Moises Perez

Here is a beautiful one.

Don't worry about it Heikki. As I said before, "I guess you could use any other smart phone that has a video camera for the same purpose. "

Thank you for all your comments. I very happy to know that I sparked some of you to experiment with the equipment you have available. It's also good to know that you too have achieved some very interesting results. As far as me concerns, I'm always exploring ways in which I can bring this lovely film format to the next level.

I’d like to share two options for those of you who want to do time-lapse photography with the Canon 1014 Super 8 film camera. One is the MK111 interval timer by Velleman, Inc. http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/?id=350686 The other is the TR-90 by Phottix. http://www.phottix.com/en/phottixr-tr-90.html These interval timers will allow you to control the camera with the same basic principle. Using an intervalometer you’re able to take single pictures at any desired frame rate. With these timers you can take several frames per second or one single frame at any preferred time interval. Both timers are great, none is better than the other, they are just different in price and performance and they will give you different results. Price: The MK111 is cheaper than the TR-90. The price in the USA for the MK111 is less than $10.00 but you need to BUILD it yourself. The TR-90 is about $65.00, depending where you buy it. The nice thing about it is that it is ready to use right out of the box. Power supply: The MK111 needs 12V DC but I was able to make it work with a single 9V battery. The TR-90 uses two AAA batteries and they are included when you buy it. Performance: The two timers control the camera in a similar way. The difference here is time precision when this is important versus the ability to freely control the camera to achieve special results. The MK111 allows you to manually increase the speed at which you take the pictures. This means that you can start taking several frames per second up to one single frame every few minutes. In the same manner, you can do the opposite, you can start taking one single frame every few seconds and increase the frame speed to take several frames per second. This is very handy when you want to do some kind of ramping. The TR-90 offers you the opportunity to precisely control the frame rate in intervals of one second. You can take one single frame per second or increment the interval time up to one frame every 99:59:59, this is the camera will expose one single frame every 99 hours, 59 minutes, add 59 seconds. This is very important when timing your shoot. You know that you can take precisely 60 frames in a minute, thus allowing you to plan your project with digital precision. Here is a sample with the MK111. The film stock is the B&W Tri-X and I under exposed it to increase the grain structure and to get the high-contrast look. The color was enhanced in After Effects. The vertical white lines are permanent scratches on the film produced at the lab, but it has nothing to do with the MK111 timer. I’ll post more samples of both timers in the following days. Enjoy it, https://vimeo.com/65940818

Hi Matt and the rest of you, Thank you for your interest in the topic. I should had stated “all you need is a smart phone to have a video tap for your Super 8 film camera.” I used an iPhone because that's what I have available. But trust me, I'm not promoting any brand in particular. I already owned one before I used it as a video tap. I didn't do anything special to use my iPhone as a video tap and that's what I like about it. The phone is already good to go when you buy one. As you know, it already includes the camera, the screen, and the application to use it as video recorder. I like the iPhone because it's small and light. I don't need to worry about anything else. No such things as separate batteries or cables to connect or anything like that. There's no need to buy any other piece of software for it to work. However, I guess you could use any other smart phone that has a video camera for the same purpose. All the specifics will be determined by the kind of Super 8 camera and gear you own. For instance, your needs are going to be different if you have a 15mm versus a 19mm rods system. But, I can assure you don't even need a rod system or a tripod. I bet you can attach the phone to your camera using something different than a case for the phone and a rod system, but again that will depend on you. Perhaps my set-up looks fancy but it's just the extra gear I use. This particular camera is a Beaulieu 4008 ZM II but I also use the Canon 814 E and 1014 E cameras. I only have one 15mm rods system, and one 4 x 4 matte box and I use this gear interchangeable with all my cameras. What makes this system a little different is the Century Optics 1.33X anamorphic adaptor that I put in front of the lens. Trust me, at the end, you don't need any of this extra gear to use your smart phone as a video tap. It will work whether you shoot with the anamorphic adaptor or without it. The anamorphic only helps you to be able to use all the frame of your film stock in the case you want to go HD or want to have the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. I already own all of this gear and that's why I use it over and over. Here is another clip that shows you what my system is looking at. I processed the second part with After Effects for you to see the difference, but when I'm shooting I don't worry about this. What I see on the screen is what I get on the film. I focus my Super 8 camera manually using a tape measure. The iPhone clips are just for a reference but the most important is the footage you get on the film. I hope I didn't make thinks more complicated. Please enjoy this clip. https://vimeo.com/65604751

I'd like to share my new idea.All you need is an iPhone with a case you can attach to your rod system to have a workable video tap for a Super 8mm film camera. Enjoy it, MOY https://vimeo.com/65196781

Hi John, I think it would be more useful to see some of your own footage. Would it be possible for you to share that with us? I'm sure it would be very appreciated. Thank you. Hi David, I'm sorry for my lack of knowledge, what do R&D mean? Thank you. Hi paul, Wanting higher resolution than HD is the way to go for Super 8 when one wants professional results out of this small and lovely film format. What is the scanner you guys use for your current Super 8 to 2K transfers? I'm sorry again for my lack of knowledge but what does DFT means? Thank you.

