Super 8 the SUV of films?

[super8man]

I got to thinking about super 8 in comparison to single 8. In my opinion, super 8 cameras really are so much less performance wise compared to all Fujica cameras - my own personal fave being the Z2. Same guy designed that camera as who gave us the Datsun 240Z as I recall.

At any rate, it made me realize that super 8 is the SUV of small film formats. Loved by many but for reasons beyond its stated purpose (to capture images). We all love the FEATURES and the ZOOM RATIOS. And the cartridge is FAT. Just like the SUV...driven by single drivers who think they need all that space.

So, I hereby proclaim SINGLE 8 as the BEST small format filmstock ever invented. True pressure plate, simple loading, complete rewind compatibility, smaller cameras, superior imaging capabilities with even the lowest models in the Fujica camera line, and slow speed reversal film availability with magnetic sound striping. R25 rules!

And this coming from someone who calls himself SUPER 8 MAN. You know, I may just offer to trade all my cameras for a single ZC1000.

Cheers,
Mike

[S8 Booster]

agree completely single8@man.

id gladly trade all my S8 cameras (an they aint few or low end i tell U) for a NEW (model designation) Z1000 any day.

in DAT case it seems like we both need to MOD-O-FY our nics SV8 man.....

[Angus]

Datsun 240Z....they sold lots of those over here....they rusted very quickly.

As a mate in the pub told me circa 1987, referring to a rusty metal table...."That table used to be a Datsun 240Z"...

[VideoFred]

So, I hereby proclaim SINGLE 8 as the BEST small format filmstock ever invented.

I agree the system is far superior.
I have shot hours of Single-8 in the seventies.
Not one single cardridge has failed.. (OK, maybe one )
But old 1970's Fuji stock is fading out terrible
Kodachrome in a Fuji cardridge would have been incredible.

Fred.

Ps: The Z1000 is probably the best 8mm cam made.. ever..

[mattias]

Datsun 240Z....they sold lots of those over here....they rusted very quickly.

unlike the luton cars of course? believe it or not but i've actually owned a bedford truck once. the engine was weak to begin with, and deteriorated fast. :-)

/matt

[fireflame productions]

if only single 8 was more widespread then i think we would all trade in our cameras for even a second hand Z1000.
Is was going to convert but because the film wasn't easily obtained here and all the delivery charges i stuck with super 8.

[gianni1]

I was in Bedford last Saturday taking still photos in the athletic stadium at my youngster's Javfest... shooting digital :? I used a FujiFilm camera does that count as filmshooting? Last spring I shot the Javfest with Super 8. Next time I'll film with my brand spanking new Canon 518 Single 8 camera.



Gianni 8)

[MIKI-814]

No no no, the very best system is one called "Mega 8", designed by a friend of mine. It's by far the best 8 mm film system.

...Pity there are only 2 cameras out there, and no one makes film stock for it.

So in terms of an invent for the whole world... what does "best" means?

Linux is better that Windows, Betamax is better that VHS...

Sorry, but as a citizen of this world Super 8 is the best for me 8)

[Will2]

Point well taken about the system, but with all the films and processing available, Super8 still has the edge. UNLESS you live in Japan.

If I can still drop off Super8 at a local store, that pushes it past Single8 or Double 8 or Regular 8... convenience and cost is important to keep us actually shooting film regularly.

[reflex]

At any rate, it made me realize that super 8 is the SUV of small film formats.

Sadly, both Single 8 and Super 8 are the SUVs of the image capture world because of the pollution they generate.

All of the Super 8 film ever made still exists (unless it was burnt) because it isn't biodegradable. It requires a toxic soup of chemicals for manufacture and a second batch of noxious slime to process.

It's not something I like to think about because I truly love the format. I justify it by arguing that otherwise I'd have an even worse hobby, such as aerobatic flying or power boat racing.

[Muckymuck]

You've just opened a whole new line of debate... is shooting Super 8 ethical? :D

[aj]

It is the envogue misanthrope outlook..

Hold your breath (no CO2 emission) when filming. And all should be good on a worldscale.

Older springwound cameras have an edge while these use no batteries for filmtransport.

[reflex]

Older springwound cameras have an edge while these use no batteries for filmtransport.

Brilliant! I'll shoot Regular 8mm for the rest of the year.

[Nigel]

I'm going to set a barge full of crude on fire in the ocean while I festoon the trees with plastic bags and wrap can holders around the necks of baby seals.

Oh...not to mention the beer cans and whiskey bottles that will litter the ground.

Good Luck

[reflex]

I'm going to set a barge full of crude on fire in the ocean while I festoon the trees with plastic bags and wrap can holders around the necks of baby seals.

Just let me know when... I'll drop by the local gas station to pick up some fireworks and beer. Are you gonna bring the guns, or shall I?