How to Shoot on Super 8 Film

Using Super 8 in the 21st century.. (test footage at the end)
Host and Creator - Simon Cade
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[@gibsonedu]

Didn't realize the camera would be so inexpensive. Or that digitizing it would be so expensive.

[@ryanmoreno]

right!

[@veramonroe9809]

how much does the camera cost?

[@ryanmoreno]

+Vera Monroe $70

[@thematty2303]

+Vera Monroe guessing you didn't watch the first 30 seconds of the video then

[@Jasperi]

You can get a good working super-8 camera for $20 if you know where to look.

[@booman9990]

I'm thinking of actually doing this. It just sucks that 3 minutes and 30 seconds of footage costs over $93. Hopefully Super 8 film gains popularity and the price drops...

[@TillaT123]

Prices will rise if it gets more popular. Usually when something has low demand. Prices will drop. High demand prices will rise.

[@yellowchino3883]

Tylor Tiblow umm it depends on what it is. Your logic applies for things like hotels, newly released items, or something collectible. But for something like film, it’s expensive because there’s low buy rate. Price wouldn’t be so high if there was a higher rate. Basic supply and demand logic

[@TillaT123]

YellowChino well my logic goes for pretty much anything. Doesn’t matter what it is. Prices will not drop if it gains popularity. It’s just how it goes for things. It’s supply and demand logic.

[@ryanborchardt5676]

Tylor Tiblow but what about inelastic goods 🤔

[@PictureHouseCinema]

The price will drop. Back in the day when I started on super 8 it was more expensive to buy the common Kodachrome 40 (K40) in 1985 than when it stopped in 2004. In fact it was proportionately cheaper by a long way. It was a process-paid film at only £12.99p in 2004! That's film and processing paid for at the outset. It certainly is much more pricey now but should never have been because K40 had a big and viable following back then and it was growing but Kodak ignored users and stopped production rather than tweak the chemistry to make it more environmentally friendly. The replacement colour negative film flopped because it was more than twice the price and not practical for amateurs due to the need to make positive prints after processing- an added expense. The result was they killed off most of the super 8 market so now we have to pay a fortune for stock but if we bite that bullet the price will go down but to get there we must get more people into using super 8. The re-introduction of colour reversal film is a helpful step in the right direction. Super 8 is an ideal format for anyone wanting to break into real motion picture filming especially now that 8mm digitising equipment is available for amateurs to buy at affordable prices.

[@brinckau]

Like 99% of the viewers, I don't intend to shoot on Super 8 film, but I loved the video. Especially the music, and the creativity (the way you show a search on the web, for example).

[@cepfins4875]

Me too, I don't want to film with a super 8. But I loved the old style and the creativity...

[@samvalentine9243]

This is a serious question: do you have the same viewing experience when watching a movie? Are you more focused on the spectacle and technical aspects of how the film was made, as opposed to becoming attached to the story?

[@brinckau]

Sam Valentine I don't know who your question is directed at, but a movie is not only pure story. It is also pictures and sounds. So it's hard to ignore everything but the story. Otherwise we should just read the story on paper. The making of movies would be so much cheaper, but it would not be cinematography.

[@samvalentine9243]

brinckau there are certainly different schools of thought to this subject, but I believe that picture and sound are simply tools that are used to tell the story. The idea isn't ignoring everything but the story, it's that the technical aspects of the film should appear almost invisible while watching the movie. As you're sitting there thinking things like, "That was such a cool shot! I wonder how they did that?" you've more than likely stopped paying attention to the narrative, which is what the director was trying to get across to the audience in the first place. I've done this before. It causes me to miss a line or an important scene, taking myself out of the movie entirely. If you can balance analyzing and immersion, great. However, if you are analyzing a camera movement or shot, for example, it's better not to focus on how the movement was achieved, but rather why the shot was chosen and how it benefits the story.

[@danpetru]

Sam Valentine yes but in film the story is told trough image, atmosphere, colors so your story is dependent on the image you are laying out to be seen. if your image is different then your story is different.

