8mm Forum: Do you purchase more than one copy of a title and why?

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Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on March 14, 2017, 01:07 AM:

I have noticed that a few collectors have more than one copy of a print. I only have one copy of each film.
Is there a reason to have more than one copy? Is this for investment purposes for resale down the line? I am curious.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 14, 2017, 01:39 AM:

Me, never.

I don't even buy the same title in order to replace it with a better quality (which some people do, and that does absolutely make sense).

My upgrade only happen if it is silent to sound or b/w to color print of the same title.

If I bought one lot sale which contains some films that already in my collection, I will straight away selling one with lesser quality.

If I can sell it more than what I paid for the later print, I will be really happy... and that is hobby supposed to do with our lives.

I do some investment but more onto something reliable such as paper stocks, properties, insurance policies, .....and vinyls (LPs).

Yes vinyls really multiple your money if you know what you are collecting ...but that if you did buy 20 years ago and selling it now. [Wink]

ps: in my home country, depositing money into bank has alreay created 9%/annum interest as long as it is done in local currency. If it is done in US$ the interest will be around 2%. So if we don't know where to invest our money, just deposit it to the Bank and the investment risk will be borne by Banks.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on March 14, 2017, 01:55 AM:

I'd be very surprised if anyone buys a second or third copy as an investment, at some point,(and this is only what i think, simply an opinion), film prices could all fall or at least return to normality as more and more people leave the hobby for one reason or another.
another collector made a good point to me, as time goes on ,(and i am sure we are a few years away yet)decent projectors will also decline as our repair specialists retire and good projectors become as rare as top titles. some collectors can maintain there own but very few can do more than the basics, out of over 400 titles we have now all but a very few of our duplicates are gone, they were only ever bought as improvements on our existing copy and only one was a feature. I think the only way it could ever have been an investment is if you bought ten of every 80s title from second hand lists many years ago, i dont think anyone ever did that. did they? i have noticed a couple of long term collectors selling off some very deferrable titles, are they the sensible ones? At the end of the day film collecting is only a hobby, it has always been a very expensive hobby but for 40 years in my household it has been very enjoyable and if i never add another title it will continue to be so, unfortunately i believe,(except for those where money in of no concern), it will put people off the hobby, and will almost cut off the idea of new people joining.
Some members on here may have noticed the other day a copy of speed went for over a thousand, while this is a good entertaining film full of action this is one title that does not warrant that kind of tag, (in my opinion no film does)) i would imagine that the new owner surely didn't buy this one a spare copy or an investment. [Big Grin]

One thing i cant bring myself to do is spend ridiculous sums, yes i have paid a few quid more than i normally would for something i really wanted but never as an investment and never the sake of having it again.
At the end of the day cine is unique but its not the only way to see a movie, if it was i could understand both the prices being fetched and having a back up copy, unless your showing your films on heaps of junk or you never have your machine serviced or even do the regular cleaning you shouldn't need more than one copy, some of our films are 40 years old and are no worse than when we bought them. if i had a money to buy lots of good titles right now i would rather add different titles to my collection rather than duplicates. I may well be wrong and perhaps they are like property and will keep going up in value, i just cant see it myself. its a movie! i joined the hobby for my love of showing movies and having my own little set up, i would love lots more and like every collector wish i hadn't sold some titles and very much regret not buying others when i had th chance but have never had an urge to buy second or third copies, it seems pointless, had i have done so i would have wasted an awful lot of cash [Wink]

Posted by Clinton Hunt (Member # 2072) on March 14, 2017, 01:56 AM:

I too normally have 1 copy of a movie in my collection.
The only super 8mm films I buy that I already have a copy is any of a The Planet Of The Apes films.
If I can get them for a bargain then I buy them and sell whichever copy is in a lower condition.
So far I've had no problems selling them here in New Zealand to try and recoup some of the money because they are a rarity here.

