How to stop a super 8 cartridge from sticking?

R

RedSpectrumPictures

Well-known member
I shot my first ever cartridge of super 8mm last month, I have a Canon auto Zoom 318M camera, and used Kodak 100D.
However it wasn't until the reel was processed and telecined I was told nothing actually got shot, because the cartridge 'stuck' in the camera and didn't turn properly.
I have bought two new cartridges, Kodak 64Ts, and are going to have a second attempt at super 8mm (I won't give up yet :)), any tips to ensure the cartridge doesn't get stuck?
 
These are not guarantees but suggestions that might help. First, use the strongest, freshest batteries alkaline or lithium double AA batteries you can find. Regarding the film cartridge, with the cartridge spindle facing you, turn it clockwise a couple of turns. When you let go, it should hopefully not unwind internally, (aka the spindle spins back to where it was).

If the spindle turns relatively easily, and you see the film moving downwards in the film path area of the cartridge, then hopefully your cartridge will not jam. To make sure the film is actually moving when you shoot, put a magic marker made "checkmark" or "X" on the six frames of exposed film, put it in the camera, and shoot a bit and see if the "checkmark" or "X"has disappeared.

Also be aware that every time you open the film camera door the camera film footage counter might reset to zero so see where it is at before opening the door, write it down, and then remember to add it to the newly zero'd footage counter. Let us know how it goes!
 
Alessandro Machi said:
These are not guarantees but suggestions that might help. First, use the strongest, freshest batteries alkaline or lithium double AA batteries you can find. Regarding the film cartridge, with the cartridge spindle facing you, turn it clockwise a couple of turns. When you let go, it should hopefully not unwind internally, (aka the spindle spins back to where it was).

If the spindle turns relatively easily, and you see the film moving downwards in the film path area of the cartridge, then hopefully your cartridge will not jam. To make sure the film is actually moving when you shoot, put a magic marker made "checkmark" or "X" on the six frames of exposed film, put it in the camera, and shoot a bit and see if the "checkmark" or "X"has disappeared.

Also be aware that every time you open the film camera door the camera film footage counter might reset to zero so see where it is at before opening the door, write it down, and then remember to add it to the newly zero'd footage counter. Let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...

Hi Allessandro

Thank you so much for the reply!
I shot almost a full cartridge of super 8 yesterday, tapped the cartridge a few times, put the strongest AA batteries I could find in, turned clockwise etc.
I just did the magic marker test, and it worked. So I am sure my cartridge didn't jam this time :)
 
I suggest always finishing a cartridge of super-8 film before processing it. You will see the physical end of the film in the film path area/plastic pressure plate area of the film cartridge.

Tapping the cartridge is a good idea, but keep in mind that gently moving the film cartridge spindle clockwise right after opening the film packaging and just before putting the film cartridge into the camera may help as well.
 
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