bad ones have come from the "I don't have a projector" kinds of sellers.

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All I ask is a wide screen and a projector to light her by...

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David Kilderry
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 963
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Registered: Feb 2006

posted January 08, 2008 05:50 PM

The most ridiculous description that I have seen, and more than once, is for Castle films: for all 8mm, Super 8 and 16mm projectors! This is written on the front of Castle boxes and the seller thinks that the film will run in all of these projectors! I have corrected this error more than a few times over the years.

The old I don't have a projector means they honestly don't have a clue or they do and are hiding something. There are risks but still value on ebay; I still prefer my favourite dealers however and good clear descriptions of format, guage, sound, colour.

David

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Adrian Winchester
Film God

Posts: 2941
From: Croydon, London, UK
Registered: Aug 2004

posted January 08, 2008 06:37 PM

Must say that the vast majority of 8mm I've bought on eBay has been as described and mint/near mint, especially if bought from people who sell a lot of film and know what they are talking about. Some dealers are considerably less reliable in my experience.

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Adrian Winchester

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Bill Brandenstein
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1632
From: California
Registered: Aug 2007

posted January 10, 2008 02:56 PM

My entire collection, simple though it may be, exists because of Ebay, and I've learned a lot over the last few years. Yes, a good deal can be found here and there, and without access to any film fairs stateside here, it's the only option -- unless buying from our fine UK friends. (Exchange rate = ouch)

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