ChatGPT on Super8

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Q: What are typical problems when projecting Super8 films?

A: When projecting Super 8 films, there are several common problems that may arise. These issues can affect the quality of the projected image and the overall viewing experience. Some typical problems include:

1. Focus Issues: If the projector's lens is not properly focused, the image may appear blurry or out of focus. Adjusting the focus knob or lens position can help resolve this problem.

2. Image Shaking or Instability: Super 8 films can sometimes suffer from instability or uneven sprocket hole placement, causing the image to shake or jitter during projection. This issue may require adjusting the film alignment or using a film stabilizer device.

3. Film Jamming or Skipping: Super 8 film projectors can encounter issues where the film gets jammed or skips frames during projection. This can be caused by damaged or improperly loaded film, worn projector components, or incorrect threading of the film. Careful handling and proper loading techniques can minimize these problems.

4. Film Damage: Super 8 films are susceptible to physical damage such as scratches, tears, or warping. These issues can result in visible imperfections or interruptions in the projected image. Inspecting the film for any damage before projection and handling it with care can help prevent these problems.

5. Flickering or Inconsistent Exposure: If the projector's bulb is not providing a consistent light output or the film's exposure was inconsistent during recording, the projected image may flicker or have variations in brightness. Checking and replacing the bulb if necessary, as well as ensuring proper exposure during filming, can help address this issue.

6. Sound Problems: Super 8 films often have a magnetic strip for sound recording. Issues with the sound playback, such as distortion, low volume, or complete absence of audio, may occur due to problems with the projector's sound head or issues with the film's magnetic strip. Cleaning the sound head and checking the film's magnetic strip for damage can help resolve sound-related problems.

It's worth noting that Super 8 film projection requires specialized equipment and expertise. If you are experiencing persistent issues or are unsure about handling and troubleshooting the problems yourself, it's advisable to seek assistance from professionals or enthusiasts with experience in Super 8 film projection.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Q: How to make better home movies?

A: To make better home movies, you can follow these tips and techniques to enhance the quality and appeal of your videos:

1. Plan and storyboard: Before you start filming, create a basic plan or storyboard outlining the shots and sequences you want to capture. This will help you organize your ideas and ensure you capture the footage you need.

2. Steady camera shots: Use a tripod or stabilize your camera to avoid shaky footage. Steady shots give a more professional and polished look to your videos. If you don't have a tripod, try using stable surfaces or handheld stabilizers to minimize camera shake.

3. Good lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in video quality. Whenever possible, shoot in well-lit environments or use additional lighting sources to illuminate your subjects. Avoid harsh shadows and ensure your subjects are well-lit and visible.

4. Framing and composition: Pay attention to the composition of your shots. Use the rule of thirds to create visually appealing frames, and experiment with different angles and perspectives to add variety and interest to your footage.

5. Sound quality: Clear and high-quality audio is essential for a good home movie. If possible, use an external microphone to capture better sound, or ensure that the built-in microphone is positioned close to the audio source. Minimize background noise and consider using a windscreen for outdoor recordings.

6. Variety and storytelling: Capture a variety of shots to keep your viewers engaged. Include wide shots to establish the scene, medium shots for interactions, and close-ups for details and emotions. Tell a story through your footage by capturing meaningful moments and creating a narrative structure in your editing.

7. Avoid excessive zooming and panning: While zooming and panning can add dynamism to your footage, excessive or jerky movements can be distracting. Use these techniques purposefully and smoothly to maintain a professional look.

8. Edit with care: Once you have your footage, invest time in the editing process. Trim unnecessary sections, improve pacing, and add transitions and music to enhance the overall flow and impact of your movie. Use video editing software that provides you with creative control over your footage.

9. Experiment and have fun: Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different techniques. Explore various camera settings, angles, and editing styles to find your unique creative voice. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun with your home movies.

By following these tips, you can create better home movies that are visually appealing, engaging, and enjoyable for both you and your audience.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Q: How to use anamorphic attachments on a Super8 camera?

A: Using anamorphic attachments on a Super 8 camera can create a widescreen aspect ratio and a unique cinematic look. Here's a general guide on how to use anamorphic attachments with a Super 8 camera:

1. Choose a compatible anamorphic attachment: Look for an anamorphic lens attachment specifically designed for Super 8 cameras. These attachments typically have a threaded or clamping mechanism to attach to the camera lens.

