Who says that Super 8 filmmaking is dead?
Well, many people who expect digital image capture to soon become the all-encompassing film medium might. However, a search around the web might give you a different outlook on the status of Super 8 filmmaking. Websites like this one bring together Super 8 film enthusiasts from around the world to share movie-making tips, camera specs, and experiences with editing and processing.
For those who don’t know, Super 8mm film is a type of movie film first released in 1965 by Kodak. Its price and easy-to-load cartridge made it ideal for home movies and amateur movie-making. Typically a silent format, Super 8 film is characterized by its technicolor appearance and stylistically grainy quality. Though Kodak discontinued its Kodachrome Super 8 film several years ago, other types of Super 8mm cartridges are still used by Super 8 lovers, the most popular being Ektachrome 64T color reversal film.
Though I didn’t grow up with it, I’ve recently fallen in love with the format. I purchased an Argus-Cosina model 706 camera off of eBay about a month ago, and there are a few Ektachrome film cartridges sitting expectantly in my fridge at the moment. I’m waiting for nicer weather to start using it regularly.
In the meantime, thanks to online resources, I am continually reminded that Super 8 is alive and well among film enthusiasts.
Erica Motter 