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Online Film and Video Equipment Museum

Welcome to our online film and video equipment museum. This page is dedicated to regular 8, Super 8 and 16mm film equipment.

Contents

8mm Film – The two types
Film Reels and Sizes
9.5mm Film
8mm Film Cameras
Super 8 Film Cameras
Light Meters
8mm Film Viewers and editors
8mm Film Splicers
8mm Film Projectors
8mm Film Package Inserts
16mm Film
16mm Film Projectors
Audio Equipment




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Click here to go to our Photographic Equipment page

Click here to go to our Video Equipment page

If you are looking to purchase Super 8mm film, film supplies such as film leader and film splicing tape or film reels, click here to go to our film supplies page

8mm film leaders
Kodak acetate leaders and splicing tapes

In the interest’s of preserving old and forgotten formats we are publishing pictures and information from our collection of old gear, some of which still works.

Click below to be redirected to our various services.

  • film conversion
  • film equipment hire 
  • video transfer service 
  • main page 
  • film supplies

Watch this space as we continue to add to our collection. If you would like to submit additional information or pictures of similar models, please contact us.

8mm Film – The two types

There where two types of 8mm film. The first was 8mm or more commonly referred to as Regular 8 or Standard 8. This film type had larger sprocket holes resulting in a smaller image area. In later years Super 8 was developed, this film had smaller sprocket holes allowing for a slightly larger picture area. Super 8 also had the option for sound, only where a magnetic track or strip was added down the length of the film. Not many cameras and projectors supported the Super 8 format with audio.

The difference between the two formats is clear when comparing the film compartments.

Regular 8 film camera
Regular 8 film camera

Above is the film compartment (internal) from a typical Regular 8mm camera.

Super 8 film camera
Super 8 film camera

Above is a typical internal picture of a Super 8 camera film compartment.

Pictured below are close up’s of the two types, Regular 8 on the left and Super 8 on the right. Large sprocket holes for Regular 8 and small sprocket holes for Super 8 film.

Super and regular 8 film

The two types of 8mm film

Super 8 film with 2 magnetic sound tracks
Super 8 with sound

Super 8 with sound has a brown magnetic strip down one or both sides of the film.

Superstripe sound tape, this tape measures 0.8mm and was applied to Super 8 film using a striper, a fairly complicated procedure. Once applied to the film this allowed for a sound track to be added post processing.

Superstripe Sound Tape for stricping Super 8 film
Superstripe Sound Tape
Superstripe Tape thickness
Superstripe Tape

8mm Film Cartridge before being processed

8mm film cartridge
8mm film cartridge
Kodak Ektachrome 160 Color Movie Film
Kodak Type G Ektachrome 160 Color Movie Film – Pre Processing
AGFA Super 8 Film in origianl packaging
AGFA Super 8 Film

Unprocessed film will have a message similar to this at the end of the film, if it looks something like this it will need to be process before being scanned or viewed. Look for the word “exposed” along the film, this will indicated used / unused film.

Exposed Super 8 Film
Exposed Super 8 Film

Below left is a 50ft reel (75mm / 3inch diameter) on the right is a sealed cannister containing 2 x 25ft reels ready to go into a camera. During processing the 2 x 25ft reels are spliced together to form a 50ft reel. This was then returned to the customer in a prepaid post-pack.

25ft film reel
50ft vs 25ft film reels

Note the date on this pack

8mm Bauchet film pack
8mm Bauchet film pack

A pack of unused 8mm film. Pathe South Africa circa 1950’s

Bauchet 8mm film
Bauchet 8mm film
Pathe 8mm film
Pathe 8mm film

8mm film after processing

Processed film was generally returned from the lab as a 50ft reel, pictured below, multiple 50ft reels where then spliced together to form a 200ft or 400ft reel. A 400 ft reel is pictured below. Approximate run times for each reel are as follows, these figures are approximate as run time is determined by frame rate 16, 18 or 24 fps (frames per second) and how tightly the film has been wound.

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Film Reels and Sizes

Common sizes of film reels, below are plastic reels, earlier reels were constructed from mild steel or aluminium.

The difference between regular 8 reels and super 8 reels can be determined by the spindle size.

  • Small spindle – Regular 8 – can’t be used on a Super 8 projector
  • Large Spindle – Super 8 – can be used on regular 8 projectors with a spindle adaptor
  • 75mm reel diameter = 50ft = ± 4 minutes
  • 125mm reel diameter = 200ft = ± 16 minutes
  • 175mm reel diameter = 400ft = ± 32 minutes
50 ft film reel
50 ft Super 8 film reel 75mm in diameter
200 foot regular 8 film reel transparent plastic 125mm diameter
200 foot regular 8 reel approximately 125mm diameter
Audio-reel-Small
a 400ft regular 8 film reel approximately 175mm in diameter
Spindle adapter for Super 8 reels on Regular machines printed in 3d with yellow ABS plastic
Spindle adapter for Super 8 reels

We sell a variety of new and used reels. We also manufacture a range of Super 8 film reels. Constructed from ABS plastics and aluminium sides, contact us for more information. These items are made to order.

