Hello. I've been a super 8 fan for a dozen years, though I've shot only a few rolls.

A friend and I are going to shoot a short soon. I've been reading the sites and forums, trying to get a better grasp on everything, but some things just aren't that clear.

So here are some basic questions:

1. Pro8mm offer package deals with film, processing, prep, and transfer. Are these deals the way to go, or could we save money by buying film from one place, processing at another, and transferring at another?

2. When it comes to transferring, should we even bother with the high-end stuff at this point? Our end goal is a bona fide short film that our friends will enjoy. We've got the cameras, audio equipment, and Macs. Would we be better off to go cheaper this first go-around, or should we stick with Pro8, Yale, etc.?

3. For doing outdoor, black and white night shots, what would be the best film to go with? Will any regular photography light meter work?

4. Last but not least, can anyone point me toward a site that has super 8 clips detailing the film used (and perhaps camera, techniques, etc.) or any other similar resource?

Thanks much.

-Danny

1. The Pro8 deal is a good one. It's usually much cheaper to
process and transfer at one place. Have you done any comparison
shopping yet?

2. Impossible to say for sure. Do you have the money to try
a couple of different transfers? Start with the cheapest, see
what it looks like, then on your next film try the more expensive.

3. You only have two choices - Tri-X and Plus-X. Tri-X is the faster
of the two. But it's not fast enough to shoot at night with no
lights. If you have enough lighting to use Plus-X it's a finer grain
film. Yes. A regular light meter will work. Set it to the correct
shutter speed.

Hello. I've been a super 8 fan for a dozen years, though I've shot only a few rolls.

A friend and I are going to shoot a short soon. I've been reading the sites and forums, trying to get a better grasp on everything, but some things just aren't that clear.

So here are some basic questions:

1. Pro8mm offer package deals with film, processing, prep, and transfer. Are these deals the way to go, or could we save money by buying film from one place, processing at another, and transferring at another?

2. When it comes to transferring, should we even bother with the high-end stuff at this point? Our end goal is a bona fide short film that our friends will enjoy. We've got the cameras, audio equipment, and Macs. Would we be better off to go cheaper this first go-around, or should we stick with Pro8, Yale, etc.?

3. For doing outdoor, black and white night shots, what would be the best film to go with? Will any regular photography light meter work?

4. Last but not least, can anyone point me toward a site that has super 8 clips detailing the film used (and perhaps camera, techniques, etc.) or any other similar resource?

Thanks much.

-Danny
Check out onsuper8.org, that site alone may answer most of your questions, if not point you in the right direction. In terms of what lab to use, that is a tough one.

Pro8mm has just added some great features that make them pretty tough to beat, but..... it has been said before that they have not used the freshest of stock rather recans and such. So, the transfered footage didn't look that great, rather, it was extremely grainy, more than it should have been. Lastly, customer relations left something to be desired and that can make or break a deal.

Pro8mm are pioneering leaders in this field and they listened to the customers complaints and needs and have responded nicely. HD telecine of super and max 8 formats, direct to hard drive(if you wish), many more stocks and the last few time I have spoken to folks over there, I was treated very nice and left the conversation feeling like I will definitely do business with them again.

Having said all that, there are several other labs which specialize in SUper 8 and the transfer there of. Spectra is a fantastic lab that offers package deals that many consider superior to Pro8mm.
http://www.cinelab.com does have probably the best deal going. Last time I checked it was $43 per roll of either 7217 or 7218, which are the stocks you should use, processing and a best light transfer to hard drive as uncompressed 10 bit SD 4:2:2. You should call and ask.


For all your shots you should use 7217 200T and for the night stuff 7218 500T. These stocks are color negative and have to be transfered to video. They have enormous exposure latitude and very sharp grain, which make them a very beautiful stock. During post production, you can desaturate for the black and white look. I suggest this method because the 500 tungsten film, 7218, will be easier to light, have relatively tight grain and make your shoot a lot easier than if you were shooting with reversal stock. Your camera has to have manual exposure control in order to use these stocks.

If you have other question, PM me, I'd be happy to help.

Chris