Mike Crane

There are still some places that take some additional care with a on-light. One of them is Spectra Film and Video. I sent them a good deal of neg expecting a typical one-light and got back footage that had obviously been tweaked (including an 85 filter problem I had). They have some especially low rates for 16mm, but you must contact them for the info since it is not posted on their web page.

True, my understanding is that they buy most of their film from recan re-sellers that should test the footage. But they will also buy from individuals and cut side deals. It seems they are indiscriminate about where the film comes from as long as the price is right. The sad part is that they themselves do not get screwed. It is their customers that are the ones that really get hurt.

They do NOT snip test for their Pro8 16 or super 8 films when they buy direct from individuals. They bought a couple 1000 feet of older 5245 short ends from a friend of mine (couple years ago) at a very low price with no testing. He was told it would be cut up and sold at some point. Formerly, he tried to sell it to Dr Raw Stock, and it was rejected. I also had confirmation that they do not snip test from one of the employees when I got some Xray damaged film from there. This would lead me to belive that the only film that is snip tested is that which may be done prior to arriving to Pro8mm from other short end dealers. I suppose the reason they do not snip test is because they are unable to process 35mm film.

I agree. But, Pro8mm buys old short-end footage none the less. It may therefore be a good spot to dispose of older film.

You may want to sell it off to Pro8mm. They buy "bottom of the barrel" 35mm short ends and convert them to super 8.

I am still interested in the rumors I have heard of Velvia 50D being released here in the states. That film should blow all other super 8 films (to date) out of the water.

Sometimes, when you first run the camera, the film takes a few seconds to seat itself into the gate as it works out the kinks in the film.

Hi Ric, For an intense effect, try spraying a small amount of bleach on your film and washing it off. It produces a blotchy spotted effect you might find interesting. Keep in mind that this will permanently alter your film. So, you should test it on some old film first. If you are interested some interesting (non digital) effects without damaging the film you might want to try some telecine at Spectra. They put plastic, filters and other stuff in their telecine gate to produce effects both bizarre and subtle. Movement is sometimes used to produce exposure flare effects. The result is more of an organtic look that blends better with film. You can also try gluing cellophane of different colors to the film. I have also seen some also scratch and soil the film on purpose for a more dated look.

Shooting the 500 Vision2 will be less risky in a low light environment. Keep in mind that if you shoot Vision 200 and decide to push the film, it will cost considerably more. Other considerations include the type of camera you are shooting with. Is it an "XL" camera? Will you be shooting 18 or 24fps? Depending on your answer, you may need 500ASA more than ever. In my opinion, unless I really knew that the lighting was solid, I would play it safe and shoot the 500ASA neg. I have seen too many "live" projects suffer from underexposure to consider otherwise. If you have a lot of questions you may want to contact Spectra for some professional, free advice. I understand they handle quite a bit of concert work for big bands. They can also provide neg processing and telecine deals at good rates.

Some cameras will read the 64T cartridge as though it was ASA 160, thus underexposing the film with the auto meter. Not sure if your camera will pose a problem with auto exposure and the 64T. Others may know the answer to this question. The safe bet is to use manual exposure override.

Use some sulfuric acid and sand paper. Works wonders. :lol:

Hello Steppen Wolf, There are many good places to process super 8 film in the US. I use Spectra myself, but the Kodak web site has a large selection to choose from. Check it out: Kodak Lab Directory

Spectra in N. Hollywood will provide good E-6 processing for 64T Ektachrome. They have been doing it in 35mm motion picture film for years under "Spectra American". I have had great results with my recent 16 and super 8 tests. www.spectrafilmandvideo.com

Nikon R10 is a great camera! I have used them with even better optical results than my Beaulieu. My experience has been that a fully rebuilt and tested R10 camera is usually closer to the 700.00 range. A camera store will invest 300.00 for an ebay level R10. Then about 200.00 is usually invested to recondition a camera of that level. The camera will then need to be tested (preferably with film). Finally, if the camera sells for 700.00, the camera store will pick-up about 200.00 bucks. After that, the shop has to hope that they don't get stuck with a possible warranty repair cost. Lotta work and risk for a couple hundred bucks. Even though it will cost more, a rebuilt camera can often be better than buying multiple cameras on ebay, paying for test film, repairs, messed up shoots, etc. This can all add up to way more than a solid rebuilt camera.