My intention is not to offend anybody, specially the filmmakers, but non synchronized images with the lyrics give the impression of amateur work right away. I don’t think that Kodak benefits from this kind of work. In my opinion, this kind of advertising sends the wrong information. It tells people that Super 8 film is just for beginner filmmakers. Filmmakers whose skills are in the early stages of experimentation let the camera do all the important work for them. The internal light meter decides what aperture is used and when to change it. The result is a less pleasant experience for the viewer. I might be just a dreamer but I think that Super 8 can be used as a professional medium; it is up to us to treat it like that.

The Cinematography Workshop is an independent and free-of-charge film workshop produced and hosted by Moises Perez at California State University Northridge, in Los Angeles County. The 5th Cinematography Workshop, will be focused on the use of Super 8mm film as a professional image capturing device for artistic and commercial purposes. The analog and organic quality of Super 8mm film works great for High Definition work. The duration of this workshop is six weeks. We’ll meet Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as follows: September 22, 29, October 06, 13, 20, (No class October 27.) Final class meeting is November 03. The main purpose of this course is to learn how to expose several kinds of film including: B&W, Color, Reversal, Negative, Daylight and Tungsten balanced films. All the necessary equipment such as cameras, tripods, light meters, etc. will be provided. We will be using the Canon 814, 1014E, and the Beaulieu 4008 Super8 film cameras. Please note that the class is free-of-charge. However, participants must pay for their own film supplies, film stock, processing and HD transfer. NOTE: THE FILM WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS ONLY, AND IT IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. Disclaimer: The CSUN’s Film Workshop is not part of the CSUN’s Film Program. It is produced independently by Moises Perez. For additional information, e-mail: reachmoy@netzero.net

The Cinematography Workshop is an independent and free-of-charge film workshop produced and hosted by Moises Perez at California State University Northridge, in Los Angeles County. The 5th Cinematography Workshop, will be focused on the use of Super 8mm film as a professional image capturing device for artistic and commercial purposes. The analog and organic quality of Super 8mm film works great for High Definition work. The duration of this workshop is six weeks. We’ll meet Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm as follows: September 22, 29, October 06, 13, 20, (No class October 27.) Final class meeting is November 03. The main purpose of this course is to learn how to expose several kinds of film including: B&W, Color, Reversal, Negative, Daylight and Tungsten balanced films. All the necessary equipment such as cameras, tripods, light meters, etc. will be provided. We will be using the Canon 814, 1014E, and the Beaulieu 4008 Super8 film cameras. Please note that the class is free-of-charge. However, participants must pay for their own film supplies, film stock, processing and HD transfer. NOTE: THE FILM WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS ONLY, AND IT IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. Disclaimer: The CSUN’s Film Workshop is not part of the CSUN’s Film Program. It is produced independently by Moises Perez. For additional information, e-mail: reachmoy@netzero.net

A piece of advertisement, printed on page 19, in the August 2012 Boxoffice Pro Magazine reads: “2012 IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! JUST THE END OF FILM!” How long do you think we will have Super 8 film for?

"I think that off course there some drawbacks in making a feature film but at the same time I think that the technology exist to improve the format. My other point is that when super 8 is shown on the big screen it was always shown like the person who is operating the camera doesn't know what a tripod is or what's lighting is all about," Hey Cesar, My name is Moises Perez, but please call me moy. I've been experimenting with Super 8 film always wanting to achieve professional results. You can get very good results if you are willing to put the extra work that is required. I just finished my last movie, a short film in which I used all the things you are talking about: lighting, tripod, dolly, etc. Let me tell you that I love the final project. I transfered the film to uncompressed HD and did all my post-production using those files, including footage stabilization and final color correction, then I did downres the final project to produce a Blue Ray DVD. I projected the film onto a big theater screen using the Blue Ray. My eyes could not believe what I was watching. The images have a very good quality for my taste even in the big screen. Now I can say that in fact Super 8 can be used to produce a professional feature film. I'll post my short film on the web after I send it to the festivals circuit. My next step is to be able to produce a feature film. This time, however, I would like to go for the anamorphic aproach. Please take a look of my anamorphic test to see what I mean. "(sorry, english it's not my main language)" I also have to say that English is not my first language, but don't worry about it, because our real language is film. I do speak Spanish in case you want to contact me, here is my e-mail: reachmoy@netzero.net

Please check this Super 8 anamorphic film test for a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Super 8 Vimeo

Hi Alessandro, The film was scanned using a Milllenium II machine. I got an uncompressed 1920 x 1080 444 RGB 10-Bit Direct-to-disk file. I believe that the softness is due to the fact that it is very hard to focus using the anamorphic adaptor. I'm very interested to project the uncompressed final file onto a big screen, in a theater. I don't know whether the compression added any artifacts. I have no idea where the blue halo comes from. You might be right about going straight to betacam sp, specially because it is cheaper. But I haven't done that for this test.

