How to load an 8mm movie camera (Part 1)

[xlondonlove14x]

This video was very helpful but since Kodachrome film has been discontinued, is it possible to find 8mm film now? I have a Keystone K-8 if that helps.

[ct92404]

@xlondonlove14x

Of course.  There are a lot of other kinds of movie film besides Kodachrome. I'd recommend Ektachrome 100D. You can find it very easily online. Spectrum Film and Video in Hollywood, California has it. They have a lot of different kinds of 8mm film, both black and white and color. Or you can also order it from Dwayne's Photo, in Parsons, Kansas. That's where I usually order my movie film.

[omacias4]

@ct92404 Hi Chris will the Ektachrome 100D super 8mm film work?

Thanks

[ct92404]

@omacias4

No, your camera uses Regular 8mm film (or sometimes it's called "Double Run 8"). That is NOT the same as Super 8. Super-8 comes in a cartridge, whereas Regular 8mm film comes on a spool.

[omacias4]

@ct92404 Thanks again, your a big help.

[mike184ever1]

@ct92404: I have been hanging onto my grandpa's bell howell...while yard selling this stuff this guy says the windup on the cam isnt working properly.it seems to only take a couple of seconds of charge...is it broke ? I admit not knowing a thing about it.....Idea's

[dirpraak]

Thank you for your tutorial, it was very informative.

[yokylie06]

esto es 16mm!!!

[Cyraside]

Great video! About how much money does it cost per foot to transfer the frames (I'm guessing a foot is like a second of footage) to digital / are their cheap solutions you'd know about?

[mrcmoes]

where can i buy film for it?

[ct92404]

@mrcmoes

Please read the description. I explained exactly where you can order 8mm movie film. There's a place called Dwayne's Photo, in Parsons, Kansas. They have a website, but I can't post links in comments. Just look it up on Google. There's also another place in Hollywood, California, called Spectrum Film and Video. Actually, there are a bunch of places where you can order movie film. Just look on Google.

[nubapowner5000]

@ct92404 Hey Chris. Thank you for posting this. You were extremely helpful to me.

[nubapowner5000]

@mrcmoes He's explained in the video and description idiot!

[BlueBirdsNest]

I've got my grandpa's Bell & Howell Directors series 8mm camera that I'm trying to learn how to use. Know where I can get batteries or film?

[NDC1969]

@BlueBirdsNest Most of 8mm movie cameras doesnt use battries. Its mechaincal, you just have to wind few times until you feel little resistance. For beginners to buy movie film online web called DwanyesPhoto, but you can buy film on cash or check for mailing to them.

[EpiiCGaming1]

hi i have a keystone K4c from the 1950s its in perfect condition . doesn't even look like it was used but i dont know how it works. it uses 8mm with the wounder. do i just spin it or do i click a button? you can find pictures on google.

[ct92404]

@EpiiCGaming1

It uses a spring motor. You have to wind it up first. Wind it a few times (on most 8mm cameras, you wind it clockwise), then you can run the camera by pressing the shutter button. I looked up your camera and it looks like the shutter release button is on the side, at the front.

[EpiiCGaming1]

@ct92404 thank you 

[LettuceShark]

would you ever consider making a video on how to work the exposure and shutter stuff ...cause i got no idea how to create the best picture.

[1770studios]

why is my 8mm movie a square ? :(

[katieandberry]

Thank you so much for posting this! I've been scared to try to load this old 8mm camera I got from my grandfather.

[MordaciousFilms]

How many feet of film does the average 8mm hold? Do you know of one that would hold 400 feet? Secondly, where should I look to get the film developed? Is there a good service you recommend that would not only develop the film, but also put it onto DVD? I'm really interested in 8mm film but I'm 18 and have never handled it before.

[Ibringthetruth1]

100 per roll is pricy.  What do you think of 16mm camer verus hd camcorder quality?

[pentogram23]

Like all things SWISS...beautifully made.................like a SWISS watch..

[pentogram23]

where can u get this film???

[chrisswallowskates]

How in the world do I upload this onto a computer? please respond

[lanetxgp1]

@chrisswallowskates You will have to send the film off to a lab for proccessing. The you can pay them to transfer the images onto DV tapes, or DVD. There are other options as well. be fore warned, it isnt cheap. One labe that I know of, it cost +-$100 to process and transfer one roll. But if you really want that look it's worth it.

