Super 8 Filmmaking Guide

Thank you so much for downloading this cheat sheet! You are about
to quickly learn everything you need to know to make videos using a
Super 8 camera! You’ll learn cameras, film stock, and where to send
your film to have it processed and scanned.

CAMERAS

Note: The most important factor to look for when buying a Super 8
camera is that you get one that works and has a working light meter
as well. Make sure you check how any camera’s light meter is
powered before buying it. Ideally, the light meter will be powered by
the same batteries as the camera.

Start by asking friends/family members if they have an old Super 8

camera in their attic etc. If they do you may get one for free! Can’t
find one? It’s time to start checking local antique stores and online
sites like:

eBay - Be sure to buy a Super 8 camera that is listed as “tested and

working”
Etsy - Great marketplace for refurbished cameras. I bought mine
from MonsterFlipsUSA.
Pro8mm - The most expensive option, but guaranteed to work. I
would go with the Rhonda Cam.

For specific cameras, I would look at the Canon 310XL and 514XL.
These come with great lenses that work well in lowlight, plus their
internal light meters are powered by the camera’s batteries -
meaning no need to buy extra batteries!

The Braun Nizo S2 is also a great choice that has a light meter
powered by the camera’s batteries.

FILM

The films I recommend are Kodak 50D, 200T, and 500T. The 50, 200,
and 500 numbers refer to the ISO of the film - aka - how well it will
perform in dark conditions.

The D and the T after the numbers film refer to its white balance. D
stands for Daylight, which means you should use this film outdoors
in daylight/cloudy weather. T stands for Tungsten which means it
should be used indoors under warmer tungsten lighting.

Kodak Vision 50D - I recommend using this for outdoor shooting in

sunny or cloudy conditions.

Kodak Vision 200T - This film is good for brightly lit indoor videos.

Kodak Vision 500T - Perfect for darker interiors.

PROCESSING

Before you can watch your film, you need to have it processed.
There are several companies that offer film processing, but the top
two I recommend are:

Pro8mm - I have friends that use and like them, but they aren’t the
cheapest. Their website is more modern than the competition.

Spectra Film & Video - My go-to recommendation for film

processing. They are quick and affordable.

Note: Both companies offer to sell you film stock that comes with
processing included. This is a good way to save some $$, but
beware that shipping may make things more expensive.

SCANNING

To get your film onto a computer where it can be edited, you need to
have it scanned.

Pro8mm - The most expensive option, Pro8mm can give you a very
high-quality 6.5K scan, but you will definitely pay for it.

Spectra Film & Video - Spectra is $250+ to scan in 4K, but affordable
if you only want a 1080p scan.

Nicholas Coyle - My go-to recommendation and who I use for

scanning Super 8 film. The most affordable option with the ability to
scan in up to 6.5K for a great price.
SHIPPING

One of the hidden costs of filming in Super 8 is the cost of shipping.

Your film is shipped when you buy it, then after you use it, the film is
shipped off to be processed, then possibly shipped again to be
scanned. Finally, the finished reel is shipped back to you.

This can all add up quickly! I recommend shipping off your film to be
processed and scanned in batches to save money.