8mm Forum: Reflections of 2013 for our hobby of film collecting

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Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on December 18, 2013, 08:42 AM:

Reflections of 2013 for our hobby of film collecting..

As I sit here nursing my man flu thingy I was wondering what fellow 8mm film collectors made of 2013 and developments or changes in the market place?

For me I have found this a very interesting year for 8. We have a healthy range of camera film to make our own blockbusters on, probably more emulsion choices than we have seen to 20 years on 8mm film. Then we have a good number of film conventions with Ealing, Blackpool and my own East Lancashire Film Fair to name but a few which is a great opportunity to meet others who share our interest and buy some reasonably priced films or equipment. New prints continue to become available from Reel Image and good old Classic Home Cinema which can only be a good thing. Blimey we also have a few people making new white boxes for films as well! I’m guessing that many are coming to cine via the ebay rout which is an upside to that particular system. This particular forum and others contribute much I believe most of it very good and interesting, but a very small smattering of negativity perhaps if I can say that without wanting to offend anyone. The old hand film dealers are still going although ebay seems to be playing a much bigger part which personally I do think is cutting off much of the personal link we have with traders and dealing direct. For me personally I have tried to retain that ‘pop round and call for a chat, watch a film’ attitude to help maintain the link as it were and if I may say so it have been lovely this year to welcome many collectors to our little home.

The interest in the Eumig machines has blossomed big style probably as a few of us keep on banging on about them and this has also been bolstered by the plethora of cine transfers being carried out using the dual machines. A number of Elmo GS1200 spares became available as well and although a little expensive for some pockets it does mean many machines will continue to run. Perhaps the greatest change has been the loss of film in our town picture houses and the digital move which for me is a downside. The upside is many 35mm projectors now live in homes and quite a few new collectors have got into 8mm to show real film in the home as a retro thing which is all good news. I’ve been amazed at the super high price some are paying for what are perceived as rare features which in one way is good they are actually valued but my goodness do people not know film has a shelf life? Anyway it is good news the market place is fluid and thankfully there is a healthy budget priced film market as well usually at film conventions.

Any thoughts on the 2013 film collecting year?
[Cool]

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on December 18, 2013, 08:22 PM:

Lee - You have offered a comprehensive review so I don't think I have a great deal to add, but I do think it has been the most positive year overall for a while. A major factor in that has been the success of the UK events with more people attending and a better atmosphere. Whilst there has not been a lot of new releases, 'Captain America' was extraordinary, being the first 'proper' digest since the 1980s. It's also good news that polyester stock has become available again. There's no doubt about that as I've just ordered a polyester 'Super 8' trailer. Much as I regret the loss of 35mm from most cinemas, I think there are some signs that people are starting to show a greater appreciation for film and its unique qualities.

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on December 18, 2013, 08:34 PM:

Hi Lee, another fun year in the hobby for me. Along with getting my first Elmo GS1200, I picked up a few new trailers, digests, and features. One of which was a feature I had regretted selling years ago, and after recognizing it for auction on eBay, was able to win the very same print back! [Big Grin]

The highlight was finally getting to CineSea in October,and meeting Forum friends in person [Smile]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on December 18, 2013, 10:27 PM:

You know...

I've had fun!

That's pretty much the bottom line to having a hobby, and it's a lot more important than many people understand. People need some kind of safety valve so they have someplace low stress to go when life gets a little...full.

I'm glad you enjoyed CineSea, Joe! Personally I passed the point of needing to decide whether I wanted to go several conventions back. My hope is other people stop dumping things on top of them!

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on December 18, 2013, 10:49 PM:

I agree with all of the above. It's been a great year for this hobby. The highlight for me also was finally getting to Cinesea and meeting fellow collectors. What a great bunch we have here. I hope more attend in May. I have to go again this coming year. Who else is going to dress up Doug Meltzer's table? [Wink]

Posted by Austin Holcomb (Member # 2507) on December 18, 2013, 11:14 PM:

Not only have I gotten back into the hobby I also got started in 16mm. Its been a great year!
Austin

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on December 19, 2013, 03:08 AM:

Its been fun, no problems with the GS1200 this year...and that in itself is amazing. [Smile]

As far as collecting films," Super8" trailer, the movie "that is" in Scope......that was nice and the digest "Flight of the Phoenex"

I have stopped collecting Super8, but hope to concentrate more on shooting Super8 film next year...well that's the plan.

Graham. [Smile]

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on December 19, 2013, 12:56 PM:

From where I'm sitting, the highlight of the year would appear to have been the Blackpool convention. I didn't attend, but the reports from collectors personally known to me would suggest that it is turning into quite an event. Mr. Guest has never been my favourite person since he childishly banned me from his ebay auctions because I asked a few questions. However, I have to hand it to him. He would appear to have given this convention a real boost.

Posted by Dominique De Bast (Member # 3798) on December 19, 2013, 01:28 PM:

I was happy I found this forum in 2013. I want for the first time to the BFCC and it was a great experience. I bought a Beaulieu 708 this year, something I had dreamed for a very long time. On the sad size, the convention at Argenteuil has shrinked this year again, so I will wait the next edition to see how it goes. Last thing about 2013, I could go to some 9,5 monthly projections in Paris (Boulogne to be precise). Sadly it is not possible for me to attend them each month.

Posted by Guy Taylor, Jr. (Member # 786) on December 19, 2013, 01:31 PM:

Thank goodness for the Internet and the ability to instantly connect with fellow collectors around the world. Feel as though I have good friends wherever I go.

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on December 19, 2013, 02:37 PM:

Very True Guy,

I thought S8 film was extinct about 12 years ago, and without the 'net my best case scenario was to walk into a camera shop, try to buy a couple of cartridges of film and still be told "nobody makes that any more".

-as it was I found out it was still kicking and literally within the same day I was back in the picture business!

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