Super 8 Ireland - Buy super8 camera & projector

Super 8 is an 8 mm film gauge who currently enjoys a renaissance throughout the world. It was introduced as a simpler form of consumer filmmaking in the late sixties. Film comes in a cartridge that is slipped into the camera for filming. Most Super 8 cameras have automatic aperture functions for easy use. When developed, the cartridge is broken open, the film processed, and sent back to you on a reel that can be threaded into a Super 8 film projector or an editing screen for viewing.

Entering the eighties, video took over and all the wonderful cameras and filmmaking equipment was no longer manufactured. Beaulieu in Italy and Quarz in Russia are currently the only companies still manufacturing super 8 cameras.

Super 8 lives on though. The format was championed in the early eighties by the New York underground punk scene. Small groups of Super 8 filmmakers can be found here and there who enjoy the look of super 8 and its relatively small production costs.

You need a super 8 camera + a projector or a viewing/editing machine for the viewing of your films. If you wish to edit your films, you can also get a splicer to cut and paste the parts you want to keep. You can also transfer your film to digital / video if necessary. There are many different ways or transferring from the DIY to the professional telecinema synched transfer.

The main manufacturer of Super 8 films is Kodak. The most common S8 film used to be Kodachrome 40 (colour + silent) including free processing by Kodak. However Kodachrome was discontinued in June 2005 and replaced by a new filmstock: Ektachrome 64T (processing not included although certain labs have a film+processing offer).
Other companies have released new Super8 filmstocks and the more filmstocks (ie Fuji Velvia 50D) will be available in the next few months.
Note that all Super8 films are silent (sound K40 was discontinued in 97)

Here is a list of the main filmstocks currently available in Super8 format:

NAME	TYPE	INFO
- Kodachrome 40 (K40)	Color / silent / 40 ASA Reversal film*	This stock was DISCONTINUED by Kodak in 2005. The Kodak Swiss lab closed down in September 2006. The only lab able to process K40 is Dwayne's in the USA (independent lab) NOTE: We have 2 Wittner processing coupons for processing by Dwaynes (€15). Email us for more info. Also note that the yellow enveloppes that came with K40 are NOT processing coupons.
- Ektachrome 64T	Color / Silent / 64 ASA ! NEW ! *Reversal film / Separate processing**	64T is the replacement filmstock for K40. It is a low grain (high quality) filmstock that can be processed in E6 chemicals. It means you can process it yourself if you have a super8 tank. 64T being 64 ASA, aperture on most cameras needs to be adjusted manually when shooting because this filmstock is more sensitive than K40 (40asa) and would be overexposed if no adjustment was made. Most cameras can only meter 40 and 160 ASA films properly as they were only 2 types of films when they were produced. S8 cartridges have different notches according to their speed/sensitivity (measured in ASA) Please note that a few cameras (ex Canon 814 & 1014) won't need any manual adjustment of the aperture. due to their advanced system to recognize the notch on film cartridges.
- WittnerChrome 100D	Color / Silent / 100 ASA ! NEW ! Reversal film* / Separate processing Film balanced for daylight (unlike other filmstocks)	For this 100 ASA filmstock. CAN BE USED ON MOST S8 CAMERAS WITHOUT APERTURE ADJUSTMENT This film gives great results and is made from Kodak Ektachrome 100D and can be ordered from Wittner Kinotechnik (Based in Munich). Here is a link to their order form in English
- Fuji Velvia 50D	Color / Silent / 50 ASA ! NEW ! Reversal film* / Separate processing Film balanced for daylight (unlike other filmstocks)	THIS IS MEANT TO BE THE CLOSEST LOOKING FILM TO K40 "Can be used in every Super 8 film camera! CINEVIA produces equally excellent exposures in cameras with 40 ASA (non-convertible) as in cameras that can be set to 50 ASA." Fuji 50D can be got from the Super8 Reversal Lab / Cinevia in Europe or from Spectra Video in the U.S. (Please note that Cinevia and Spectra cartridges are 2 different products)
- Plus X (black and white)	Black and White / Silent / 100ASA Reversal film* / Separate processing	Adjustment of the aperture also needs to be made manually on most cameras for this filmstock because of the cartridges' notching system
- Tri X (black and white)	Black and White / Silent / 160ASA Reversal film* / Separate processing	This film can be used without any further adjustment in most Super8 cameras as most cameras were built to recognize 40 ASA and 160 ASA film cartridges. If your camera only has automatic aperture and can't be adjusted manually, TriX and K40 are the only filmstocks that you can use.
- Ektachrome VNF 7240	Color / Silent / 125ASA Reversal film* / Separate processing	This 125ASA film requires a manual adjustment on the aperture on many cameras as most cameras were built to recognize 40 ASA and 160 ASA film cartridges. If your camera only has automatic aperture and can't be adjusted manually, TriX and K40 are the only filmstocks that you can use.
- Vision 200 NT	Color / Silent / 200 ASA Reversal film* / Separate processing	This filmstock is specially designed for telecine (professional digital transfer). The result from processing is a negative image. This is why the film needs to be telecined in order to be viewed. Alternatively, a positive copy can be printed by Andec Film for projection.
- Vision 500 NT	Color / Silent / 500 ASA Reversal film* / Separate processing	This filmstock is specially designed for telecine (professional digital transfer). The result from processing is a negative image. This is why the film needs to be telecined in order to be viewed. Alternatively, a positive copy can be printed by Andec Film for projection.
* Reversal filmstocks can be projected directly after processing, unlike negative films (which need a positive image printed from the negative or must be transferred digitally)

