8mm Forum: Intrested in the 8mm world

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Posted by Sam Leccia (Member # 1527) on April 13, 2009, 10:26 PM:

Hello All,

I stumbled upon this forum trying to learn more about shooting 8mm film. I'm 33 and run a cigar brand (nub cigar). I wanted to bring a warm vintage feel to my event videos and I thought that shooting some footage in 8mm would give the video and the events a very cool vibe.

My Dad used to shoot home videos in 8mm and I can remember how excited we all got when he decided to pull out the projector and the movies. I can remember some of the movies and there was just something special about them. That's what brought me to this point.

I was given an 8mm Minolta Zoom, but it doesn't seem to work. It takes 4AA batteries, and it might just need the contacts cleaned up. I was trolling this forum while awaiting my member approval, and was looking for a good projector. I read a few threads that raved about the Bolex 18-5 so I picked one up on Ebay for $24.00. it fires up, but I have no film to see if it actually fully functions. It is quite the eye catcher. I have it opened and sitting on my shelf.

So, now you know a little about me. What I really need is a decent 8mm camera. If someone could point me in the right direction, I would appreciate that. I also need a go to place for 8mm film. where do you guys find it? There has to be some secret place you buy from other than ebay.

I also would appreciate any tips on filming, editing, projecting (probably not the right term) and last saving the film to PC so that I can get a digital copy.

If there are any threads in this forum that already discuss some of these things, I will try and search myself, but info or a link would be much appreciated.

I am really looking forward to learning more and shooting my first 8mm video!

Sam Leccia

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on April 13, 2009, 11:18 PM:

Hi Sam and welcome to the forum!
There are collectors and shooters here so I am sure that they will all chime in one way or another.
In regards to cameras...it all depends on what kind of look you are looking for and how "Pro" you need your camera to be.
On the low end you have the Canon 310XL...nice 1.0 lens, very simple to operate. 18fps only however. Than you can move up to a Canon 514XL...24fps...a little bit more manual control. And at the opposite of the spectrum you can get a Beaulieu 4008ZMII with interchangeable lenses, ground glass focusing, many different speeds including Slo Mo..Crystal Sync...the list goes on and on!
For film you can order from B&H Photo in NYC for 64T.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=ektachrome+super+8&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

Or if you are looking for more exotic film types you can try Spectra. They have great Fuji stocks with eye popping color! They also do transfer work:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=ektachrome+super+8&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

Good luck with this addicting Hobby!!

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on April 14, 2009, 11:39 AM:

Welcome to the Forum, Sam,

I shoot Standard 8, Super 8, and some 16mm. You do not state which Minolta camera you have, nor whether you are interested in Standard (regular) 8, Super 8, or Single 8.

For Standard 8 I use a Sankyo Auto 5X, for Super 8 I use a Bauer S 409 XL or the S 609 XL (which has a microprocessor), and for 16mm I have a Krasnogorsk 3. I have no experience of Single 8 myself.

They all have their advantages and disadvantges, though, for a multitude of reasons, I still love the Standard 8 format.

Before you really decide, I would suggest that you wait for some more responses to your posting, and then make up your own mind. There are plenty of cameras and projectors available for all formats, as well as plenty of film in both colour and monochrome for all formats.

Think carefully, but above all, have fun!! [Big Grin]

Posted by Gian Luca Mario Loncrini (Member # 1417) on April 14, 2009, 01:49 PM:

Welcome to the Forum, Sam, and enjoy it! [Big Grin]

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on April 15, 2009, 06:20 AM:

Welcome Sam!

Since your going for a vintage look, I don't think you will need a high-end camera. It does help to have different light settings though. I use a medium-end camera, a Yashika 60-E (super-8), and it takes great looking movies. For film, I use Kodak 64-T, and I have it processed at Dwayne's Photo, which has mastered 64T processing over the last year. You'll find just enough grain to give it a nostalgic look.

Also, if you want to get REALLY nostalgic, you can always get the black and white film.

Good luck!

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