Super 8 film reel 200ft 130mm diameter with aluminium sides and plastic hub
200ft Super 8 film reel manufactured in house

8mm film if stored correctly can last for a long time, the oldest film we’ve converted to date is from the 1940’s. It was black and white but was in near perfect condition.

Old monochrome 8mm film
Film from the 40’s

Film not stored correctly will deteriorate over time, the first tell tale sign is a vinegar smell when the canister is opened.

Below is an example of bad film, the film shrinks and gets brittle and as a result the edges crinkle, this prevents the film from going through the film scanner correctly. Unfortunately in this case we were unable to rescue the first section of film.

bad film
Damaged Film
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9.5mm Film

9.5mm film can be identified by the sprocket holes being in the middle of the film. Pictured below is a section of 9,5mm film and the film cannister. Introduced in the 1920’s by Pathe the 9.5mm format offered a larger image area than 8mm film. 8mm film proved to be more popular and as a result the 9.5mm format eventually died off.

9.5mm film from a Pathescope film reel
9.5mm film from a Pathescope film reel
Pathescope 9.5mm Film in metal cartridge
Pathescope 9.5mm Film
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8mm Film Cameras

Paillard Bolex B8 introduced around 1953. Dual 8mm format.

Paillard Bolex B8
Paillard Bolex B8 dual 8 camera
Bell and Howell 252 8mm camera
Bell and Howell 252 dual 8 camera

Bell and Howell 252 dual 8 camera c1954.

Bentley Zoom 8
Bentley Zoom 8 manual wind up film camera
Bentley Zoom 8
Bentley Zoom 8 wind up film camera
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Super 8 Film Cameras

The Canon 814 Auto Zoom (1967) is (in my humble opinion) one of the nicest cameras in our collection. Still working to this day, this camera featured a motorized zoom lens, auto iris, 12, 18 or 24 fps frame rates and folding handle.

The Canon Auto Zoom 518SV (1971) another beautiful piece of film equipment. 18, 24 fps and slomotion mode. Watch this short video.

Lots of information on the Canon Super 8 cameras here

Yashica Super 8 30 Camera
Yashica Super 8 30 Camera

Manufactured and marketed in the late 1960’s this camera was a fairly popular Super 8 Camera, More information on this camera on this link.

Some examples of 8mm film cameras, the earlier models with a wind up action. Each camera could hold a 25ft roll of film, one would have to ensure that the film was not exposed to light when inserting or removing from the camera. Exposure to light would destroy the film and meant the end of that reel. Care had to be taken to change the film under a black hood or in a very dark room. Once full the film cartridges would have to be sent to a film lab for processing, the film was then returned on a reel, generally two 25ft reels spliced to form a 50ft film reel that could then be used in a viewer or projector.

Cine Agfalux M Light
Cine Agfalux M Light

The Cine Agfalux M light – 650 w 240 v – used indoors for additional lighting when using tungsten film such as today’s Kodak 500T.

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Light Meters

While not essential lightmeter’s provide an accurate light level indication allowing the operator to set exposure levels for best results.

Sekonic Autoleader
Sekonic Autoleader
Weston Master IV Lightmeter
Weston Master IV Lightmeter

A good film camera and lens combination delivers outstanding results.

Below are two sample videos followed by frames of film using a Canon camera and lens with Kodak Super 8 film.

More sample films and films of historical significance can be found here

The first video is film captured on our HD film scanner, the second was captured using our older telecine method.

The film was correctly stored and was not run through a projector on many occasions.

Frame grab from Super 8 film
Frame grab from Super 8 film
Single frame of Super 8 Kodak film
Single frame of Super 8 Kodak film
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8mm Film Viewers and editors

Viewers or film editors were used to view the processed film and select sections to edit. Once cut, the film was joined together using a chemical film cement.

Saimic Twin V Editor
Saimic Film Viewer
Goko A303 Film viewer / editor
Goko A303 Film Viewer / Editor
Yashica 8PE-Dual Film editor / viewer
Yashica 8PE-Dual Film Editor / Viewer
Goko G100 S8 Super 8 editor / viewer

Goko G100 S8 Super 8 Editor / Viewer

Chinon Dual Master film viewer
Chinon Dual Master film viewer

The Chinon Dual Master film viewer is suitable for both regular 8 and Super 8 film. The interchangeable gates allow for easy format change over. The 18cm screen makes viewing a little easier than the 12cm models.

Bolex 102MTC
Bolex 102MTC 8 and Super 8mm projector / viewer

Pictured above is the Bolex 102 MTC projector / viewer, a very neat and compact machine with auto threading and multiple speed selection.