Sound films were discontinued in 1997 but DAT or MiniDisc offer a much more professional alternative.
You can install a crystal sync system on some S8 cameras (Beaulieu, Canon etc) an projectors but it is quite expensive.

Alternatively, Pedro from Super8sync.com designed a very clever little device to sync Super8 cameras to any sound recorder (MiniDisc, DAT, tape, MP3 recorder etc.)
All you need is a camera with a flash plug (most of our cameras have this option).
Even better, it only costs 60 euros !

Note regarding sound recording:
HI-MD is a new type of Minidisc introduced by Sony in 2004. It represents a revolution terms of recording quality and practicality.
It enables you to record 1h30 of sound in PCM format (CD quality 16bit 44.1Khz) on a 1GB disc and transfer it onto a computer via USB.
Definitely the best option to record sound for filmmakers. HI-MD recorder range between 200 and 300 euros (I recommend the MZ-NH900)
More info here, here and here

The most common film to find in Ireland was Kodachrome 40 until it was discontinued in 2005.
Kodachrome 40 has been replaced by Ektachrome 64T (64 ASA colour reversal film for which processing comes separate)

All the following places currently stock Ektachrome 64T

DUBLIN
- John Gunn Camera Shop, 16 Wexford Street D2 (opposite Wheelans), phone 01 4781226 (Sorry the old number listed was incorrect)
John Gunn stocks Ektachrome 64T but also black & white and negative film.

- Dublin Camera Exchange, 63 Great George Street / 9b Trinity Street D2 , phone 014784125
The Dublin camera Exchange stock the new Ektachrome 64T

GALWAY
- The Galway Camera Shop, 1 William Street (on top of Shop Street), 091565678

- Super 8 Ireland: you can always give us a call if you're badly stuck for film
Moreover, we have some of the last stocks of Kodachrome 40
0879040522
email : calablanca@hotmail.com

CORK
- Denis McSweeney, 43 Marlboro Street, Cork, phone: 0214272919
They used to stock K40, but do not currently stock 64T because it doesn't include processing.
There is a chance they could stock 64T in the future if it includes processing by a private lab

SUPPLIERS ABROAD
The Widescreen Centre (UK based), Daniel Wittner (Munich based) or Andec Film (Berlin based) for instance offer Super8 filmstocks with processing included
7Dayshop is also a good source for 64T and cheap film in general.

Processing for K40 was free until the end of September 2006.
K40 can still be processed independent lab: Dwayne's in the USA (against charge).