[@mikehudson8884]

This is how I used to do it back in the 70s and 80s. Brilliant video. Loved this. Shocked to hear how much it costs though. I paid £4 out of my £5 pocket money for a 4 minute film, processing was included. The end result Simon was exactly the same, the colour the grain, the FEEL of the film. Bravo for this little movie, takes me back.

[@fwalshmlg]

Man that was absolutely brilliant, everything felt right, for some reason this felt like a film itself Great work 👍

[@DSLRguide]

:)

[@FrostByte_AC]

You should make a video for rolls on a film set. People know what a director or producer is, but things like key grip, unit production manager, director of photography, cinematographer, etc. aren't quite as clear.

[@scottpilgrim258]

I would one that

[@zach_blackburn]

For starters, Director of Photography and Cinematographer is the same thing

[@aniketmandal3364]

@@zach_blackburn broadly speaking in a small production cameraman is often synonymous to the above mentioned two terms

[@ucelo5913]

I'm in love with the music, it's the chord progression by creep

[@DSLRguide]

why thank you! I just listened to that song for the first time and it's crazy how similar it is. Even used similar tremelo

[@ucelo5913]

+DSLRguide I'm a musician so I'm always similarities on songs like that

[@diogoalmeidavisuals]

You forgot to go to a coffee shop full of hipsters to get instant street cred. They only have Polaroids LOL

[@DSLRguide]

hahaha

[@matthewcswhite]

says the one with the man bun ;)

[@123eland]

It's just a prank bro

[@Peppermint1]

I'm still looking at some 20y old Polaroid pics with pleasure. Clearly sub standard image but at same time, the photo having been create THEN, at that moment, has something to it (I'm not a hipster)

[@AlehandrosArhangelos]

Not just any coffee shop, you either go to a themed one with bright colour where women with short fringes work pretending to be pinup girls, or you go full indie and go to starbucks to get your 15$ coffee.

[@RileyKai]

I smiled at the apple biting sound effect

[@TheAnimystro]

Same! I cam straight to the comments to see if anyone else noticed it!

[@l3p3]

At 3:33

[@TechMikes]

By far some of the best guides I've ever seen, and made with such great sophistication.. Glad to see you're growing at a steady rate and can't wait to see where this world takes you!

[@brandomontes]

This is officially my favorite video of yours. Great choice of music too.

[@fostej99]

Same haha

[@MikeOzmun]

Thank you Simon! Great, detailed work, per usual. I love that you consider no detail as something to just be assumed, but instead explain everything very clearly. Really appreciate the continued dedication to excellence!

[@bebopfilms6607]

I never understood the appeal of shooting on film until I saw this. Super 8 looks so gorgeous. I just wish it was a bit more cost effective, and that there was a way to review footage.

[@anzaeria]

You can review the footage when you get back the film from processing. If you meant an instant review like viewing the footage soon after you shot it, there was the Polavision movie film system back in the 1970s. This was instant movie film (viewable within minutes after you shot it.) Same dimensions and perf placement as super 8. But it was very short lived. Sales were very poor and the whole thing was scrapped. It was very much a commercial failure.

[@therealandrewstrains]

You've taken me back Simon. Back in the late 1970s we were right into making 8mm film. I remember all of us pooling our pocket money, for the film (you could get one with and one without paid processing - the paid one was the best value) and then we'd script tightly to get the most out of our film. I do love the look of 8mm film though. There is a certain nostalgia to it - the look and the colours - especially with the grinder - that you cannot get in digital formats. Thanks for posting this one.

[@henrycharles2489]

I got one of these from my grandmother. My grandfather was one of the lead engineers at Kodak throughout the 60s-80s

[@tommyottoking]

I found a super 8 automatic for only $30 at my local thrift/junk/antiques store and was interested in it because the cool design and that it was a filming camera. Most of the other cameras were photo camera not film cameras. I decided I'm gonna go get it next week when I can buy the film too.

[@benji4935]

one of your best videos

[@EposVox]

Awesome video!!

