How to Buy a Super 8 Film Camera

How do you tell the difference between an awesome thrift store find and a hunk of junk? Let’s take a look at some basic things to check out when finding a reliable vintage Super 8 camera for yourself.
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[@acidsnow5915]

what an insightful video always wanted to start super 8 but i am a little bit scared thanks for sharing all this great content with us! always appreciate watching videos like this!

[@JKHFilms]

Because of this video I went out and bought my first Super 8 camera! Yashica LD-8

[@danieltran8560]

How do you like it? Looking for one right now!

[@Deaddeaddeadeadeadeadead]

same i bought a chinon pacific 12SMR direct sound 1977 works flawlessly to like it was never used which it wasnt ever used at all got it for $500 from ebay!

[@JKHFilms]

@Abhishek Goud Studio I purchased mine from a Vintage camera store in New Town, Sydney, called Sydney Super 8. They had a few Super 8 cameras in stock, but mainly sold vintage photography cameras

[@JKHFilms]

@@danieltran8560 It's great, haven't been able to use it as much because of how difficult it is to get film imported where I live. Especially since the nearest film lab is a few countries away

[@joshuagarcia2218]

Dude, I've been very reluctant on pursuing filmmaking even though it's my dream but this video gave me life and I'm currently browsing for a camera, thank you!

[@crist67mustang]

Hi. I had a Kodak Super8 new in 1985, my brother and me bought it on Christmas as a gift for both. Well, as you can imagine those cameras were out, video cameras were the new sensation. We bought also a Bell&Howell projector, new in a photografic store, and we made movies. Years later we had a Canon S8 camera with zoom. Few weeks ago I purchased a Sony 4K camera FDR AX43. By the way, you are extreme handsome, man. Woof!😉 Christian, from the far city of Santiago, Chile.

[@NigerianGirl008]

I don’t normally comment on KZbin but your videos has educated me so much. I really appreciate your videos- high quality and very knowledgeable. New subscriber here!!!

[@petepictures]

You've covered everything important thumbs up

[@westonlandis2234]

I really admire how you picked something (maybe it picked you), and chose to do it very well. Your videos are always so helpful and are much appreciated. Cheers.

[@RoddyTullenz]

Thanks for showing the Super-800 Electro in the slides. I bought one at a pawn shop for $30. It had a cartridge of Kodachrome 40, and as you said in your last video that film stock can't be processed.

[@kamikirkflores]

thank you so much for making these videos! i recently found a basic super 8 camera myself but was afraid to buy film and waste it because i didn't really know how it worked. thanks to you i feel a bit more confident about giving it a go :)

[@super8blog71]

You should give it a go. I hope you did. And If so where did you post the footage?

[@rachelsonfire]

Great video. I just bought a Beaulieu 6008s S8mm sound camera! This is rad camera, and the second one I've owned. I still have a freezer full of K40 Sound dated 2/1999. If it's kept in the freezer, it will last like three times as long as the date says. Can't wait to use it.

[@Warlord.editss]

Thanks! Whenever I need help with cameras, this is the place to go! 😁 I also really like the intro!🙂

[@deancummings586]

Very helpful video Noah! I kept all of your camera buying advice in mind when I started looking for my own. Then one day I saw a Bell and Howell "Director Series" Model 1208 in a local thrift shop. I loaded the batteries in and was delighted to hear and see that the motor was working. I purchased the unit, and strangely the motor never worked again! I've tested the batteries, and checking the loading instructions. The battery leads are also clean, (as is the entire camera). I wonder if you've come across this "intermittent" motor function before. When I bought the unit, I thought that if the motor ran once, it was sure to run again...or at least that was my line of thinking! LOL! Anyway, thanks again for the fantastic series Noah...