2. Set up your camera: Ensure that your Super 8 camera is properly set up and loaded with film. Familiarize yourself with the camera's functions and controls before attaching the anamorphic lens.

3. Attach the anamorphic lens: Carefully attach the anamorphic lens to the camera lens according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure a secure and stable connection to avoid any issues during filming.

4. Adjust the camera settings: Depending on your Super 8 camera model, you may need to make adjustments to the camera's settings. Common settings to consider include focus, exposure, and any specific settings related to using external lenses.

5. Compose your shots: When shooting with an anamorphic attachment, you'll need to compose your shots with the wider aspect ratio in mind. Keep in mind that the anamorphic lens will squeeze the image horizontally, so what you see through the viewfinder may not accurately reflect the final, stretched image.

6. Focus properly: Pay careful attention to focusing when using an anamorphic attachment. Due to the nature of anamorphic lenses, you may need to adjust the focus both horizontally and vertically to achieve sharpness across the entire frame.

7. Consider lens flares and bokeh: Anamorphic lenses are known for their unique lens flares and oval-shaped bokeh. Experiment with different light sources and angles to maximize these visual characteristics and add a distinct cinematic touch to your footage.

8. Test and practice: It's essential to test and practice with your anamorphic attachment before shooting important footage. Familiarize yourself with its characteristics, quirks, and limitations to achieve the desired results.

9. Post-processing considerations: Keep in mind that footage shot with an anamorphic attachment will appear squeezed horizontally. To obtain the correct aspect ratio during post-processing, you'll need to "de-squeeze" the footage by stretching it horizontally.

10. Edit and finalize your footage: Once you have finished shooting, you can edit your footage using video editing software. Apply any necessary de-squeezing adjustments, color grading, and other post-processing techniques to enhance the visual impact of your anamorphic footage.

Remember that each anamorphic attachment and Super 8 camera model may have specific requirements and nuances. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines provided with the anamorphic attachment for detailed information on usage and compatibility with your camera.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Q: How to properly store Super8 movies?

A: Properly storing Super 8 movies is essential to preserve their quality and longevity. Here are some tips on how to store Super 8 movies effectively:

1. Store in a cool and dry environment: Super 8 films are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Aim to store your films in a cool and dry environment to prevent moisture damage, mold growth, or film degradation. Avoid areas prone to extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, or direct sunlight.

2. Use archival-quality containers: Invest in archival-quality film storage containers or film cans specifically designed for Super 8 films. These containers are made from materials that provide optimal protection against light, dust, and physical damage. Ensure the containers are clean and free from debris before placing the films inside.

3. Handle films with care: When handling Super 8 films, always use clean, dry hands. Avoid touching the film emulsion (the side with the image) to prevent fingerprints or smudges. Handle the film reels by their edges or use clean cotton gloves to minimize the risk of contamination or damage.

4. Avoid exposure to magnetic fields: Super 8 films often have a magnetic soundtrack. To prevent potential damage to the audio recording, keep your films away from strong magnetic fields, such as speakers, motors, or magnetic storage devices.

5. Store films vertically: Store your Super 8 film reels in an upright position to prevent warping or distortion. Vertical storage helps maintain the shape and integrity of the film, reducing the risk of damage during storage.

6. Label and organize: Label each film container with relevant information such as the title, date, or event associated with the footage. This helps you easily identify and locate specific films when needed. Additionally, consider organizing your films chronologically or by theme to facilitate access and retrieval.

7. Backup and digitize: While physical storage is important, it's also wise to consider digitizing your Super 8 films to create digital backups. Digital formats offer convenient access, easy sharing, and provide an additional layer of protection against deterioration or loss.

8. Regularly inspect and maintain: Periodically inspect your stored Super 8 films for any signs of damage, degradation, or mold. If you notice any issues, consult a professional film preservationist or archivist for advice on appropriate restoration or preservation measures.

By following these storage guidelines, you can help prolong the lifespan of your Super 8 movies and ensure they remain in good condition for future generations to enjoy.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Q: Where do I get the cheapest Super8 Ektachrome 100D in Germany?

A: To find the cheapest Super 8 Ektachrome 100D film in Germany, you can consider the following options:

1. Online Retailers: Check various online retailers that specialize in selling Super 8 film. Some popular online platforms include eBay, Amazon, and specialized film retailers like Film Photography Project (filmphotographystore.com) or Wittner Cinetec (wittnercinetec.com). Compare prices across different websites to find the best deal.