[sihooyin1]

@lanetxgp1 that's completely ridiculous, you can get it processed and telecined for $30

[lanetxgp1]

@sihooyin1 Where?? The place I use is Spectra. Where are you talking about?

[sihooyin1]

@lanetxgp1 their telecine rates are stupid high...

at pac lab in manhattan, or sendean or bluecinetech in london, theyll transfer a roll for under 20......

[09prizefighter09]

it looks heavy???

[meezocool]

I just found the Bolex k2 at a goodwill for $20

[PulpFictionized]

hi, i'm quite interested in this kind of stuff and i was wondering, where can i find a 8 mm film camera? Like do you know any websites where they are for sale , cause i can't find too many on ebay. Thanks!

[ct92404]

@PulpFictionized

Really? I've bought a bunch of 8mm movie cameras on eBay. In fact, that's how I got most of my cameras. But try looking in antique stores and thrift shops. A lot of times you can find vintage 8mm cameras that way. And usually they sell for pretty cheap. I got a Bell and Howell 8mm camera for $5 one time!

[PulpFictionized]

@ct92404 oh, thanks!

[mastermckay13]

@ct92404 I actually just got a Bell and Howell Sundial, and I'm new to collecting movie cameras. Is it possible to wind them too much? And also where on Dwayne's Photography would I find the film for it?

[gijdm]

my grandpa just gave me a (kodak ektasound 140 movie camera). anybody know anything about it? any help would be great

[listerfiend510]

isnt fps frames per second?

[EllSiefilms]

cheers for that. have you got a rewinder in the handle of that camera and if so have you used it to double expose the film? i'm interested because the k1 has it and wanna know if you get some good results from it.

[EllSiefilms]

hi, i have the k1, on winding the thing up, can i turn that until i feel a resistance or is that not advised?

[ct92404]

@EllSiefilms

Sure, that's how you wind it. Wind it a few times until you feel resistance. I think both the K1 and K2 have a safety feature so that the spring motor won't be wound too tight, but just to be on the safe side, don't overwind it. When you feel resistance, wind it up maybe two more turns and then stop.

[kyle69d]

where can you get the film? i got a camera but i dont know where to look for film...

[ThePetepalma]

Hi. i have a double 8mm camera (bauer 88R). To put the film into the camara we must do it in a dark room? or in a red light room? thanks

[ct92404]

@ThePetepalma

Actually, you don't have to load the camera in darkness. 8mm film comes on a "daylight" spool...it has a flange that protects the film from light. Also, there's a little bit of extra film at the beginning of the roll. You just have to load the camera in subdued light. Don't load it in direct, strong sun. Just go into a room and turn down the lights. It doesn't have to be totally dark.

[ThePetepalma]

Hi there!

I have a bauer 88R (double 8mm camera).

To put in the film do i need to be in a dark room or in a room with those red light? please help!

thanks

[kaitlinmaeee]

Hey there! Do you know anything about projectors for 8mm movies? I want to get into the 8mm way of life and I'm trying to figure out what components will actually be compatible. Like do specific cameras have specific projectors? Or does it only matter what sort of 8mm film the projector takes?

Annnd, one more question (sorry so many!). Do any of these vintage 8mm cameras hold spools that are longer than 25 ft? Like is there a way to create a longer video?

Thanks again!

[ct92404]

Hi, I'm glad you're interested!

Cameras don't have specific projectors - you just have to use the right size projector for whatever movie film you used. For example, there is Regular 8mm, Super-8, and 16mm movie film. So if you use 8mm film, then you have to use a projector that plays 8mm movies.

I don't know if there are 8mm cameras that hold bigger spools, but you can splice films together. Projectors will play reels that are up to about 200 feet or so.

[viplovem]

@ct92404 Hey i am very fascinated with these movie cameras. I was wondering, how can i purchase a 8mm or a 16 mm camera? How much will it cost? I live in India. Please reply soon.