[@jamesa375]

i have 2 cameras from back in the 80;s when i used to still shoot some film untill video came out.I understand somewhat the fascination with fillm,but honestly for us the older generation who lived the change from film to video,its kinda funny that people spend hundreds of dollars in this day and age to shoot on super 8.Personaly i havent touched my cameras for over 30 years,they stil look cooler than a video camera but i wouldnt spend the kind of money needed these days to use them and much less spend the kind of money people pay these days on ebay to buy a good usable camera.If this thing is to last, prices have to drop on everything and someone has to make a new affordable camera.

[@anton826]

holy shit just found out this channel. Instantly subscribed. You fill the gap i always needed but never knew i did. Pls make a ton of super 8 videos Ps: i would love to get some links on good cameras and films

[@producedproductions]

Nice! I totally thought I had to order a key. The quarter trick was a really good tip!

[@martyjackson4166]

Another great video! Really good information and really in-depth, honestly you’re on of the best KZbin sources about Super 8 info that I've seen so far. Keep it up!

[@AnalogResurgence]

Thanks so much! Trying my best to help make it more accessible!

[@DethronerX]

Thanks! I have two 8mm cameras, "Wollensak Eye-Matic 8 mm spool. Model 74" and "SANKYO 8-Z 8mm with 10-30mm f/1.8 Lens". I have only shot on still cameras in the 90s, most of them automatic, because I never had one of my own and could never find motion picture cameras in my country. I remember trying to do stop motion with one of those automatic still cameras by fuji or panasonic or something. I got the film ones recently locally online, because to order from abroad would include a lot of extra charges and especially not having Ebay in Pakistan makes ordering harder, since I don't have a credit card. This leaves with few options like asking a friend abroad to bring stuff or using local services that order for us, but their charges are crazy. But I found these locally and I cant wait to try them, after going through manuals and tutorials, before I set to buy the right filmstock for them. It will be another pain trying to send a usb hard drive with the film to send for processing. Some don't send back the negatives and just send the digital images, so I don't want to lose the actual film, because I could use it on a projector, if I can get it edited physically.

[@crist67mustang]

Part II I had a Kodak camera Super 8. I remember available 2 brands in 1985, Kodak and Agfa. We used Agja due the proccess of revelado was no cost extra, 1 month waiting they sen it to Agfa Lsbs in Gernany. Kodak instead cartridge was sent to the US, but no free. Christian from Santiago Chile.

[@fenixlolnope361]

You're making me want one of these so badly!

[@DarynRblog]

this is soooo useful for me thanks so much!

[@Raychristofer]

Good job on this channel bro I Will follow your journey. I shoot medium format and dev myself. Love it.

[@AylaRose_LaAkea]

Very valuable information here on your channel. Thank you! Just subscribed. :) I've been shooting film for over 7 years now, but I have always wanted to get into super 8 film, and have been too unsure how to, and scared.

[@AnalogResurgence]

It can be daunting but I’m trying to get lots of this information out there! Have even more planned for the format in the future to delve deeper into areas that people often have questions about still!

[@AylaRose_LaAkea]

@@AnalogResurgence That's awesome! Thank you. :)

[@ZackDowdy]

My favorite is the Canon 310XL basic but so fun!

[@user-ew2hw3wd2b]

You're a real movie buff.

[@Audio80s]

I’ve been having a really hard time finding film and I just got a Kodak super 8 camera

[@conradgilliland]

These videos are amazing!Thanks for the fantastic content!

[@jamescunningham9490]

These are great!

[@stephanie-lv1ci]

sososo helpful! Thank you!

[@rajendrabareto8065]

I bought one by mistake and realized that the film development costs so high that I kept it in cold storage now.

[@williamwebb2361]

This was a great video! I'm definitely subscribing! I'm currently in the process of wanting to buy a super 8 camera for myself, where would you recommend me checking to buy one?:)

[@AnalogResurgence]

It can sometimes be a little difficult to track down a specific kind, but if you are looking for a certain one then Ebay is probably the easiest option. You can also seek out Facebook groups such as "8mm and 16mm filmmakers group: For Filmmakers who Shoot on Film" which often have people buying and selling cameras as well. Groups like those are good to post in if you're after something special. Beyond that Kijiji and Craigslist are always worth keeping an eye on if you're hoping to find something local.