[@dennistzo]

It feels really warm. Like, precious warm moments. It's wonderful.

[@harrisonmoon2903]

This is beautiful footage! My respect for utilizing film in such a great way.

[@pedrocarara]

Hi. iwould like to say that I love to see this video. when I first saw it I was not interrssed in how to film with super 8 , I was just sad and wanted to distract me on youtube, and surprisingly your super 8 movie made ​​me feel better. i think it was not that your intention, maybe you do not even imagined that this would happen, but it happened to me. now whenever I feel bad I see the film and get better. thank you, thank it. (oh, and I love your channel: B )

[@Naabeille]

Awesome video!! At school we use 16mm film. I think it's super formative because you only have a limited amount of film, so you really think about what you want to do before hitting the record button. We also have the chance to edit film with a Steenbeck. I have to say it takes much longer than any editing software, but it's so much fun! And again, it teaches to think before cutting, which is great. If you can try it one day, I recommend it :)

[@DSLRguide]

exactly - formative is the perfect word, I totally know what you mean :)

[@sharpcatstudio]

Beautiful, enjoyed every single frame of it! Great job Simon

[@bobearl6362]

Ok... You have to be one of the best teachers there are for video... I watch a LOT of videos and you have the true gift of teaching. You have helped my work so much and I look forward to every video. Rob from California

[@TechProof]

Now that is what I like to see!

[@DSLRguide]

:)

[@awesomevideos32]

You should try to recreate these shots using a dslr and editing and see how close you can get to the super 8 quality! Also last year at CES Kodak showed a super 8 camera that might come to the market( I haven't checked since it might have gotten canceled)

[@scottpilgrim258]

It hasn't got cancelled don't worry :3

[@bigpapi6688]

@@scottpilgrim258 It has been since. I was so excited for it too😭

[@gabriellaip7]

This is so beautiful, Simon! Been watching your channel for a while now and it's one of my all time favourites! You inspire me so much and I learn a lot at the same time! You will never know how thankful I am for that.

[@DSLRguide]

no problem at all, glad you're liking the channel :)

[@walterorellana185]

Awesome, super simple and straight to the point and all the info we need !!

[@KentoGS]

Now you are a filmmaker with real film. Cool bro!

[@luvleenhunjan]

The music was too good in this video.

[@DSLRguide]

cheers :)

[@JoshMutia]

did you write and arrange the music yourself or

[@DSLRguide]

thanks! If you'd like to use it for your own projects, you can get 50% off here: musicvine.net/music/summer-memories/?discount=SIMON/

[@sloyka8261]

DSLRguide, Can I use this melody for my project?

[@langelihlebulose467]

im in love with that song near the end

[@Spider._.dust_music]

Great work! I look forward to your ep each week! Thx

[@jameslawyer1309]

This was very helpful! I recently got two older super 8 cameras and had no idea how they worked. Thank you!

[@anzaeria]

Great tutorial. Well shot too. It might be worth mentioning that the overexposure is really only recommended for negative film like the 50D that you were loading into the camera. Reversal film on the other hand should be correctly exposed. And underexposed negative film doesn't produce noise. It produces grain.

[@KlausMyNameIs]

The shot at 2:50 reminds me of the "Here's Johnny!"-scene in The Shining

[@Bellmasterconcertvids]

Great Video! can't stop watching it.

[@sourabhsirothia2862]

Loved the sound while opening stock , placing them , closing the cover

[@isabellerickards5919]

There is something just so magical and beautiful about Super 8. I think it's the character it has with the scratches and texture of the film. It reminds me of old music videos :)

[@Joelmaquera]

can't stop watching this video

[@colearmagost7579]

I've been wanting to try this for so long. Thanks for the great info Simon!

