Super 8 Camera Basics: A Beginners Guide

[@crazyed1990]

Can’t tel you how useful this was. Thank you!

[@Filmboy24]

My pleasure, thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@crazyed1990]

I do have a quick question! I don’t know if I missed it, but does this one need a light meter battery? I got it but don’t set any readings when looking in the viewfinder

[@Filmboy24]

@@crazyed1990 No, the light meter operates on the 4 "AA" batteries in the handle. The needle in the viewfinder should move as you point the lens toward light and dark areas. There doesn't have to be film in it and you don't have to pull the trigger to get the needle to move. If it's not, you may have a faulty meter.

[@michaelb.5345]

Nice clear details now I’ll go find one. Thank you

[@elijahortega4796]

I just got a Chinon 132P XL and this helped a lot!! Keep up the good work dawg!

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks, Elijah!!

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

That Canon 1014E behind you, which I have had several of, is full of features.

[@Filmboy24]

They're great cameras for sure, I have a few of them.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Hey Mike, I got an Elmo Super 104 and is seems to work great! And this one has the notches for all types of film!

[@Filmboy24]

Congratulations!! Elmo made great super 8 cameras!!

[@TheJamesMalik]

Perfect timing! This morning, my grandmother gifted me with my late grandfather's Chinon 722 XL. Any tips on that specific camera?

[@Filmboy24]

Hi James, that's a fun little camera but it does lack any real manual control. If you'll be shooting expired film, I'd highly recommend starting with outdoor shooting. The sunlight is much more forgiving than indoor lighting. Most of all, have fun with it!

[@GreetingsFromBILL]

I have a Chinon 506 SM XL. What kind of film would I need?

[@Filmboy24]

That's a good little camera. Any of the modern super 8 stocks will work, with the exception of maybe Vision 3 500T. I would start with either Kodak Vision 3 200T Color Negative or Kodak Tri-X 7266 B&W Reversal.