In fact, many people claim that the 1014 XL-S is a good camera to use for sync sound. The accurate electronics and motor drive will maintain sync for a good minute. Spectra specializes in rebuilding these cameras as well as others they have for sale on their site. You may want to contact them to ask specific questions you have concerning camera features. They are very helpful - even if you are buying the camera elsewhere. www.spectrafilmandvideo.com

I recommend Spectra in N. Hollywood for both processing and telecine. In both categories they do excellent work, which saves me a great deal of trouble and cost. Spectra has a high-end film cleaning machine made by the same people who built forde's ultrasonic (Lipsner/Smith). But, they only charge 2.00 per roll for prep and clean. If the film is shot well, their telecine delivers razor sharp images (the sharpest I have seen) with their V3 gate optics and newly purchased scanner tube. I have not tried Forde, but they seem to have a good rep.

Still though, we are talking about widening the gate to take advantage of only a small sliver of picture. Not even close to being worth $500.00 for what will ultimately make no discernable difference in quality. I would be better off investing that kind of super 8 "mod" money in 16mm if I were looking for significantly improved HD picture. So what if Pro8mm offers HD transfers? Considering what we know of Pro8, I am sure it would not be made available for a fair price or comparable level of quality to other HD facilities. Plus, Super 8 does not hold adequate resolution to take advantage of HD. I would rather get a better, less costly SD transfer someplace else and up-res to HD for what would likely be identical results.

I myself have seen disastrous results from allowing the airports to Xray film from both carry on or luggage stations. The result is usually a repeating fog pulse (depending what position the film was in when it got zapped). I highly recommend a hand check as John suggests if you intend to fly with the film. If you do not want to be bothered with a hand check, shipping the film ahead UPS, FedEX or DHL has never presented me with a problem. And, I ship a lot of film. Perhaps John could enlighten us further on shipping separately.

I agree. Looks like a Zoom 8. If it works, you got a good deal on it. I think it also requires exposure batteries for auto exposure. The camera seems to handle vision 200 super 8 quite well from what I have seen.

I might add that the E-6 films in general are newer than VNF films. So, although there are similarities, the E-6 films seem to produce better overall results. 5285 is one example of a very nice looking E-6 film. Kodak 7285/5285 E-6 Ektachrome (Motion Picture) Spectra Lab (Best E-6 Processing) The results I have seen with the newer E-6 reversal films are surprising and can add a unique look where the traditional negative look is not desired.

Hey John, Thanks for the link. I was not able to locate it on the main web page.

By the way Steve, although not listed on Kodak's web page, 7285 is now available in 100' loads. It looks gorgeous and I highly recommend it. The film offers a rich contrast and color, producing a nostalgic look that you can?t easily get anywhere else. However, it is more difficult to shoot as well. My best results by far for processing have been at Spectra Lab. Give this film a shot and you will not be dissapointed (as long as it is properly exposed). Best of luck!

When you read up a bit I would recommend picking up a cheap super 8 camera and shooting some film to get a feel for it.

There will be a quiz next week. Bring your number 2 pencil. :D

Once you are satisfied with testing the camera you will want to dive into neg film as asparaco recommends. Your ultimate goal is to get it to tape (mini DV format is fine for most) for use on the AVID. One place should be able to handle it all to make the process much easier. In the beginning, the cheapest method may not be the best for simplicity and reliability. I still believe that new film will give you far more reliable and consistent results. That is why I generally recommend a place that offers new film, processing and telecine in discounted packages. This will get you the additional advice and support you need from one source all the way through the process. And, if they mess something up there will be no pointing fingers. Check out Spectra Lab Once you gain a better understanding of how the process works you can begin to experiment with the complexities of short ends, rewinding film in dark rooms (dirt, scratches and light leaks), etc... Lots of fun to play with! :blink: I am sure, in the end, you will find that new film is preferable for the projects that matter. Lastly, do not expect high-end results from the camera you have purchased. However, it makes an excellent tool to learn with. Have fun with your new camera!