Super 8 sound camera questions

The Machinist

The Machinist

Respected Member
Hey all,

I'm looking to purchase a Minolta XL-440 Super 8 sound camera. I believe it's magnetic sound recording. I have never used a sound sync Super 8 camera before and am looking for any advice or info someone could shed on the subject. Also if anyone has any experience with this particular or a related minolta camera that'd also be appreciated. Thanks a bunch all. Ohh and if anyone knows much about Super 8 sound projectors, I'm currently looking to purchase a Bolex SM80 very soon. Wise choice or should I hold off?
 
Sound film is pretty much extinct. You occasionally find a few decade-old rolls offered on ebay, but for the most part you shouldn't plan on doing any sound recording on Super8 anymore.
 
All so true. Unfortunately, sound film is no longer available. Instead, you must focus on obtaining a good, solid camera with the features you want. Sound is not an issue.

An alternative to guesswork on ebay would be speaking with an outfit that can help to steer you in the right direction. Spectra Film and Video offers excellent newbie advice with a selection of super 8 equipment that is serviced, tested and warranted: http://www.spectrafilmandvideo.com/Cameras.html. These guys know their stuff and can offer you all the help you need.
 
Thanks for the info. guys.

I just found and repaired a Nizo S8L. It brought back fond memories of Super 8 student films. And now i have the experimental bug so I've been hunting down some more Super 8 info/gear. By the way thanks for the site John, I can feel the Xmas money burning away in my wallet.

It's sad to hear about the Sound Super 8 going the way of the dinosaur but perhaps i can try some off camera audio recording and sync in post. I'll be converting any Super 8 footage to DV anyway as I've lost my old splicer and don't know if i have the patience for that craft anymore. (Nor do my eyes think they can take the strain)

On a funny note I stopped by B&H last night to try and pick up some Ektachrome and the kid behind the counter looked at me funny and said there was no Color Reversal. After prompting him he looked and found some on a back shelf. I had heard rumors of it being discontinued. (sigh) However I also picked up a roll of Kodak Vision 2 Negative. Another salesman told me some good things so here's hoping for good results from the lab tomorrow night.

Thanks again.
 
You might be surprised. Super 8 still seems to be growing in areas of the professional market and beginning film makers. Thankfully, we have places like Spectra offering services with these people in mind. There are many band documentaries, music videos, sports videos (snowboard, skateboard, etc) as well as bits in commercials, TV shows and feature films. In fact I know of a couple of independent productions shooting feature films entirely on super 8 for its aesthetic.

Unfortunately, many loose patience with film due to the ease of shooting digital. They do not realize that the warmth and beauty of film still can not be beaten. This is why most of the big, professional projects are still shot this way. Only as the new shooter gains experience do they learn what great things film can deliver. As they master the craft, they become a true creative asset to motion picture (and, consequently able to earn bigger incomes)
 
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