[@maudostar1581]

THIS VIDEOS IS SO BEAUTIFUL

[@justinpark3062]

The music in your videos are usually good, but it was magnificent in this one

[@mattiaabad9272]

I've been back-reading the comments for the title haha

[@sick_as_frick]

Wow, super helpful! Just yesterday I got a super 8 camera for *free* from my friend. It's one from 1974(ish) and it looks like it was expensive at the time. It even has sounds options (if I use the correct mic input) and has frame settings up to 36 fps. The motor seems to be running smoothly, just need to figure all the controls out.

[@sick_as_frick]

It's a Braun Nizo 2056 for anyone wondering

[@eratty]

It's around $260 on ebay. Keep it, don't sell it.

[@sick_as_frick]

Erhan Ekmen Wow! Can't believe I got it for free. I won't sell it, I'll film some things with it.

[@eratty]

Try to record in lower fps like 18 fps in order to get best old footage look.

[@sick_as_frick]

Erhan Ekmen​ Yep, gonna do that. 36 fps is just for slomo (2×18=36) (it has slomo options)

[@andresorella5383]

+DSLRguide Recently I presented my first film to a small Film Competition. As the Director of Photography, I based myself a lot on you and your techniques, and I just wanted to say thank you, because thanks to your lessons my Film was the second best out of 20 Films presented to that competition. Thanks Simon, you're an example to me, keep up the great videos.

[@user-yc4op8sv8b]

This was so pleasant to watch! Good video!!

[@geraldskywlkr2556]

holy shit this is beautiful

[@carticarti141]

VHS next!

[@DSLRguide]

haha

[@laszu7137]

That would be very cheap for a change. :D

[@dermot51]

Then C60 cassettes and shellac 78s and penny farthings bikes , fucking clowns

[@Marcel38281]

@@dermot51 idiot

[@dermot51]

Fucking hipster

[@YoItsEmo]

This is my favorite video yet.

[@86Skinzz]

This is probably the most informative video that I’ve ever watched when searching for something

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Love this... heads to eBay to find a camera.... prices gone up x10...

[@tangyorange6509]

Ross Jukes Photography got mine working at goodwill for $10. I shot my vacation on it and it’s amazing

[@Marcel38281]

@@tangyorange6509 but the film is still very expensive

[@mrpauldavidson]

notification squad!

[@MrFrankieJoseph]

Informative ass video and produced beautifully. Love this, man, great work !!

[@harrytraherne5146]

just bought my first super 8 camera, thanks Simon, you really motivated me for this move

[@boske7430]

0:12 - first I asked my grandpa if he has an old camera, he sad that he had super 8 camera with sound and that he doesn't know where it is 0:17 - I looked on flea market and found super 8 camera for 5€ ( 5,31$ , 4,24£ ) and it works ( the motor runs smoothly ) 0:37 - my is probably going to need 4 double A batteries 0:54 - I found film stock + processing + delivery from Kodak in Berlin for 50€ ( 53,15$ , 42,42£ ) 1:50 - next I'll wait for summer to film

[@captainantilles9094]

So, the result?

[@RinoMoen]

pleas dont stand with one foot infront when chopping wood kids! next thing you'll see is an axe standing on its own out from your shin. stand so that the axe will wiss between your legs if you miss the wood

[@soisankoi5542]

My minolta just arrived! I’m so excited

[@khedidjahabiba8375]

I swear your voice is so soothing

[@madzgamerz2977]

Ever thought of getting a drone for filming?

[@DSLRguide]

considered it, not sure it's worth the cash for the kind of stuff I make

[@alexhastie3771]

If you have a good super 8 camera and a good processor you can get 4K video

[@scottpilgrim258]

Well any super 8 camera can shot 4K

[@WightKnight]

It's an analogue format, the only thing limiting the resolution is the digitizing process, the resolution possibilities of film are endless

[@300MediaProductions]

Well...sort of. Scanning Super8 and even Super16 has its limitations. Eventually the digital resolution picks up everything there is (around 8k, I think it is). Meanwhile we've come nowhere close to fully digitizing what 35mm, 70mm, or super big formats like IMAX can do.

[@laszu7137]

No, they are not. 36x24 frame gives you around 70M of true pixels at good film and ideal light conditions. 4x5,8 is just too tiny.