2. Local Film Stores: Visit local film stores or photography shops in your area that carry Super 8 film. In Germany, you can explore stores like Fotoimpex (fotoimpex.com), Foto Meyer (foto-meyer.de), or Foto Erhardt (foto-erhardt.de). Contact the stores directly or visit their websites to check for availability and pricing.

3. Film Photography Communities: Engage with film photography communities and forums, such as Analog Forum (analog-forum.de) or the Super 8 Filmmaking group on Facebook. These communities often have members who are knowledgeable about where to find the best deals or may be willing to sell or trade film stock at reasonable prices.

4. Film Festivals and Events: Attend film festivals, cinematography events, or flea markets dedicated to film equipment and accessories. Such events may have vendors selling Super 8 film at competitive prices.

5. Group Buys or Bulk Orders: Consider joining group buys or organizing bulk orders with other Super 8 filmmakers or enthusiasts. By pooling your orders, you may be able to negotiate better prices or secure discounts directly from film distributors or manufacturers.

Remember that film prices can vary over time due to factors such as availability, import duties, and exchange rates. It's advisable to regularly check different sources and compare prices to find the most affordable option at any given time. Additionally, keep an eye out for discounts, promotions, or clearance sales that may offer additional savings on Super 8 film purchases.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

So what do you think? Are these answers useful/correct/complete? Would you have been able to give better answers?

Did you also asked ChatGPT some S8-related questions?

[Greg Perry]

Joerg,

This is an interesting sample of an AI-generated response...As far as I can see, it provided reasonable and useful answers to the questions. Although some collectors do have differing opinions about storing films vertically vs. horizontally etc...

[Joerg Polzfusz]

For me, some of the answers are a little bit „too generic“ and sometimes ignoring the real question. E.g. the answers regarding S8-Ektachrome in Germany would be better suited for the slide version - and how many „manufacturers“ (<- plural!) are there for Ektachrome?
Nevertheless, the answers aren’t „that bad“ either.

[Brian Fretwell]

I would ask, for the anamorphic answers what on earth is "bokeh" ??

[Joerg Polzfusz]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh
“Bokeh“ is how the image looks like in the parts that are out of focus.

[Joerg Polzfusz]

I dare to say that there is no such thing like „Bokeh“ in Super8. That’s because normally everything is in focus when shooting outdoors on a sunny day. The image size is so small that you’ll either have to be on the „tele“ end of your zoom (and you’ll have to have a zoom that goes beyond 50mm) or you’ll have to be shooting wide open (f1.3 or wider). Or you’ll have to use a „35mm DoF Adapter“ (invented for miniDV-cameras, but working on S8-cameras as well).

[Ed Gordon]

I would ask, for the anamorphic answers what on earth is "bokeh" ??

The main reason to use anamorphic with digital is for its other effects. Lens flare and out of focus backgrounds ("bokeh") will appear elongated as opposed to circular (unless the lens has a specially-designed ovular iris). Flare may also appear as bluish horizontal or vertical streaks which span the entire frame. Vignetting may appear as an oval, although this unique shape can be emulated in post-production.

Source: https://www.red.com/red-101/anamorphic-lenses


Standard Bokeh vs. Anamorphic Bokeh















BOKEH explained in intense detail

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Yes, Ed, but „bokeh“ requires areas of the image to be out of focus - in most cases the „background“. But on a sunny day, due to Super8's small image size and hence large depth of field, everything from 2m to infinity is in focus - independent of whether you have set your focus to 2m, 6m, 10m or 20m. So there is no „out of focus background“. And hence there’s nothing that could have „bokeh“.

(You’ll have to use formats larger than 16mm to get something like „bokeh“. - At 9.5mm/16mm, you’ll have to perform tricks to get a „bokeh“, like opening the lens’ iris with ND-filters, shooting with „Tele“, …. Same is true for video's sensor sizes: the only way to get something like „bokeh“ with small sensor sizes is to simulate the effect with software. That’s why Ed‘s showing examples from a RED-camera with a sensor-size equivalent to the cine-format „Super35“ or larger.)

(BTW: This is exactly what I meant with „too generic“ answers from ChatGPT: It’s like asking for Chinese restaurants in Glasgow and getting general information about all types of restaurants in England. <- Yes, I know that Glasgow is in Scotland. )

[Ed Gordon]

Yes, Joerg, ChatGPT is like a politician; It can expound on any given topic without ever saying anything meaningful (or even anything about the question you ask...).