posted August 08, 2006 04:58 PM
Hi, looking to spend the winter months glueing film together. So nows the time to start building a supply of 200 and 400ft reels and cans. Can someone recommend the best r/c for the super 8 format?. At present i have a mixture of gepe,hama,posso and quite a few of photax r/c. The gepe seem to be the better quality of the r/c i own, but are there better makes available. Any input would be great. Andy
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
posted August 09, 2006 11:11 AM
I have so many different plastic reels, and have found that most are fine, and there is little difference between the quality in reels when it comes to 200 and 400 foot.
If I had to choose the best, I would say the Goldberg steel reels are the "Rolls Royce" of super 8 reels. I picked up quite a few 600 and 800 foot from Blackhawk way back when they were closing all the film stuff out (otherwise Goldberg reels would have been way too expensive). They are dark brown and have a very classic look to them, even suitable for hanging on the wall (though my wife might disagree).
Posts: 453
From: Barking, Essex, UK
Registered: Mar 2006
posted August 09, 2006 03:34 PM
I always use Bonum reels and cans. In my opinion they are consistantly the best quality reels for Super 8. Similarly I find Tuscan reels and cans the best for 16mm film.
Posts: 1592
From: United States
Registered: Jun 2003
posted August 09, 2006 04:27 PM
Like Paul, I prefer BONUM plastic reels and cases; and plastic reels and cases (or cardboard) for everything. Tuscan 200' and 400' are very good too. I also like the NORIS 800 footers. Nick...those GOLDBERG reels are too heavy to suit me...I have two 800 footers if you want them for postage. Let me know.
Posts: 1375
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2003
posted August 10, 2006 06:16 AM
I like the bonum reels/cases as well, but I have had a couple of them crack around the core. Plus, the the door on the edge has given up on a few of my older ones.
Joe- Thanks for the offer , but I am plenty stocked up on reels for now. I know what you mean about them being heavy, but you got to admit- they do look good!
posted August 10, 2006 07:21 AM
I agree with Joe- the Bonum reels are the best plastic reels out there. In metal reels, the Elmo 1200 ft reel is the best I have seen, very light and very smooth running.
-------------------- The best of all worlds- 8mm, super 8mm, 9.5mm, and HD Digital Projection, Elmo GS1200 f1.0 2-blade Eumig S938 Stereo f1.0 Ektar Panasonic PT-AE4000U digital pj
posted August 10, 2006 10:26 AM
Only real problem with the bohnams is if you post the films in the cans withought making sure they can not move, with bumping etc they will get loads of small chips n the egde of the reels, sometimes really bad and in my experiance the worst reels to do this.. I once got an optical 3x600 from a dealer on them and no in case padding and all of the film was absolutely covered in little grey plastic shards and the edge of the reels with loads of little bits off. Ouch.!!!! So if you buy anything in them always ask the seller to pack the reels on the outside of the case`s or put good padding in with the reel if you will. Just pick up a feature in them and give a little shake this way and that you will see what I mean. best Mark.
posted August 10, 2006 08:27 PM
It's too bad Elmo never made their wonderful white 800ft plastic reels in a 1200ft size. Now those are awesome... And the Carl Schneider KG reels are a close second...
-------------------- Call me Phoenix. *dusts off the ashes*
posted August 10, 2006 11:20 PM
The Bonums are good but as Mark mentioned, those plastic pieces are deadly once they break off. My only other issue with the Bonum, is that they do not allow the films to breathe sufficiently. It may be best to remove the red colored back tabs on the box to allow fresh air in.
As far as 1200' reels, I will side with Paul that the Elmo's are light and balanced.
The Goldbergs are fine and look great, but they add a little extra weight for the GS 1200 to handle.
Michael
-------------------- Isn't it great that we can all communicate about this great hobby that we love!