Is Super 8 Sound's Film that much better?

[crocodile-man]

Hi, I'm just getting started with Super 8 and just got myself a B. 4008 ZMII. I was wondering if it really is worth working with Super 8 Sound's Pro film stocks. I'm ultimately going to be transfering the film to SVHS video and editing on a computer through a AG 1980 SVHS source (because this is all we can afford right now) If I do a rank transfer to SVHS, is the difference between the Pro film and the regular kodak kodachrome reversal stock going to be that much? I want to get as little grain possible, but I would also like to cut down the footage before doing the Telecine (since it costs so damn much and I don't want a crappy projection job), and with the pro film this is not possible since the film is not a reversal stock. Any thoughts would be great. Also, if anyone has any idea how to make a "racecar/ remote controlled car" or other modified battery for the 4008 ZMII, for extra shooting time, please post that too. Thanks for your help in advance,
crocodile-man

[Nigel]

Croc--

As for the battery call Irv Higdon in California. He used to work for Beaulieu and now he services them. I have a battery I got from him and I have shot over 30 rolls on one charging. As for Super8 Sound. In my opinion they are not worth a heap of beans. They charge to much for not only their film but their transfers. I do RANK transfers with all my Super8. I use CinePost in Atlanta. I also shoot Kodachrome which give very little grain. If you want to cut your film before you have it transfered BEWARE!!! If you do this be sure to rent a "Clean Room" or other space that is normally used for cutting negs. I would just have it all transfered. If you really want to shoot Neg. stock Super8, buy the Vision 200T from Yale. Very few people know that Kodak makes this stock and Kodak does not sell it direct. Yale sells it and processes it then you send it to the lab of your choice for transfer. I hope I helped if you have any questions just email me.

[Nigel]

Croc--

I forgot Irv's Number. 1-800-318-3259

Tell him Adam sent you.

[crocodile-man]

Hey, Thanks for the tips. A couple questions for you. I checked the Cinepost site, but they don't have any pricing (or much else for that matter). Do you know how much it is for an hour of transfer and if any flat rates apply, etc. Do they charge by the half hour or hour? Also, you said you shoot on Kodachrome. Which ASA do you shoot on? And is it worth going for the Yale film as opposed to the film you work with?
Thanks for all your time, I'm just starting, so I appreciate it.

[rollemfilm]

This is a problem for most folks shooting super 8.
Pro8 stocks are Kodak films, nothing wrong with them. But unless you
have the funds to experiment, you might want to
go with Ektachrome or Black & White. But, Ektachrome
gets up in price too. The cheapest way to go is shoot Plus-X & Tri-X,
process & transfer at Yale. I do like Kodachrome but the processing
is ify, and it takes forever. Yale does not process
Kodachrome. Kodachrome has a great look of its own
transfered to video...but, I recomend black & white.