Posted by Mark Mander (Member # 340) on March 14, 2017, 03:13 AM:

Maybe I've got a problem then!! I've had three prints of the same film before (i have sold two since) I have doubles of features still and cutdowns etc, I didn't set out to duplicate titles but just happened that way, I'm happy to sell a double as and when I feel like it, as for buying as an investment then no not really as I've just bought for enjoyment purposes, Mark

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 14, 2017, 03:37 AM:

I have landed up with more than one copy at times and its not a bad idea to have more than one, just in case your original gets damaged. Its surprising what films do pop up when you are not really looking for it, eg the movie Airplane.. Disney shorts... T/J cartoons and so on [Cool]

they might be double ups but are well worth getting [Wink]

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 14, 2017, 04:34 AM:

Having read Graham's last sentence made realize there is another type of person, i.e impulsive buyer. So it is not for investment purposes but simply because of impulse to buy although he/she has it already. If he/she missed it, there is a guilty feeling or sense of being a loser.

This impulse came because he/she was struggling really hard to get that title at the first time. And when the same title came again, there is a need to buy it again just for the sake of its rarity.

Another impulse can also derive from the feeling being superior to have 2-3 copies while other people have none. In this type of person, I believe he/she will not let the extra prints go, no matter what. Unless there is a super insane offer.

I don't blame this kind of impulsive buyers, only and only if the price of the second print is much cheaper than the first one he/she had. So there is a room to make profit. If it is just the same or even more expensive, then like Alan's subject above: WHY?

Posted by Brian Fretwell (Member # 4302) on March 14, 2017, 04:42 AM:

The only time I have knowingly bought a second copy of a film is if it was a real bargain (200ft Disney colour sound for £1) of a 16mm print of one I have on 8mm. However a lapses of memory (or inability to recognize a Warner Italian title) has meant I bought 2 copies on occasion.

Posted by Oemer Yalinkilic (Member # 86) on March 14, 2017, 05:01 AM:

I have some titles multiple, but not Super 8 prints.
I have some 35mm prints multiple and I use them to restore one perfect print. This is something different as the matter Alan mentioned.
Another example in my collection is Batman Returns. I have a 35mm german dubbed version and a 35mm original english version. But I have also a 16mm print. I have also multiple prints of The War of the Worlds. In this case, I have a 35mm low fade print, a 16mm IB Tech. print and the Marketing 3x400. In this case is the 35mm print very good, but in IB it´s looks a little bit better, so it is worth to own both. The reason to keep the Marketing version is only the nice cover artwork. I like to own some favorite titles in different gauges, but not exact two in same gauge.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 14, 2017, 07:06 AM:

I also have some multiple titles, especially for the Disney features and 600 footers I collect.

When I first started collecting again I was cautious of ever paying a great deal for any one print as I was occasionally scratching the odd one or two due to the projectors I was using some of the time and at that time.
I was also a family man and a fairly heavy smoker to boot.

All in all I had neither the resources or inclination to spend big on the hobby despite my life long adoration for quality Super 8mm films.

Once I developed more and more knowledge and confidence in my equipment, I began purchasing slightly more expensive prints and also stopped smoking at a time my family had all reached adulthood.

What this meant for me at this time, is the prints I initially purchased, often with more than one or two flaws to begin with ,could gradually be updated with more expensive, but also top notch quality prints often with hardly a mark on them and in some cases, like absolute brand spanking new ones.

These are now only the type I'm typically interested in collecting and as such, I often look to improve the quality of the collection by superseding any that were purchased during these infant steps back in the hobby.

I now have at least seven feature films where I find myself having duplicate prints and one or two I've even had 3 or 4 copies of just to finally obtain that one decent "as new" print, now I'm finally at peace in this world so far as my projectors are concerned.

It has been a long and often frustrating journey at times collecting film for me, but it's only nowadays I feel I'm finally gaining the full rewards for the time and efforts, not to mention the significant investment I've made pursuing a hobby I've always simply adored since early childhood.

Posted by Tom Spielman (Member # 5352) on March 14, 2017, 08:27 AM:

Yes Winbert, that was something I was going to mention. I don't think Super 8 makes sense as long term investment strategy so there must be some other reason why people will buy multiple copies of a given film or spend large sums of money for a particular title.

