super 8 newbie questions

[squidb0t]

hi there everyone

im currently thinking about getting a super 8 cam but im a little phased by it all
is there a guide online where i can read all the basics?

is it possible for me to plug the camera into a pc and edit film?
and how can i project my film?
what do i need?

[Greg Crawford]

Assuming your are talking about Super-8 mm motion picture fillm, not HI 8 video tape....

You will need to have your film transferred to video tape (DV ), that's where it is turned into a digital medium, that you can import into your computer.

You have two choice a regular telecine or a Rank transfer. Rogers Evens offers a work print service and offers a free test. You can find him on line by his name., or read other posts with his name on them.

A Rank transfer is much more costly and offers more control. Choice of video formats. ( Digit-Beta, Beta -SP, Mini DV etc. ) plan on it taking about three times the running time of the film for the transfer to tape. 4 , 50 foot rolls of Super 8 mm =10 Min. running time at sound speed (24 frames per second -fps-) 10 min would take about 30 minutes.

Most places that do Rank transfers have a half hour minimum charge.

DO NOT PROJECT YOUR MASTER (ORIGINAL FOOTAGE) UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR VIDEO TRANSFER. Every projecting can ad dusts, scratches etc.If you shoot on negative film...never ever project your film.....If you have ireplacable shots do not project your film.

[squidb0t]

wow...thanks for the info

sounds a bit perplexing all of this actually!

[Mr Blackstock]

It does not have to be too perplexing,

buy a cheap camera and projector, some film and see how it feels. If you follow the basics, you should not go wrong. for the money you will spend(not much) the quality and versatility of super8 by far makes up for the disadvantages.

For info on the net search through any engine, or even better, visit a public library.
Good luck

[Greg Crawford]

Mr. Blackstones advise look pretty sound.

As I looked over your reply, to my answer,I realized that you need to go out just have some fun...shoot what you like. And yes, project it!

You might want to take some notes as to what you did, that way you can go back with a creditable eye, and analyze your results.. or ask a fiew more questions along the way.

Have Fun