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8mm Film Splicers

8mm Film splicers were used to cut the film and hold it in place while the cement sets. This model splices both 8 and super 8 film.

Film Splicer
Film Splicer
Film Splicer
OHNAR Universal Film Splicer
Splicer Instructions
ONHAR FS-3 Elite Splicer Instructions
Splicer Brochure
ONHAR Splicers

Once spliced, film cement was used to join the film, care had to be taken to ensure the splice was done correctly as it could jam in the projector.

AGFA Cinecol Film Cement
AGFA Cinecol Film Cement
Johnson Universal Film Cement
Johnson Universal Film Cement

Watch this short video on how to splice 8mm film

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8mm Film Projectors

There were literally thousands of film projectors available, in the later years some had sound options and could project both super and regular 8 film. Some even had two sound tracks, one on either side of the film, one could dub over the existing track to add a voice over. One major issue with projectors like these was that if there was a film jam the film would get burned due to the high lamp temperature.

Noris 8 Junior
Noris 8 Junior

The Noris 8 Junior manufactured around 1957 in Nuremberg. Note the manual drive handle on the side.

Noris 8 Junior Operating Instructions

ELMO E 80 film projector
ELMO E 80 film projector
Kodak Brownie 8
Kodak Brownie 8

The Kodak Brownie 8 Model 10 pictured above was available for purchase between 1959 and 1963 and sold for around $45.

Visit this page for lots of information on the Kodak Brownie series

Eumig P8 Imperial
Eumig P8 Imperial

The Eumig P8 is probably one of the most popular models around.

Sekonic 80P Film Projector
Sekonic 80P Film Projector
Sankyo Sound 502 Projector
Sankyo Sound 502 Projector with sound
Holbeck Auto Film Projector
Holbeck Auto Film Projector
ELMO ST1200D
ELMO ST1200D Super 8 projector with magnetic sound.
Oregon 8mm film projector

Oregon 8mm film projector.

Pictured above are a Sekonic 80P, a Holbeck Auto, a Sankyo Sound 502, Noris Junior 8, Oregon film projector and one of our favorites, the Kodak Brownie 8. The Sankyo still works perfectly. Below is a sample film that was supplied with the ELMO range of projectors that feature sound.

Burned 8mm film
Burnthrough of 8mm film

A single frame of film that has been burned by being stopped in the projector gate.

Modern film scanning systems (such as ours) use cold light sources (LED) to eliminate the risk of burn through. Modern machines have sprocket less drive systems thus minimizing the risk of damage to the film.

Multiple runs through a projector would result in the film being scratched. It was very important that the film path was regularly cleaned and checked for anything that could scratch the film.

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8mm Film Package Inserts

splicer 2
splicer 1
light 1
brownie 2
brownie 1
Film Insert
Printed insert for Kodak 8mm Film

Some inserts found in old film packets

A sample of a commercially available film reel.

Blackpool Illuminations Film
Blackpool Illuminations 8mm film, circa 1960’s
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16mm Film

A sample of 16mm film shot in Queenstown, New Zealand somewhere in the 1950’s. This film scanned on our HD film scanner

16mm Film was very popular and there a few variations. 16mm Film used an optical sound track, below are two images, the same frame of film zoomed out showing the optical audio track on the right of the frame. Conventional projectors used a light and sensor to “decode” this information. Our software reads each frame, decodes this audio information and recreates a WAV file.

16mm Film with audio track

16mm film
A Frame of 16mm Film
16mm film with audio
16mm Film With Audio Track
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16mm Film Projectors

16mm projectors were very common and featured an optical sound track.

Singer Instaload 16mm projector
Singer Instaload 16mm projector film projector

Click below to be redirected to our various services.

film conversion – film equipment hire – video transfer service – main page

Our photographic museum can be found on this link, click here to go to our collection of vintage photographic equipment.

Our video museum can be found on this link, click here to go to our collection of old video equipment

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Audio Equipment

AKAI 4000DB Reel to Reel audio tape recorder. Pre audio cassette days these types of machine were very popular among the hifi enthusiast and professionals alike. Able to record both sides of a reel in stereo and at different recording speeds. Speeds were selected by placing a small adaptor over the capstan which changed it’s diameter and hence it’s tape speed. When the reel had played to the end, the reels were swapped over and inverted to enable playback of the other two tracks.

AKAI 4000DB
AKAI 4000DB Reel to Reel audio tape recorder.

Tape was available in different duration and sizes, below is a small reel which runs for 15 minutes at 3 3/4 inch per second recording speed.

Scotch Brand magnetic tape 15 min at 3 3/4ips
Scotch Brand magnetic tape 15 min at 3 3/4ips

Click below to be redirected to our various services.

  • film conversion
  • film supplies
  • film equipment hire
  • video transfer service
  • main page
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More Information

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  • Customer Remarks
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  • Audio Transfers
  • Photos and Slides
  • Film Conversion to DVD or Digital
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