8mm Forum: Newbie with Questions about Sankyo Sound XL-40S

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Posted by Jason Brummett (Member # 3389) on November 24, 2012, 02:59 PM:

Hello.

I am new to Super 8 filmmaking, and I recently bought a Sankyo Sound XL-40S camera. Does anyone have any experience using Kodak Ektachrome 100D film with this camera? Will the camera read the film speed correctly? What setting should I use for the filter?

Any advice about this camera would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 24, 2012, 04:10 PM:

Jason,

Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on getting into Super 8!

It can be a bit confusing. On one hand, Kodak has notched the 100D cartridge so that automatic exposure cameras will read the film at the correct speed of 100. This is because back in the late 1970's when your camera was made, one of the film stock choices was Ektachrome 160 (Tungsten balanced), which had an ASA of 100 for use in daylight and was also notched as such.

On the other hand certain cameras might still expose the 100D as the old 160 which would result in an underexposure of 1/2 - 2/3 of a stop (which should still give you an acceptable image). No matter which is true, since the 100D is daylight balanced, no filter is needed. Make sure you keep the filter control in the up position all the time.

If you're filming indoors, you'll need to use an 80A filter on the lens, which will lower the exposure index to 25.

Do you have the manual for the camera?

Doug

Posted by Jason Brummett (Member # 3389) on November 25, 2012, 10:59 AM:

Thanks for the information, Doug! I do have a manual.

I went out this morning to give my camera a try for the first time. The motor runs and then slows down before coming to a complete stop. [Frown]

I don't see the green film running indicator in the viewfinder either. I have tried reloading the film several times, and the same thing happens. Also, the aperture indicator moves all the way over to the over-exposure mark.

I guess I'll have to find a place I can send it to see if it can possibly be repaired.

Jason

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on November 25, 2012, 04:28 PM:

Jason,

Your camera has probably not been used for a very long time. Try letting it run for at least 5 minutes without any film. Set the power switch to "R-L" and press the trigger. That will keep it running.
When pointing the camera at dark and bright areas, does the exposure meter change?

Doug

Posted by Jason Brummett (Member # 3389) on November 25, 2012, 04:58 PM:

Doug,

I let the camera run for five minutes, like you suggested. I'm still having the same problem. I think there may be something wrong with my Ektachrome 100D cartridge. When I try to turn the film manually (clockwise), there is a lot of resistance. I just read on another forum where others have experienced the same problem with 100D cartridges.

The exposure meter seems to be working okay now. I don't think I was in an environment where over-exposure would have been an issue, but it was very sunny this morning. I'll test that out again once I can get the camera rolling like it should.

Thanks,
Jason

Posted by Jason Brummett (Member # 3389) on January 26, 2013, 03:19 PM:

Doug,

I successfully shot a cartridge of Kodak Tri-X reversal film, and I'm trying a cartridge of Velvia 50D reversal film. So far, I haven't had a problem with it either. I suspect that my camera just doesn't work well with the Ektachrome 100D film, but I haven't had a chance to try any more of that stock yet. Since it will soon be unavailable, I guess it doesn't matter so much now. I'm glad that my camera seems to be working well. [Smile]

I was out testing the 50D film today, and then I realized that I forgot to remove the filter. Will this make my footage look bad when it's developed?

Posted by Bill Rodgers (Member # 3483) on January 26, 2013, 07:13 PM:

Ektachrome 100D is very tightly wound inside the cartridge. You have to give it a few taps before loading to loosen the film up.

It's been a big problem (I've had loads of jams) but it's the only thing I won't miss about losing a Kodak colour reversal stock! [Frown]

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