The Handy Super8 Film Cartridge You may not even be aware of Super 8mm film's existence, much less it's description and history, if you grew up long after the 1960s or 1970s. But for the Generation X era, Super 8 was the home movie film stock that was standard for capturing family events and making home movies right up until the video era. Despite being an upgrade from its predecessor (8mm), however, its title was always a bit of an exaggeration.
What is the Super8 Film Format?
Kodak released the Super 8 format to the world in 1965 after 33 years of standard 8mm format being the home movie norm. Despite the Super 8 title, it was generally the same as standard 8mm with the only difference being a larger frame and perforations only on one side. Its dimensions were generally 4.01mm x 5.79mm and also included the ability to add an oxide strip for sound starting around the early 1970s.
The true selling point for Super 8 was that the film came in a cartridge that could be quickly loaded into new film cameras of the era. This may explain why you see so many more films of travel excursions from your family starting in the 1960s due to the quick film loading times and the camera's instant ability to recognize the film speed.
Throughout the formats history, Super 8 became nearly iconic. When that happens, you know a film format isn't going to go away that easily - even in a very digital era.
The true selling point for Super 8 was that the film came in a cartridge that could be quickly loaded into new film cameras of the era. This may explain why you see so many more films of travel excursions from your family starting in the 1960s due to the quick film loading times and the camera's instant ability to recognize the film speed.
Throughout the formats history, Super 8 became nearly iconic. When that happens, you know a film format isn't going to go away that easily - even in a very digital era.
The Evolution of Super 8 and its Effect on Professional Film
Kodak still sells some variations on Super 8 film, though the famous Kodachrome Super 8 film many people remember was mainly discontinued in the mid 2000s. Over the years, some studio-produced film projects were filmed entirely in Super8 to gain a certain stylistic look. In some of those cases, they were filmed on Super 8 first, then transferred to video. And you've likely seen the 2011 J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg-produced film "Super 8" that gives a nod to the format being used by kids in the late 1970s.
As with standard 8mm, some studios sold reduced-time prints of their movies in Super 8 format. Your household may have had some of these various classic films that you perhaps saw (and maybe still have as a collector's piece). Some of the first films that played on airlines were transferred to Super 8 stock.
You'll likely still see Super 8 used sparingly in the future on an amateur or professional basis just for stylistic purposes of grainier film quality. That shows the digital and film worlds can easily co-exist to create a sense of high art rather than complete image perfection.
As with standard 8mm, some studios sold reduced-time prints of their movies in Super 8 format. Your household may have had some of these various classic films that you perhaps saw (and maybe still have as a collector's piece). Some of the first films that played on airlines were transferred to Super 8 stock.
You'll likely still see Super 8 used sparingly in the future on an amateur or professional basis just for stylistic purposes of grainier film quality. That shows the digital and film worlds can easily co-exist to create a sense of high art rather than complete image perfection.
Super 8mm Film Conversion to DigitalBut if you still have old Super 8 film footage that contains valuable family footage, have it transferred to DVD today before the film deteriorates. At Click-Scan-Share, we do this with utmost care and with the latest technology to assure high quality for decades. Contact us so we can help you preserve your family footage and service all your other photographic projects. |  |
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