[@J-sun9]

Analog Resurgence is the Kodak super 8 ever going to release? I feel like I’m chasing a unicorn

[@AnalogResurgence]

@@J-sun9 I honestly have no idea. Between the time they announced their camera and now it's been 3 years and they haven't made it widely available. It exists and Kodak have given some out to people to use so they can advertise it and I know people who have seen functioning models, but they aren't actually selling them. Between all that and its enormous price tag I always recommend people hunt down older used cameras if they want to shoot the format.

[@mezza_ph]

Your videos are so good!

[@MrSerbianOrthodox]

Thanx a lot for this video!

[@looily]

freaking good stuff. thank u.

[@AnaBernardezN]

I will still text you when I'm at Value Village

[@BADVlBES]

Ana Bernardez ??

[@GreatWaterCircus]

Cool dude... that was the money. Many thanks

[@Otokichi786]

It is unfortunate that Japan's amateur Single 8 format and much slimmer film cartridges are as dead as Kodak's Kodachrome film. Fuji was the big name in this Polyester-based film format, with speeds from ISO 25-200. One final note: What's your opinion of the XL series of Super 8 cameras?

[@knife-wieldingspidergod5059]

Hey guys I just pick up a SanKyo EM-60XL. I can't seem to be able to find a manual for it online, Does it have an auto exposure? The view finder is bad but everything else is seems to be functioning. I will try to focus it by distance. How spot on is the distance numbers on the focus ring?

[@elanguntle2564]

Very good video.

[@eriksnel6461]

my go to cameras if i fil on super 8 (which is not that often) Eumig Mini 3, because it is very small, light. it fits in my trouser pockets but it is all automatic so you cannot use that many kind of films. but it is also cheap there are many out there so finfing one that is good is not difficult. i also like the canon 814 electronic very much, just because that one has so much more posibillities

[@cariza5]

Could you do a side by side test with the android app which is Super 16 by Dmitry Shatilov as this does super 8 etc and a normal Super 8 camera and get 500T film and video the exact same scene and compare to see if the app is like the actual film.

[@MatthPeder]

What do I do if I've already ordered 500T film for a camera that only shoots up to ISO 250? It's a Canon 514XL-S and has no manual controls. Am I just screwed?

[@rafaelplazaandrade9865]

Please help me with a doubt: For a project, I need to film inside a car with people in the car in daylight (in the morning). The camera in use will be a Bell and Howell super 8 Autoload Optronic Eye 308, which I think only shoots at 18fps, but I don't know if it has the orange filter included.. So what would be the best negative Kodak film stock to use under those conditions? 50 D, 200T or 500T? Thanks in advance.

[@istreamsometimes7634]

Hey this is totally random but I bought a random Kodak m22 instamatic and can't find a thing about it and was curious if you knew anything I also realize this video is 5 years old so if you see this thanks

[@valenfields]

I have a Canon 518-2 but I need to find those 1.3 V Mercury cells but I cannot find any

[@drakebarton1589]

hey so i just got a super 8 sound camera that works with silent film but the cartridge sensor doesn't activate for silent cartridges. Does anybody have a solution?

[@combatmedic91-b76]

What a wonderful video!! I was going through some boxes and found 7 super8, videos from the 1970s I had forgotten about as they need to be transferred to a DVD or SD card. Then I went onto KZbin to find out which scanner can be used for super8 and 8mm transfer to digital. Then I thought well if I spend 300.00 on a scanner called the Wolverine, what will I do with the scanner once I transfer my old films to a SD card? I was thinking do they still make super8 or 8mm cameras or do you have to find a old broken used super8 on Ebay? I had a super8 in the 1970s it stopped working and I don't remember what brand it was. Thank you for your video it is very informative. Now I have a lot to learn and I know your a good resource for super8 information!! Good job!!

