Mike Crane

I strongly advise you NOT use Pro8mm. They use low-end recan/short-end film to convert to their line of super 8. Not known for very good customer service either. As the others suggest, Kodak film product is the best source for consistent quality results. You can buy film from them direct. 800-621-3456 Knowledgeable dealers for film, processing and telecine are also a good source to consider. They can offer help in choosing film, cameras, etc: Spectra Yale Good luck!

Where are you located?

Spectra offers both 16mm and super 8 film packages with processing and telecine on their web page. You should be able to use it as a rough reference for the cost differences: http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/Film.html Remember that they bundle only new filmstock with packages (unlike their compeditors).

I have seen the new 100D (7285 Ektachrome) in regular 8 for sale on Spectra's web page. Since this Ektachrome looks fantastic in super 8, it should perform similarly in regular 8. They also carry the other reg 8 stocks as well.

The Nikon R10 has delivered the sharpest picture I have ever gotten. Exposes film excellently as well.

I bought some 1.35 Volt zinc air replacement (for mercury px625) batteries not long ago from Spectra. They work great! http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/Products.html

There are only a handful of dealers that sell the negative super 8 films (we all probably know most of them off the top of our heads). The same applies to repeat customers that regularly buy decent quantities of super 8 film. All of this information can easily be obtained from Kodak's computer with accounting. We are probably talking under 50 candidates that might be worth asking. One person could either send a form letter or make phone calls... less than a few days effort for one employee. This aside, the low ASA fine grain films in super 8 are more of a promotional tool than anything else. Kodak should want new customers who experiment with film to see their best product... even at a loss (but, we all know that the low ASA color films would sell the best in super 8). Today, super 8 is an investment in Kodak's promotion of film rater than a big money maker. Its one of their best offerings to entice new clients.

Perhaps if Kodak cuts a one-time deal with a handful of dealers and select pre-order customers, they may get a large enough push to help justify the initial release of 50D and 100D. After that, it will be up to the shooters to keep it going... or not. Surely, if the goal of Kodak is to entice production newbies into becoming hard core film buffs, they should put out their best, most beautiful films that can really deliver the goods in an undersized format. Without question this is the 50D (from their negative family) and 100D (from their reversal family). Grainless, sharp and colorful with the look of film! Thats what all super 8 users really want in the end. Considering the obvious, there is no question that these two films would be among the "best sellers" of the super 8 family! If a single stock must be sacrificed for 2 new films, I would do away with 64T. It would be great PR for Kodak to finally say it is offering two new films for the sacrifice of one. It would also provide film shooters with the confidence that film is here to stay. I truly think it would be in Kodak's best interest to challenge the negative tide of thinking that film is doomed. What could be a better message than releasing more cutting edge films for super 8 with some positive promotion mixed in. ;)

Check out for film: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/motion/s8mm/pro....14.4&lc=en Check out for film, processing, telecine: http://spectrafilmandvideo.com/Film.html Guys at Spectra may also provide useful information about the camera you are using, stocks, different looks, etc. Very helpful.

All I know is that rumors continue to persist. Kodak will only say that release of the 50D is being given serious consideration. We should have an answer soon. Meanwhile, I recommend you stay clear of super8 sound/pro8mm films. They utilize low cost, inferior re-can films to convert to super 8. Many complaints about them. Best to wait for something from Kodak if you can. ;)

Spectra also sells Kodak super 8 films as well as the new, ultra colorful Fugi Velvia super 8. Although the Kodak film may be a bit more expensive on its own (than Kodak direct), you can get discounts that offer good savings when you combine it with processing and/or transfer. Combine this with additional savings on shipping to and from multiple places to process, transfer, etc. A very helpful place with a knowledgeable staff worth checking out. Best of luck!

I have left the batteries in my R10 for many months at a time with no drain at all. My conclusion is that power is off completely when none of the camera functions are in use. When used for a shoot it should not be nessisary to remove the batteries between shots to conserve power. However, as always, it is a good idea to take out the batteries before storing the camera away.

I think the auto exposure on an R10 does an excellent job (when working) and is a big plus to the camera. I would pay significantly under $250.00 for a camera with no warranty and broken meter. My guess is it could cost you $200.00 or more to repair the problem (if it can be repaired). Considering repair expense and personal time investment, I would probably not pay more than $100.00 for the camera. I have seen broken cameras similar to the R10 sell for even less. Good luck!

Yet another very good place with some of the best rank transfers I have seen. They can also transfer regular 8 and super 8 sound film with their V3 gate: Spectra

I agree, Good to hear that IJM admitted to the problems and gave you back $800.00. I would return at some point and see how he is progressing with the repairs - just because he did the right thing in the end. Believe me, with ebay and others you would probably never get your money back! Nice of Spectra to look over the camera for you as well. Sounds like they know cameras.

Don't know too much about the Zeiss, but, was hoping you could post your impressins of picture quality when you get the chance. I have heard some good things about sharpness of the Zeiss super 8. I wanted to hear something first hand.

If you are doing intervalometer work, the more mAh you can get the better! You will need this for extended shoots. I would go with the highest mAh number available.

Hmmmm... Kodak direct is the cheapest. 1800-621-FILM. You must go to other sources to process and telecine your film. Then, theres Spectra for deals on film, processing and telecine combos done under one roof. This is probably the easiest source to use as a one-stop location with decent package prices. 500T is available at either place listed above.

After all the years of taking so much from the film community, why can't they give something back with no strings attached. Instead they charge an exorbitant entry fee for their own "festival" where all footage becomes their property for their own demo. What a rip! They are actually getting the filmmakers to put up the money for their company demo!!!

It might be interesting to modify an already existing super 8 camera as a hand crank. Might be possible to remove the main motor from a camera and attach a crank to the main drive shaft. If it works, you would end up with a camera that can do extended single frame exposures. It would also deliver an interesting inconsistent exposure and speed like films before the 30's.

Spectra also sells the Velvia in the US. Some pics of their film/processing/transfer were recently posted here.

I heard Dwaynes will process E-6. However, Wallmart does not accept it (as they do K-40).

I heard that Wallmart will not process E-6 films. They only accept K-40. If I am wrong, please let us know once and for all. The place I use for my E-6 is Spectra in North Hollywood, Ca. They also carry the new Fuji Velvia 50D super 8 film which looks great!

Fredie, To my knowledge, the best super 8 reversal out there for a sunny day is the Velvia 50D available at Spectra. I have seen some this film used on a recent job - it was amazing!

Nope! A special supply of freshly made Velvia 50D was put aside for Spectra to make it into both 16mm and super 8. This supply should provide a couple more years of 50D. I've seen some super 8 tests and the results are fantastic! Here are some details: http://www.filmshooting.com/scripts/forum/...ighlight=velvia