Thank you Nicholas. Yes you are right, one must have a lot of patience and love for this format. It's a challenge, but it can be done.

Please check this Super 8 anamorphic film test for a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Super 8 Vimeo

Hi Paul, Thanks for the invitation. I really want to see what your Spirit is capable of doing. I’m especially interested in seeing a 2K transfer, perhaps a DPX file. I’m working on another crazy project and I would like to experiment beyond the 10 bit uncompressed 1080p. We’ll talk about it. Moy

Hello, Thank you Anthony, this is the kind of answers I’m looking for. As I stated before, I consider Super 8 to be unique. I don’t think we should compare it with any other format being film or digital. All I’m saying is Would you like to see a brand new camera? I’ve working with Super 8 and transferring my footage to a High Definition (HD) wide format and I like the results. There are several ways to achieve a wide screen in Super 8. One is the to widen the film gate. Here is a picture of what I mean:

Hello, I think you are getting away from the subject. All I'm asking is whether anybody is interested in a new camera. I don’t mean the Super 8 film gauge is better than 16mm, 35mm, or 70mm. All of these film formats are special and they should be used according to your needs. For instance, I don’t think one can replace a bigger film format for a smaller one and hope to get the quality of the superior film format. In my opinion, one of the most important reasons one uses Super 8 film is because we like its unique look. What I’m looking for when I shoot Super 8 is its special characteristics. I love the grain and its organic look. It is just different. When I’m looking for other kind of quality, I use a different format, such as Super 16mm. or 35mm. If I don’t want to see any grain at all, then I use the best in the digital technology. I think, as cinematographers, we must know what we want and choose our tools accordingly. I don’t like to emulate any film format if I have the chance to use it to begin with. Here is a picture I got from one of my Super 8mm projects, it looks grainy but I love it.

Hi, I’ve been reading your responses and I’m very glad with your comments, I thank you all. You all have valid reasons to comment your concerns. I do believe that this is just a dream and it could never take off. However, I think there are many good reasons why we keep using super 8 film, everyone has his own. I’ve been using this format for a long time, and I’ve tried a lot of different cameras. I own a few from different brands. Although I have my favorite models, most of the time I wish there was a better one on the market. I’ve been shooting a lot with my trusty canon 1014E, but still I wish I had a professional option. Here is a picture of one of my cameras and please keep posting your comments. I need to know whether there is a market for it. Thanks, moy

Hello everyone, How many of you would like to have a brand new Super 8 film camera? I am researching film professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts to find out how many of you would like to invest in a new camera. Cine Gear Expo LA 2010is around the corner and I would like to talk to camera-makers about this project. My idea is to make a proposal for a professional Super 8 film camera and see if there is a camera-maker company that would be interested in the project. I want to talk to Arri, Aaton, and/or any other company at the trade show and ask them whether something like this would be possible. Cine Gear Expo LA 2010 will happen from June 3 to June 6 at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. At this point I would like to be able to tell them how many of you are interested in purchasing the camera. Please post your feedback, adding more camera features as you wish. I am sure there will be a lot of technical challenges, but I think it can be done. I need two things from you please: 1. Who is interested? 2. How much are you willing to pay for a camera like this? Sincerely, moy

Hi Steven, My name is Moises Perez, I'm a Super8 enthusiast. I'm always looking for cameras to modify, this camera of yours sound like a good candidate for it. I'd to give it a try. Please e-mail me with the details at this address: reachmoy@netzero.net.

Hello everyone, My apologies, I guess my previous post don't add any new information. I depressed the add replay button by accident. Anyway, I just want to mention that I had excellent results using an anamorphic attachment in front of my camera lenses. I wanted to upload a picture of my setup but I was not able to do it. However, I can e-mail you the pix if you want. This is my e-mail: reachmoy@netzero.net Best regards, moy

Hi John, You are not the only one who appreciates good cinematography. There are plenty of us who think super 8 film should be treated like 35 mm. There are many reasons why super 8 is still considered a nonprofessional film format that only amateurs should use. One, as you mention, lack of steady shots, lack of good lighting, lack of professional transfers, lack of good color correction and so on, if we add these factors to a project the end result is a good and professional film. The film format is important but it is more important to have a really good production value on each project. I have asked for super 8 demo reels from all local labs in Los Angeles County area and found sadly that not even them have something worth watching. I hope I could be wrong and have somebody pointing us to some good super 8 footage with nice production value, or else we have to produce it ourselves. Regards, moy