[@TranquilFire]

Can you use current super 8 film catridges in cameras that were designed to record sound?

[@AnalogResurgence]

Yup! Those sound cameras can take normal cartridges as well as the now obsolete sound cartridges.

[@Princessazulaaaa]

This is informative video

[@CozyGirl97]

This is a great video! It promoted me to buy my first super 8 camera a yashica super 800. However I’m slightly concerned as I can’t detect light coming from the camera and when I put a flashlight up to the lens I can’t see light from the other end in the film compartment. I don’t want to risk filming if nothing will come of it. Do you think the camera is broken?

[@CozyGirl97]

Hi I’m back, just tested in a more dimly lit room and the camera does pickup on the flashlight when pointed at the lens, however it still doesn’t seem to produce it’s own light source in when checking in the film compartment.

[@AnalogResurgence]

You should only be able to see something through the film gate inside the film compartment coming through the lens if you’re running the motor of the camera. This opens the shutter for light to come through the lens and sometimes can be difficult to see. You have to be able to look inside the film gate (I usually put a cellphone up to it because it’s at a right angle).

[@obesemokey]

Hey man. Thanks for the info. But is there any super 8 camera that you would recommend for a beginner? One with both manual and auto features. Also fairly cheap.

[@AnalogResurgence]

It can be hard to find a camera matching all three of those criteria and some of the more popular brands like Canon and Nikon that do have reliable auto and manual control do go for some high prices. I would recommend ones like the Yashica LD-6 and the Super-600 with nice auto functions on them with a little manual exposure control available as well. Something like a Ricoh 800 Z would be good too, but may go for a higher price. filmkorn.org/super8data has a great database of cameras with and their different functions.

[@zediogosampaio8383]

I have a question. How do I know that there is no more tape? I have a Super 8 and I think I've already used all of the tape or almost all of it. There is a little red light that appears when I film, but the tape keeps rolling. Is it finished ir is it a signal that it is about to finish?

[@srikanakadurgaartscreation3724]

Super

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

I’m batting 1000 here when it comes to super 8 cameras. I’ve bought 3 cameras locally over the last decade when I’ve came across them. All 3 are duds. Granted they were cheaper brands (Kodak, Bentley, B&H) cameras from the 70s/80s (2 of them were sound) I guess I’ll hit eBay for a decent Japanese or European model camera some time in the future when I have more money. I guess “you get what you paid for.” In the meantime I’m getting a B&H filmo 16mm cam. We’ll see what happens.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Welp I went to the antique store in hopes in finding one there so I brought some batteries with me. The only Super-8 camera they had was this nice Japan built Technicolor model so I opened the battery compartment and discovered 4 Duracell’s from the 1970s or 80s and some had corroded ARGH! So I put my own batteries in it and no dice! Skunked again! At least I didn’t waste $25 dollars on another non functional camera. Back to the Ol’ drawing board . At least the bell and Howell 16mm filmo still works fine after 90+ years.

[@Chantal-612]

Is a Bell and Howell Autoload a good camera?

[@WaywardFantasies]

What happens if I use a 500t film on a camera with only 1 pin? would the footage be usable?

[@AnalogResurgence]

It will over-expose it! You would probably lose details if you’re in really bright situations, but in more medium light the footage should be okay

[@shakejunt3hunna]

How do you watch it ? Do you convert it over after getting it developed or like do you have to buy a projector

[@AnalogResurgence]

I like to do both, but it’s easiest to have it scanned to a digital file these days. Most labs offer a scanning service as well so you can bundle it together when having the film developed. I have an upcoming video focused on the basics of a super 8 projector as well because it’s definitely a great way to watch your own work.

[@adrianaguevara7208]

what type of film should I buy for my Canon Auto Zoom 518 SV?

[@Toad_Hugger]

Not sure if you've gotten an answer by now, but Kodak 50D, 100D super 8 film should work with your camera. I'm not sure on how well 200T and 500T would work though. I don't have any experience with super 8, but the specifications on Canon's website list the film speeds that it's compatible with.