For all other films (PlusX, TriX, 64T, Vision 200NT, Vision 500),
use a private lab such as WWW.SUPER8.NL or ANDEC FILM
There are many of them all around Europe

THE KODAK SWISS LAB FOR KODACHROME 40 ONLY CLOSED IN SEPTEMBER 2006
You have to send your old K40 to Dwayne's photo in the USA
You can also buy K40 processing coupons from Daniel Wittner in Germany (films are then sent to Dwayne's)

However, this does not apply to all other filmstocks
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EitherYou have to send your old K40 to Dwayne's photo in the USA

Alternatively, you can buy a K40 processing coupon from Daniel Wittner (S8 film provider based in Germany)
Basically, they send your enveloppe with a Kodachrome film to Dwayne's and then send it back to you.
Here is link to Wittner Kinotechnik's order form
The item number for K40 processing coupons (if you are based in Europe) is K14E and the price is €14.90
This is good to know because Wittner have a filmstock called Wittnerchrome 40T (which is 16mm K40 split in two and relabelled). So basically, they should have some relabelled K40 very soon!
Wittner do not accept credit cards so one has to pay by bank transfer.

It is possible to transfer Super8 film into digital format (VHS, DVD...) for backing up and/or editing purposes. There are several methods according to your needs and your budget:

We offer a professional 8mm transfer service (both Super8 and Normal8) at a very reasonable price.
Email info@super8ireland.com or call us today on 091-539607 or 087-9040522 for more information.

Our transfers are made using a professional 3CCD camera and a high end film projector.
We offer many options such as DVD authoring, editing and ordering of your films, adding music, colour corrections etc.
Our cine conversion service is an ideal Christmas gift. Convert your old family movies into DVD and share your memories with your friends.
back-up your precious footage on digital format for further editing and storage purposes.

DON'T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE . . .

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Each film last approximately 3 minutes, depending on the speed of your camera (ie. if you shoot at 18, 24, 36 or 56 frames per second). At 18 frames per second, your film will last 3 minutes 20 seconds. At 24 frames per second, it will last around 2 minutes 40 seconds.

Yes. If the film has been stored in a cold place such as a refrigerator or a freezer, the quality remains the same. Processing is still free for expired European Kodachrome 40 (even from the 70's) if you send it to the Kodak lab in Switzerland before the end of September 2006. If your K40 was purchased outside of the EU, you will have to pay for the processing. Films that haven't been stored in a fridge can be quite reddish and sometimes semi transparent: this is an effect used by some film-makers to give a washed out image to the film. Sometimes, nothing comes up after the processing of expired films if they have been stored in a damp cellar or in a cupboard for years and years. The reason for this is that cleaning products on furniture for instance can damage the film after a long time (especially if the film is open).

Unlike Standard8 and 16mm cameras, Super8 cameras use filmcartridges. One of the advantage of those filmcartridges is that they are built in such a way that your camera will recognize the type of film used. How is that possible?

Very simple. S8 cartridges have a notching system (like a hole) on the side of the camera according to the speed / sensitivity of the film (40 asa, 64 asa, 100 asa, 160 asa etc.). That way, when you insert your cartridge in the camera, your film is exposed properly by the camera's lightmetre.

The only thing is: most super8 cameras can only recognize 40 and 160 asa films. Why? Because the only filmstocks available when they were built were 40 and 160 asa. This is the reason why most cameras won't expose newer filmstocks such as Ektachrome 64T, Wittnerchrome 100D, Plus X (100asa) or Vision NT (200 and 500 asa) properly. Their internal light metres will "think" the film used is either 40 or 160 asa.

What can be done to meter those newer filmstocks properly?

- Adjust the aperture on your camera manually when shooting.
For example, you want to shoot Ektachrome 64T (64 ASA) and your camera thinks it is 40 asa. Let your camera's lightmetre take a reading at 40asa and add 2/3 focal stops in order to reduce the amount of light going through the lens (it is like closing the iris of a still camera). Note that the higher the value, the more closed the iris (it is wide open at 1.7 and completely closed at 22)

- Use one of the few cameras that recognize most notches on cartridges (The Canon Autozoom cameras or the Beaulieu cameras for instance)

- Use an external lightmetre instead of your camera's internal lightmetre (some cameras such as the Zenit have no internal lightmetre anyways)

c Onsuper8.org
This website is full of information on the Super8 format on top of having a great interface

- What is Super8 ?	- Which equipment do I need ?	- Available SUPER 8 filmstocks !!!!
- Notching system on cartridges	- Film cost/ is processing free ?	- Where can I have my films processed ?
- How long does a film last ?	- Can I use expired films ?	- What's the story with Sound ?
- VIDEO TRANSFERS !! NEW !!	- I have unprocessed K40. What do I do?	- S8 FILM SUPPLIES IN IRELAND!!

