how to shoot timelapses

Post by **phil engle** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:16 pm

i want to shoot a timelapse on 8mm or super8 but i really have no idea how. im sure its alot diffrent on film then digital, do i need a certain kind of camera or can i just use one of the ones i have? is there a site that has instrucionals like this?

Post by **sooper8fan** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:31 pm

Hey Phil,
here's my input from my experiences. You will need a camera that has single-frame shooting capability. I have a Minolta XL-601 which does great and also a Nikon R-10. The nice thing about the Minolta (and many other cameras) is that it has a built-in intervalometer which means you can set the intervals between each frame that is shot and leave your camera unattended (because believe me....a timelapse can be a boring task!). If you are using a camera that has single-frame capability but does NOT have an intervalometer, I would suggest getting a remote control or a cable release to avoid even the slightest shake in your shot. I have an awesome timelapse of a historic hotel in Downtown San Diego which I'll be posting soon.
You can make a remote for your camera (assuming it has a remote control socket) very easily. I did it for my Minolta and here is a crappy graphic of how I did it.

Many of the users on this forum gave me input on how to make it. If you have any other questions about shooting a timelapse let me know and I'll share anything I know. Good luck!

Post by **kentbulza** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:43 pm

Be careful: Many cameras that have an electronic release were not designed so it could trigger a single-frame, only continuous filming. Check your camera on single-frame mode and see if it triggers. If not, you'll need a intervalometer with a cable release (assuming your camera ha sa cable release -- most do), which is a more complicated endeavor and one for which you'd probably want to purchase a unit. Or buy another camera, maybe one with time-lapse built-in.

Post by **sooper8fan** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:21 pm

Also, I noticed your signature says VX1000. I don't know what kind of interval recording feature the 1000 has, but I've had the VX2000 and currently own the VX2100. You can set these cameras up to do timelapse shtos, but in the auto mode, it will only record a half second when you actually want 1 frame. There is a single frame setting, but to use this you have to site there and hit record manually. I used a Vari-Zoom Stealth Zoom for this and the results were quite good. Doing single frame with film is still far better and more accurate in my opinion (but it IS nice to be able to see your timelapse immediately after you've shot it!)

Post by **phil engle** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:23 am

yes, thanks for all the great information. i have a vx1000 (Vhttp://www.geocities.com/philsk8er03/dscn1095.jpg) for shooting skateboarding. it does have int recording and you can set it to shoot timelapses so i know about that stuff. anyway my super 8 camera is a honey-elmo super 106. it says in the manual that i can do single frame shooting and i have the little socket for the cable. im reading the manual rght now and it says that it ccan be used for animation and timelapse. but the socket has a little stick in the center so i dont think a normal headphone plug woudld fit in it. any ideas?

Post by **sooper8fan** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:25 am

I'm not familiar with that particular camera, although somebody else may have more knowledge about it. can you post a picture of it?

Post by **phil engle** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:26 am

yeah i can post a coupele pics in lkiike 15 minutes.

Post by **phil engle** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 1:12 am

Post by **reedsturtevant** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 1:52 am

I have an Elmo Super 106 and yes, the electrical remote switch is not a 3/32 mini plug - it looks more like a DC power jack.

You can also use a standard mechanical cable release in the threaded socket on the side of the camera below the shutter button.

(PM me your address if you need a cable release, I have a dozen or so that came w. some ebay "junk")

Post by **sooper8fan** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 2:40 am

reedsturtevant wrote:

You can also use a standard mechanical cable release in the threaded socket on the side of the camera below the shutter button

You beat me to it. Yeah, the cable release things are pretty cheap and work great.

Post by **phil engle** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 3:06 am

hey reedsturteven im pming you, also i dont have a standard cable release either. t5hanks for all the help tho!