[@JohnTuesday]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but if I expose manually what is the shutterspeed? 1/30? Great videos btw. Cheers from Germany

[@AnalogResurgence]

These cameras have shutter angles that are different from shutter speeds. On most cameras the angle is 180 degrees and you can use this calculator to see what that equals for shutter speed and the framerate you’re shooting: super8exchange.com/shutter_speed.php

[@Geselle_Johannes]

Hello, i just bought a super 8 camera for very cheap and it looks like it is in a good condition. Everything works and I can see light coming through the gate. The only thing that makes me a little bit concerned is that when looking through the gate I can see what seems to be some kind of shattered glass. I can't really tell what it is because I can barely see it when the door to the cartridge compartment is opened. When looking through the viewfinder everything seems to be ok. Do you know what this could be and of it is a problem?

[@Geselle_Johannes]

Also the part mentioned doesn't move or anything

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Hi Noah. How do you like the Sankyo Es44 you showed. How’s the lens quality and what film have you used ? Thanks

[@AnalogResurgence]

I've found it to be okay, nothing amazing. Its ability to let you manually choose the aperture is the best feature. Relying on auto exposure for shooting is limiting and resulted in some poorly exposed Tri-X from the time that I used it.

[@raafikarana8294]

@analogresurgence i want to ask is it safe to buy a super 8 with description that says “there is a little tiny dust” Please reply

[@AnalogResurgence]

That sounds like it refers to the lens of the camera. Usually a little internal dust in the lens is pretty common and not necessarily a huger concern. Only way to know for sure is to actually shoot film with it and see the results.

[@amberleeh]

Do you know anything about the 1974 Sankyo lxl 250 super 8? Can I still buy film for it? And if yes, where/what type can I get?! Thanks!

[@rachelsonfire]

@Amber Lee www.Pro8mm.com in Cali, has like seven wonderful film stocks, ranging from black and white reversal, to color reversal and color negative Vision T stocks (cut down from 35mm movie film) which look superb! They've been in business for like 20 years, when Super 8mm almost went extinct. They returned though, with this: Purchase of a roll of their film includes processing, film scan to digital, return shipping for the return of your roll, the drive with the digital transfer (if you want one), and a link to download the digital scan of your roll too! This is the reason I got back into S8mm, after being away from it for years. Super 8 rocks!

[@amberleeh]

@@rachelsonfire Thanks! If only I lived in California. I'm in Canada and find that it's not very popular here, guess I'll have to research as much as the web will let me. :)

[@Kamandi1971]

i want to buy a nizo brauon 4080 super 8 can i get film for this

[@gamegaming9451]

I bought a bell & Howell 670 I put batteries in it turn it on everything worked well put a cartridge in it filmed till the cartridge was finished I took the cartridge out turn it off turned it back on later right when I turn it on at started the hum but whenever I press the trigger down nothing happened just a hum of a motor but the thing wasn't spinning around like it was earlier Plz help

[@AnalogResurgence]

It's hard to know for sure, but I've had similar problems with super 8 cameras in the past just dying on me. The sad reality with some of these is that they've sat unused for years and when you go to use them again they spring back to life before dying completely. Sometimes the internal components can degrade over time so much because of things like plastic gears that become really brittle.

[@elijahrivers9996]

Hey I just bought a Zenit Quartz 8XL super 8 camera, is this a good camera? Also does this camera take a kodak film cartridge? I'm not too sure considering a german made super 8 camera pls help

[@AnalogResurgence]

It does take Kodak Super 8 Film that is still manufactured! Haven't used the camera, but it looks to be okay! Here's a spec sheet on it. Able to detect Film's between 16 and 200iso is good! www.filmkorn.org/super8data/database/cameras_list/cameras_zenit/quartz_8xl.htm

[@shermanbrown419]

Where do you buy this camera?

