8mm Forum: Complete Newbie needs help

This is topic Complete Newbie needs help in forum 8mm films for sale/trade/wanted at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Joan Thompson (Member # 5847) on March 30, 2017, 10:56 AM:

First, I know nothing about films. I have been cleaning house. In a box of old family 8mm films I have found two that might have a bit of value. One was filmed in 1940 at the World's Fair and is a general view taken here and there at the fair if my memory holds. I saw it years ago. It's in a reel about 5" across and the film comes to the 150 mark on the reel. It's probably spliced together. The other is in a small reel, about 3" and is in a cartoon box, but the hand written label says 1940 World's fair nudes, color. I remember seeing this also and I'm pretty sure it's the nudes in magazine cover poses. I don't know if it's a professional film bought at the fair or another home film. My question is what I can do with these? We used to have a projector, but got rid of it years ago.

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on March 30, 2017, 12:11 PM:

My suggestion, Joan, is to put them up on ebay. If possible, take screenshots of the film, (which always allows them to sell quicker), as "Worlds Fair' type films always tend to sell easier than other home movie type subjects, especially the earlier the better.

I would suggest having a starting bid of around 20.00 dollars for each, (you don't want to start the bidding too high as, that'll immediately scare off some people).

I would say a higher starting bid, but these kind of films have been "flooding the market" these days and you don't tend to get as much money for them as you used to. best wishes. [Smile]

Posted by Joan Thompson (Member # 5847) on March 30, 2017, 03:50 PM:

Thanks so much. That helps a lot.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on March 31, 2017, 06:54 AM:

Unfortunatly if its a home movie it wont be worth anything except to the person or there family.
I myself am very bemused at people selling off there actual home movies. I just dont get it! [Confused]

Posted by Joan Thompson (Member # 5847) on March 31, 2017, 08:29 AM:

We have had any old movies showing family members transferred into digital format. These films have no family members on them. They are just pictures of the fair. The one of the nudes I believe was purchased. Perhaps you think average people in the future will be able to view these 8mm films.

Posted by Adrian Winchester (Member # 248) on March 31, 2017, 09:24 AM:

Actually, people (and perhaps archives) do buy home moves - I know one of them and he's sometimes delighted with what he finds on eBay. Some of the best can view as well-made travelogues with family members playing a limited part in the content. I've shot reels of such films myself with no family people whatsover. When I'm no longer alive, I'd much prefer these films to be owned by a collector or an archive, rather than ending up in a skip!

Joan - the 1940 nudes film sounds intriguing, especially as it's in colour. Whenever it was actually printed, it unfortunately may well have faded, which will reduce its value considerably. Even if you don't have a projector, I'd try holding up the film to the light and checking the colour. If it's mostly or completely red/pink, I'm afraid it's faded. If all the colours look about right, congratulations!

Posted by Joan Thompson (Member # 5847) on March 31, 2017, 09:51 AM:

Your reply is just what I needed. Unfortunately, I'm seeing red on the nudes, so definitely faded. The other one looks more like black and white, so I might put that on ebay. Thanks so much for your help.

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