[ct92404]

If you have any other questions, send me a message and I'll be glad to help. I'm trying to get as many people interested in vintage 8mm cameras as I can! A lot of people are surprised that you can even still buy 8mm movie film...it's very easy to find it if you order it online, and there are a lot of labs where you can send the film to get it developed.

[KarloR27]

Hi standard 8mm film is pretty difficult to get nowadays. You can't get 8mm film spools here in Ireland. It's simple to get super 8 film here. It' seems to me that super 8 film is more easier to get cause I suppose that was more popular than standard8. Super 8 is better really cause you don't have to run the film twice to expose. And it has a lot of better things. But standard 8 is great.

[ct92404]

Yeah, I've heard Super-8 is easier to get, and in fact you can even buy it from some photography supply shops, whereas you have to special order Regular 8mm film. I don't have any problems getting it, but that's because I have a few places where I can order it from. I'm just glad more people are interested in film and especially vintage 8mm cameras! I've been getting a lot of comments and messages lately from people who are interested in 8mm film.

[KarloR27]

Yeah well it's harder to get standard 8mm here than it is over there. But anyway I've a super 8 camera so I've already done a film on it. It's great it's more nostalgic then seeing VHS or DVD Bluray of today. Because Watching VHS etc is more like watching something recent or current. But with 8mm it's more of a long time ago. All the best keep 8mm film alive. I shall be.

[xarpasstath]

can you post the website which you said ?

[ct92404]

I can try...YouTube blocks links in comments.

dwaynesphoto (dot) com

[sonyhandycam520]

I want to let you know that if you shoot Kodachrome (cinechrome 25) or Kodachrome (cinechrome 40). That uses the K-14 developing can be dropped off at any local Wal-Mart and processed for $4,88 per roll I've had several rolls processed thru them. The only thing I noticed was they don't take the fogged parts off no biggie though I just re splice with a cement splicer.

[ct92404]

If you send it through Walmart, it still goes to Dwayne's Photo. Well, if you're lucky, it will. I've heard a lot of horror stories about people who have dropped off Kodachrome and E-6 film in the send-out box at Walmart and it took months to ever get anything back. One guy told me he waited for weeks and then finally some idiot clerk at Walmart called him and said they don't develop that film. Well, no duh! I avoid the hassle and just mail my film DIRECTLY to Dwayne's Photo.

[super8man]

The ES-25 is a super 8mm camera, not a regular 8mm.

[blankbrian]

PLEAS HELP. i just bought a saimic ES-25 at a thrift store. i came home to look up a bunch of stuff about it but seriously can't find anything about it. im not even sure when kind of film it takes. if anyone knows anything about it PLEASE TELL ME. or send me a link thanks

[ct92404]

hey, send me a message. I tried to look up your camera on Google and I didn't find anything either. Try to take a picture of the camera and I might be able to tell you more about it. Have you figured out how to open the film compartment? If it takes two spools, then it uses Regular 8mm ("double-run 8") movie film, the same kind of film that I was talking about in my videos.

[MarioLoco03]

awesome! i just got an 8mm and wasnt sure what side of the film was supposed to face the lens...thanks!

I have a excellent condition Tower Model T-185...its pretty rad

[ct92404]

yup, you want the lighter side to face the lens. That's the emulsion side.

[oilman930]

The knob you mentioned as shutter speed, actually controls the shutter angle. This model Bolex has a shutter angle of 166 degrees. Moving the knob changes the angle to reduce the light moving past the shutter. You can fade in and fade out by changing the shutter angle. Never shoot with the shutter in the closed position. No light will reach the film. The small lever in front of the shutter angle knob controls the shutter lock. Always lock the shutter when the camera is not in use. Have fun!

[KojiRecords]

I live in both the Los Angeles/San Diego areas: there are so many 8mm cameras in thrift stores selling for just a mere few dollars. I cannot begin to tell you how many of these cameras I have come across. Because none of tehse stores can test the cameras, they are sold "as is," but only for a few dollars---maybe to a max of $20 if it's considered "collectible." Kinda cool, like is said here, if you want to go old school, the most you will pay for is the film and processing. Thanks for posting.

[KEAUQ]

damn I wish I would have found this sooner, what a groovy looking camera, I want it ! why can't the new stuff look this great and be built like tanks, great tutorial.

[mysimpsonscz]

OHH THANK YOU VERRY MUCH!!