[@auroral4583]

This is a beautifully crafted tutorial, well done!

[@smallenginesgarage7168]

i love this video! everything is perfect! the sound is amazing and overall its just beautiful

[@imparker133]

Does anyone know the song

[@NN-sl6wi]

He makes his own music

[@FloydPink23]

What's the music here?

[@idkdeleteorsomething9663]

He made it:)

[@josephmac4654]

+FloydPink23 SIMON!!!

[@DSLRguide]

to use it for your own projects, you can get 50% off here: musicvine.net/music/summer-memories/?discount=SIMON/

[@FloydPink23]

It's really pretty. Reminds me a lot of Jon Brion, has that kinda late 90s/early 00s vibe that you got in PTA, David O. Russell movies. Or Eternal Sunshine.

[@josephmac4654]

DSLRguide thanks! :)

[@Alex-du9zs]

Such a pleasant video. You explained everything one needs to know to get started while keeping a Super 8 atmosphere throughout. Thank you very much 😊

[@jomelynatienza359]

I don’t know why but this gives me chills. I love this video

[@LetThemTalkTV]

that's no way to chop wood

[@mariamartinez-cb6zw]

Exactly what I thought.

[@nintendokings]

How many times I've heard a director say he stated on his fathers Super 8 is almost a joke

[@suckedcandy4932]

I really enjoyed how you did this video, super creative and made me feel very calm :)

[@franciscosarr9032]

I'm starting out on film and just bought this thankyou for the video!

[@UstazFarhanBD]

Me: ahh so this was shot in like 1960 Date: 2016 Me:

[@soyunparrrk]

Your videos are creative and sophisticated even though they are tutorials. Thank you for being inspiring. I've just subscribed!

[@kipkipful]

im amazed at your work.

[@195studio5]

Subscribed straight away! i love all those unique 90s camera tech.

[@amathma]

I really love this video. I've got a 8 film at home and I didn't know that the footage look so amazing like that !!!

[@LotusArtist]

So simple yet so amazing

[@jujubajujuba5362]

thank you for the video, I buyed the same camera and I didn't know how to use it and your video really helped me thank you so so much

[@MrGoodpairofshoes]

Simple & brilliantly spot on thank u

[@ilyPenn23]

Excellent sound design this episode, not just the music but everything else - the film loading scene was great

[@DSLRguide]

why thank you :)

[@arduh]

You are so creative man. This video has very pleasing details.

[@juntyhoogara801]

thnk u so much for doing it Simon....

[@sheyshah2848]

Amazing video. Old school is golden.

[@vincenzogallo87]

the best nostalgic melanchonic funny lovely tutorial ever made.

[@alexabadi7458]

Great explanatory video, thank you !

[@aisyafarhana5286]

Loving this vintage lookk

[@insanitynprofanity]

This is a really beautiful video.

[@ollieboy117]

Great video, love the look

[@keiando]

great nostalgic vibe!

[@Kimon71]

How I miss these beautiful things. Big nostalgia. I hope they bring them back.😞😢

[@HiramMatute]

This video inspires me so much, thanks!

[@kamijo013]

this was so relaxing to watch

[@rhonagmenezes7894]

thank you Simon. Great videos

[@jhova]

This makes me feel really good, thank you

[@DrVektor]

Colors are amazingly beautiful.

[@minhaj_khan]

Really well made video, Simon! :)

[@TyHayes]

Legit! Thanks for always having rad content!

[@ieatmothersfordinner]

loved the video man! gave me a good idea of what the basics are. thanks!

[@idkallie3871]

this is so incredibly beautiful wow

[@FluffyBunnyCat]

this type of filming makes me happy for some reason

[@AllThatInterestingStuff]

Keep up the good work, Congrats on your videos and short films!

[@andrewjoseffcovers]

Super cool video Simon! :)

[@namnogobolshedolshe]

The camera is very cool, especially the color that it conveys! Immediately remembered the movie Sinister.