[@taffertshifer5039]

Does time lapse works for the super 8 cameras such as canon 514XLS or something others ?

[@AnalogResurgence]

Unfortunately the 514 doesn't have a time lapse interval option on it. Later Canon models do have options to set timers to do time lapses such as the 814 and 1014. The 514 might let you do frame by frame manually with a cable release, but you would have to press it yourself every time for a time lapse.

[@reasonablefilms]

Have you ever used a Yashica Super Electro 800? Thoughts?

[@AnalogResurgence]

I haven't, but it's similar to a model that I have used. From what I know it's a decent model and I would recommend for beginners! Here's a little spec sheet on it: www.filmkorn.org/super8data/database/cameras_list/cameras_yashica/yashica_super800.htm

[@joer153]

Is a keystone 8mm k-36 considered a super 8?

[@AnalogResurgence]

No it is not a Super 8 camera and cannot take Super 8 film cartridges. It is a Regular 8mm camera, a format that I cover in detail here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJW4aqhjqtZ2gKc

[@isaaczea44]

Hey, I have bought a Super 8 camera but I have a question. can the pins in the camera detect reversal film like color and black and white?

[@AnalogResurgence]

The pins in the camera work to detect the ISO (or ASA as it can be referred to) of whatever film you put into it. The more pins, the more film types it will successfully detect and be able to auto expose. Cameras that only have one pin will have a very limited exposure capability and you want a camera that has good exposure capabilities when shooting reversal because it needs more precise exposure then negative film does! Kodak's Tri-X reversal is 200iso under daylight and Ektachrome is 100iso under daylight. Cameras with 2 or more pins are the safest bet for these films usually. You can use the site: www.filmkorn.org/super8data/ to check your camera features and many have film speeds listed that will help you determine the ISO/ASA's that your camera can detect. A camera with manual controls can also be used with these films because you can set your exposure manually so the pins are less important.

[@isaaczea44]

@@AnalogResurgence Oh Okay. Thank you so much

[@CrimsionVision]

Would you recommend a Kodak Ektasound 130-140?

[@AnalogResurgence]

Those aren't the best and the sound aspect of them is obsolete. Kodak made many many cheaper Super 8 cameras that I would avoid. They lack features like manual control of exposure and will only automatically expose for a limited range of films. Ones from Nikon, Minolta, Yashica, and Canon are better to keep an eye out for!

[@CrimsionVision]

Analog Resurgence Oh ok. Thanks!

[@oddbrothersproductions]

Is Nikon super zoom 8 good ?

[@AnalogResurgence]

Nikon made some solid Super 8 cameras! That’s an earlier model, but not bad at all!

[@Canoeland]

Question!! I have that Sankyo ES-44XL. I was given a roll of 200T; would I be able to use this higher ISO film, as long as I do so manually? Or would that not work at all with that type of camera? Thanks much!

[@lilpeepants4202]

I've been looking for a super 8 for a while now but unfortunately they are just too expensive and ebay sellers are on drugs

[@Mc007Queen]

What's up with the Super 8 camera , I thank you allready went over it like a hundred times

[@Glixity]

now how do u begin recording and stop shooting lmao

[@AnalogResurgence]

Most Super 8 cameras are designed with a trigger button by the handle! Press it down to start rolling!

[@Ilkleyscot]

Sorry I don’t buy it ,vintage super 8 camera can be bought fairly cheaply yes,movie stock expensive and different to get and only approximately 3 run time + no sound,In this case modern video equipment it’s far superior. This is only a marketing ploy like the reemergence of cassette tapes ,vinyl records and film cameras certainly with film again expensive ,it can be successful with a scanner and the definition through a quality lens is good .I can assure you as I was in the trade then . It’s a fad forget it. I shoot videos and edit on a computer a lot easier and just as cool.

[@AnalogResurgence]

Maybe so, but as long as people are enjoying it and creating things that they like then who cares if it’s a fad.

[@shabusinger]

Interesting Can anyone gift me with a cam to make a short film