8mm Forum: Regular 8mm

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Posted by Chris Bankston (Member # 3586) on March 05, 2013, 02:46 PM:

Hi my name is chris and i just recently acquired a Kodak 500 and was thrilled that it works and looks brand new. I have done a bit of research and this little projector is almost like a kids toy. I was told it takes 8mm regular 200ft 5" reels. (silent film) I have searched the internet and i really cant find anything for this projector at a reasonable price. any suggestions besides ebay. I would also like to know could these films be played on a bigger projector if i was to buy one? My apologies if my questions sound strange...... My thing is these movies on file seems like the would be a neat hobby to collect and i don't want to really start spending money for some thing i may not be interested in collecting. I am new to the group and will be asking a few questions. thanks for taking the time to read this [Cool]

Posted by Ron Douglas (Member # 2990) on March 05, 2013, 03:14 PM:

Hi Chris, and welcome to the forum!
The members here are so helpful with virtually any enquiry, and you've got to start somewhere!
Standard 8mm film on 200 feet spools is very common to find, and very cheap to buy, though you will be limited to older releases, as nothing is released on standard 8 any more. Saying that, there were some films that were only ever released on standard 8.
If you do buy 200' silent spools, you can play these on a larger machine, provided that machine is able to play standard 8 film.
Most larger machines are either exclusively super 8 or dual gauge, meaning they play both standard and super 8, standard having a larger sprocket hole and therefore a smaller picture size.
If you are considering this as a hobby, it may be worth considering a sound film, simply because it will play on your silent projector and if you upgrade to a larger machine with sound, you can enjoy the richness of the sound too!
Good luck, and if you have difficulty sourcing standard 8 in the US, there is plenty in the UK!

Posted by Chris Bankston (Member # 3586) on March 05, 2013, 03:32 PM:

thanks Ron.... I may have to consider purchasing in the UK.

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on March 05, 2013, 04:27 PM:

CHRIS

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!! [Eek!]

PATD

Posted by Gerald Santana (Member # 2362) on March 05, 2013, 05:52 PM:

Welcome to the Forum Chris, look at ebay and you'll find dozens of reasonably priced items. That's a better place to shop than say at local estate sales or thrift stores where you can also find films for reasonable prices. Also, check your local craiglist for sale as well, sometimes you can find nice items there.

Posted by Chris Bankston (Member # 3586) on March 05, 2013, 11:58 PM:

thanks for the suggestions .. I'm looking.... I got a promising lead hear in the states. I didn't realize that there are a fairly number of quality projectors on the market for very reasonable prices. there are so many to choose from i really don't know where to start.

Posted by Bruce Wright (Member # 2793) on March 06, 2013, 02:14 PM:

Hello Chris and welcome . I am new at this also, about two years, tho I may be one of the oldest members(77 yrs) A great hobby for any age. Lots of good info on this forum. Do a lot of research before you buy. I live in Denham Springs, LA.
By the way, I tend to like the silent films.

Posted by Christian Bjorgen (Member # 1780) on March 07, 2013, 01:28 AM:

Hello Chris, and welcome to the forum! In contrast to Bruce, I might be the youngest (23 in a month) [Smile]

Posted by Adam McCreath (Member # 3500) on March 07, 2013, 06:26 AM:

hey Chris; I too am new to "cine film" collecting and you are in the right place! I have really only started this hobby at the beginning of the year but I have been a film addict my whole life and I have always been nostagic about obsolete technologies when it come to film.

I have learned a few things that I can pass on to you one rookie to another;

no question ebay is the best place to buy FILMS. Private dealers offering online sales seems to ask 10x the price for films compared to what the go for on ebay. If I have looked at 100 websites worldwide, selling films be they: 8mm, Super-8, or 16mm, the prices are rediculouse. I think in many cases these dealers are well known and respected; so if you choose to do business with them I think you can expect top quality but you are certianly going to pay for that quality.

Second; I found the easiest way to find projection equipment is posting want adds in your local market and hitting the thrift stores. I have litterally only been in this hobby for 2 months and I have acquired 8 projectors; infact I'm picking up my 9th today after work....almost all of them were given to me for free by people who responded to my adds.

This hobby is unique; 40+ years ago everyone had an 8mm or Super-8 projector but ever since magnetic tape technology hit the market most people lost interest in cine-film...projectors and films sit in peoples basements un-used with an inch of dust on them so a lot of people I find are happy to pass them on to someone who will give new life to their once loved family projector. You do need to provide assurances to people that you are doing this as a hobbist and not for financial gain for this method to be effective.

Thrift stores are another great place to find projectors and screens. I have bought 3 projectors at thrift stores including: a mint condition B&H 2585 16mm for only $20 which is my main 16mm projector; I paid $40 for a Sankyo 2000 in the box that needed a new drive belt and lamp and is now in perfect running order, and most recently I got a Sankyo 1000 in the box for only $7 (however this one is going to need some work; but if I can't get it running I've got a parts source for future use or as trade).

One thing to keep in mind is that getting projectors this way means that you are going to end up with non-functioning equipment most of the time. But so far in my case; all of the projectors people have given me only needed belts and lamps which you can easily get one ebay. Every projector I've had to tinker with to get running, I simply did a quick search on this forum and found the detailed instructions necessary to compelte whatever I was doing.

If you only want to get one good projector and be done with it then indeed take what other's have said here and be sure to spend your money on a duel Super/Single 8mm with magnetic sound...but you don't have to spend a fortune on it.

Cheers!

Posted by Chris Bankston (Member # 3586) on March 07, 2013, 11:15 AM:

thanks for all the replies guy.. I'll take your advice on the duel Super/Single 8mm with magnetic sound is what i am wanting, but i like the older looking projectors.... This certainly will be a hobby. I research on this site and ebay but i really don't trust buying from ebay it's always a 50/50 chance when i buy there and it bums me out when you get it and it doesn't work as it should. but if i have to i will. I am also going to ask a few friends around in my community and maybe post on craigslist.

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