If not for investment reasons, one has to assume that people are getting some enjoyment from these purchases. So, where does the pleasure come from? Does it come from watching the movie? Perhaps that's part of it, but you don't need multiple copies and there are much less expensive ways to view a movie.

Does it come from owning the copy? Maybe you're a collector and you've been wanting a particular film for a long time. You've got ample money so that's not a problem. But that doesn't really explain why one would get multiple copies.

Does it come from the act of searching for and actually buying the film? This would explain it. Some people get pleasure out of "the hunt" or the purchase itself. Maybe through winning an auction or feeling that they've gotten a great deal and can resell it later at a profit. Though the reselling part may take a long time and isn't nearly as fun. [Wink]

I've been sometimes guilty of the later. Not with film but other things. During the holidays I purchased 3 lenses for $20. The best one had a stuck aperture. I had no real need for any of them and in fact 2 of them I already owned. I sold one right away for $40. The one with the stuck aperture I finally got around to fixing last week. It took awhile and I had to buy a lens spanner and some other things, but I was quite pleased with myself. It's listed in eBay now, but I've noticed that the "going rate" was not what it was a few months ago. [Eek!]

I may be able to get $80 or so for it which sounds great but after buying the tools, etc, I won't net that much. Yet I found myself searching craigslist and other sources for broken lenses that I could repair and sell. In truth, I earn a lot more per hour at my real job and I'd get sick of fixing lenses pretty fast, but I enjoyed looking. [Smile]

So If I were to be completely honest when it comes to my hobbies, I sometimes buy things for no other reason other than I think they're worth far more than I'm paying, - especially if they need some fixing. I like to tinker so there's some fun for me in that.

As long as you're enjoying yourself and it's not having a negative impact on other important aspects of your life, there's nothing wrong with it. But like anything else, it can be taken too far. I only spend "mad money" on my hobbies so that's not a problem for me, but if I'm not careful I can end up with stuff that serves no purpose, since I find buying much more fun than selling.

Posted by Bill Phelps (Member # 1431) on March 14, 2017, 08:28 AM:

I have one super 8 feature that I have 2 copy's of and that is Hitchcock's 39 Steps....one is a bit soft with no wear or lines and the other is sharp with some wear and lines so I can't make up my mind which one to sell off so I will keep both.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 14, 2017, 08:39 AM:

The obvious reason why actual film collectors buy multiple prints of the same title, is to try and find one that's close to perfect, simple as that.

This is of course so they can actually use it and enjoy it as intended, or else there would simply be no point whatsoever to anyone with even half an ounce of common sense.

Collecting to just outbid someone or just to say you have something, is definitely only a trait of those kind of people who are pissed on power.

Posted by Rob Young. (Member # 131) on March 14, 2017, 10:46 AM:

I have two copies of the 400ft Marketing release of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" because this is my favourite movie and one box has the German title as opposed to the English...silly really I know, but kind of a collector thing I suppose?

Also, two copies of "The Empire Strikes Back" Ken Part 1; one is the original I was given by my parents on my 10th birthday, the other is a copy I bought at a film fair once and has now several signatures the back cover form various actors in the film...again, a collector thing really.

Or is that hoarder???

Lol!

[Confused]

In terms of investment, I used to own a brand new print of "Speed" which I later sold on. Noting that it just went on eBay for over £1000.00, do I regret it? Not likely...funnily enough I recently bought the Blu ray for £7.00 and given the quality on my L-COS projector with digital surround I wouldn't even consider going back to the 8mm version...I enjoyed it back in the day I don't criticise anyone for wanting one, but for me, no, I wouldn't go back...

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 14, 2017, 11:02 AM:

I'm sure this movie would look absolutely stunning on your top notch JVC Rob.

I have it on DVD but never seen the Blu Ray version of it sadly.

Posted by Gary Crawford (Member # 67) on March 14, 2017, 02:17 PM:

I have knowingly bought a second copy of little digests, in hopes of getting a better print...color, etc. I have also twice bought a digest that I already owned, but forgot I had them. In 16mm, I've bought three copies of Hold That Ghost...and between them I finally pieced together a decent print. Since the prints didn't cost that much, I felt it was worth the expense.