	- DIY method:	You can capture the projected image with a video camera and then copy the film onto VHS or MiniDV for instance. Once the film is captured digitally, it can be edited on a computer and turned into a DVD. Bear in mind that this can be a lengthy process, especially the first time. The quality of this method can vary according to the equipment. Indeed a high quality 3CCD video camera (such as the Canon XM2) will give much better results than a regular handycam with no manual features and a smaller lens. A low end video camera will end up creating a lot of flicker, especially if your projector does not have advanced speed controls. The type of projector used for the transfer is as important as the type of video camera. First of all, the projector needs to be bright (at least 100W. The brightest being 150W). Older projectors often have low wattage bulbs (50W) which can be problematic for transfers. The quality of the lens (sharpness, and brightness) also has an influence over the quality. Secondly, projectors with variable speed are preferred to regular projectors. Elements such as the projector blade also have an impact on the transfer. It is best to project the image on two superimposed white A4 sheets 1 or 2 feet away from the projector, place the camera next to the projector and capture the projection. You can play with the video camera speed and aperture settings as well as the projector speed (when possible) in order to get the best results possible. This is a very good budget way to transfer Super8 and results can be great when done properly.
		Here is a list of Irish companies offering professional DIY transfers: Super8 Ireland (Galway) : Website: www.super8ireland.com Email: info@super8ireland.com Tel: +353 (0) 91-539 607 Mob: +353 (0) 87-9040 522 Contact: Julien Dorgere
		SVS Video Solutions (Gorey, Co. Wexford) : Email: george@svsvideosolutions.com Tel: +353 (0) 94-28750 Mob: +353 (0) 87-903 1564 Contact: George Kelly SVS also offer a wide range of video conversion services such as Betamax, VHS, DV Mini DV etc.
		OUR ADVICE: STAY AWAY FROM TRANSFER BOXES: Those boxes are suppose to be placed between the projector and the video camera for transfers but they are a waste of money. They add grain, create hot spots and give blurry images. Just use two superimposed A4 sheets instead. Results will be 100 times better.
	- Telecine method:	You can have your film telecined in order to get the highest quality transfer possible. Several companies offer this service. They use special machines that will capture each image of your film onto computer. This service is mostly used by professionals (television and professional film makers) as it involves much higher costs than the DIY method. Two companies offer telecine services in Ireland: - Planet Television in Limerick and London Email: planettv@iol.ie / info@planet-television.co.uk Website: http://www.planet-television.co.uk/flash/planet.swf Phone: 061 468 476 / +44 (0)20 8974 6050 Address: 2 St John's Square, Limerick, Ireland Planet House,1 Canbury Park Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6JX, UK The service is generally faster if you send your films directly to London Note: Planet Television will grant a discount to Super8 Ireland clients. - Abroad, the Super8 reversal lab and Cineco offer a telecine service (Netherlands) Details and prices can be found in the telecine section of their website www.super8.nl (Email: post@super8.nl ) The Super8 reversal lab also sells and processes film stocks other than K40 at a very competitive price. SUPER8.NL Address: Hasenheide 9, 10967 Berlin, Germany Website: www.super8.nl Email: post@super8.nl Tel: +31 62 6218676 ANDEC FILM in Berlin, Germany, also have a great telecine facility on top of stocking and processing Super8 film Address: Hasenheide 9, 10967 Berlin, Germany Website: www.andecfilm.de Email: service@andecfilm.de Tel: +49-30 691 7036 Fax: +49-30 693 0321
	-- Buying your own telecine equipment:	If you decide to invest into telecine equipment, Moviestuff offers great equipment at competitive prices and the owner Roger is extremely knowledgeable in terms of digital transfers. Website: Moviestuff Email: moviestuff@sbcglobal.net Phone: 01713-426-6662 Address: 3120 White Oak Drive Houston, Texas 77007