[realcatfilms]

Thanks - I am just resurrecting a 40 year old Quarz 5 and needed reminding of how to load the film. I have the film and am ready to go when the sun is out next. (Kodak 10 ASA B&W).

[Multipurpose10]

FPS does not stnd for "feet per second" it stands for "frames per second"

[ct92404]

I know what FPS stands for. I'm pretty sure that's what I said..."frames per second." But I will check the video again to be sure. I might have slipped and said that by mistake. Obviously, it wouldn't be "feet per second"...since with a 25 foot roll of film, it would last less than 2 seconds!

[ct92404]

ok, I just checked and you're right. I accidentally said "feet per second." I don't know why I said that. It should indeed be FRAMES PER SECOND. I added a note to the video.

[gslopez30]

Umm this may sound dumb...but does this camera record sound?  Also can the film be transferred to PC? These questions are probably really dumb sorry lol....as you can tell I have no idea how these cameras work.

[ct92404]

No, my 8mm cameras don't record sound. They just capture a movie on film. But there were some Super-8 cameras that did record sound onto a track that was on the edge of the film, kind of like a tape recorder. Some of them also used a separate sound tape. You can get an 8mm movie transferred to a CD, but you have to get the film developed first. Then the lab can use a machine to transfer the film to video. I think it's called a "telecine."

[ct92404]

...but I think it's more fun to just watch the movie on a real projector. I mean, if you're going to do something the old school way and use 8mm film, then you might as well do it right, you know??

[gslopez30]

Oh thanks a bunch! I just put a Super 8mm Nizo on lay away and am super stoked about it! I agree, watching the film on a real projector sounds much more fun. Where would u get a projector, and what kind exactly would u need?

[ct92404]

I don't know anything about that particular camera, but I just Googled it and it looks pretty cool! I like that it has automatic and manual exposure control. You'll have to send your film to a lab to get it developed. There are a ton of labs that will develop 8mm and Super-8 movie film, but you just have to look online. If you watch it on a projector, then you'll need a Super-8 projector for your film. Regular 8mm film (the spool kind, what I use) and Super-8 are not compatible.

[ct92404]

You can find a Super-8 projector in an antique shop, or also look on eBay. I see them on eBay all the time.  You can probably get one in good condition for around $30 or $40. Just be sure that it says that it's for Super-8. Regular 8mm film and Super-8 film have a different frame size and the sprockets are different.

[gslopez30]

Once again thank you very much! Do you know how long a film lasts in camera like these? Like how long I can record for? I keep hearing 4 minutes, is that true?

[ct92404]

LOL...ok, I'll send you a message. But yeah, around 4-5 minutes or so. But you can splice the film together after it's developed to make a much longer movie if you wanted.

[killdoser666]

i'm geting a super 8mm camera for my birthday this year

[keskenyfilm]

A very good and useful video. I hope more and more people will find how much fun you can get filming with 8mm cameras. I use a bolex C8 and I know the K2 maybe the best 8mm camera of the world, so my next target is a K2!

Just like an alpinist :)))

[davesnijder]

ok i found one but the automatic exposure system is broken so eh what does that mean can u explain exactly what it does?

[ct92404]

Automatic exposure uses a light sensor to automatically adjust the aperture for the lighting conditions. If the automatic exposure doesn't work, you can use manual exposure. The aperture has settings called "F-stops" and there will be a knob or dial on the front of the camera to change the F-stop. Look up what's called the "Sunny 16 Rule" for how to use manual exposure.

[davesnijder]

ok so when its broken and i dont know how to use the manual knob so does that mean that when i start filming the film is over-exposed?

[ct92404]

yeah, if the auto exposure doesn't work and you don't use the manual mode, then the film could be overexposed or underexposed.

[walrusgh]

Where can I get one of these awsome cameras?

[ct92404]

I got most of my cameras on eBay. Most vintage 8mm cameras sell for really cheap (Sometimes under $20). The Bolex K2 sells for more though, because it's a higher quality camera. It was considered more of a professional's camera back in its day. But still, you can find one in good condition for less than $100.

Also, just try looking in antique and thrift shops.

[freddo212]

five stars ***** (because ratings are disabled)