Posted by Janice Glesser (Member # 2758) on March 14, 2017, 03:34 PM:

Like Gary I have purposely bought duplicate titles of 16mm features to get a better print. As far as 8mm I have a couple duplicate reels that were included in some bundled purchases. Having a backup of a good film isn't a bad idea considering how auto-feed projectors...even the best... can easily chew up films at any time.

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on March 14, 2017, 06:12 PM:

Thanks Winbert...and here is me thinking after all those years, that I was normal just like the rest of... you lot [Big Grin]

Serious though [Roll Eyes]

all the double ups I have are films not bought on e-bay [Roll Eyes]

usually some collector giving up for various reasons and just want rid of the stuff [Frown]

Films like "Airplane" were on Elmo reels and those reels were worth more than the film itself, however its a mint print and one of my favourite Marketing releases so for $50 dollars that's pretty good [Cool]

Unlike so many here, I am not into buying and selling films on flee-bay to make money, to me, thats not what this slightly obsessive hobby is about, its more to do with the preservation of film in all its formats.

Now back to being "slightly obsessive" has anyone got a IMAX projector they dont want? [Wink]

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on March 14, 2017, 10:47 PM:

I have multiples of Castle/U-8, Three Stooges and Blackhawk titles. One Super 8 Sound and 16mm. Depending on the size of the audience and the throw needed I have options.

Posted by Tom Spielman (Member # 5352) on March 14, 2017, 11:59 PM:

I don't sell things on eBay as a form of income. I sell things for two reasons. One is to get rid of something I don't need and that somebody else does. Another is to free up funds to feed my hobbies. The way we manage our household budget is that we each get a certain amount of money every paycheck to do with whatever we like. It's actually not a lot, but keeping a lid on our discretionary spending that way allows us to save for big things like vacations, kids college fund, etc.

I definitely will buy something that needs repairing in the hopes of selling at a higher price but I'm smart enough to know that I don't really like the selling part that much. So I look and think about it more than I actually do it.

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on March 15, 2017, 12:37 PM:

Many collectors do buy multiple prints for back-up and/or re-sale - In my case, it's almost always the box - Even if I have a film with sharp box, I'll try for another if it meets my standard, either on-line or at a "live" show - For me, it's 2 collectibles in one, both carton and subject matter - As of late, I'm waning down to a select few short subjects I need (even one copy will do) - Costly at times, but if one plays the search with a level head, the pleasure would be worth the chse, so to speak - There is always a plethora of Blackhawk prints around, so I'd grab what you can now before the rarer titles indeed are seldom offered, whether 16 or 8mm, scored or silent - Same with projector accessories, lamps, reels, cans, tubes and amps - Have a well-stocked supply beforehand - Like fine wine, good poetry, music, toys and grand art, let's cherish what we can for the generation - Shorty

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on March 15, 2017, 06:49 PM:

I kept running into copies of my original print on E bay cheap. Eventually I had four copies including one really, really good print and at least one pretty decent.

Another came up, cheap. I resisted...

Then the guy reduced the price!

-I started to...weaken.

I knew just what to do: I e-mailed the link to a Forum member who'd responded kindly to my review of the print and HE bought it.

-better he have one than I have FIVE!

Posted by Mark L Barton (Member # 1512) on March 16, 2017, 07:44 AM:

Much as I have The Poseidon Adventure on 16mm in scope I can't stop buying the 400ft jumbo cutdown varient. I probably have about 8 copies now, and am sure one of them has a voice over on some parts narrating breaks in the story line.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on March 16, 2017, 07:49 AM:

8???? But why. I find that so odd. In a nice way. Im just not getting it. I can fully understand extra copies to get a better one but no other reason. If i had that in scope on 16 the 40o cut dwn woukd be of no interest to me.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on March 16, 2017, 11:14 AM:

I've only done that a few times, and only because i might want to keep obne pristine, and use the other to heck! [Smile]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 16, 2017, 12:29 PM:

Confession, confession. Ha ha.

It's nice when one print allows both! [Big Grin]

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