How do I get started with a vintage 8mm camera?

Question

I have an interest in filming with an 8mm camera. What do I need to get started?

Answer 1

More than I know right here http://www.littlefilm.org/ .

Answer 2

The first thing you'll need is, obviously, an 8mm movie camera!  I would recommend one with an adjustable shutter, like a Bolex K2 because some of the vintage 8mm cameras might overexpose the film that is available now because the shutter speed might be too slow.  Unfortunately, Kodak is going to stop making Kodachrome film...which was a really nice, low speed film.  But there are plenty of other types of 8mm film available, including some new ones they just introduced.  100D is another good film.  It just has a higher ISO, so you will need a camera that has a faster shutter speed.

Also, be sure you get a camera that uses "double run 8" film...it will have 2 spools.  Don't get a magazine camera, because it's hard to find magazine film.  Or get a Super-8 camera.  You can easily order spool 8mm film and Super-8 cartridge film online, but it's hard to get magazine film.  

You can get order film online.  I would recommend Dwayne's Photo in Parsons, Kansas.  That's where I get my 8mm movie film, and I also send it there to be processed.  Their website is www.k14movies.com

But there are a lot of other labs that process 8mm movie film, just do a Google search.  I just like using Dwayne's Photo.

You'll need an 8mm projector.  If you use regular 8mm film, then any projector will work.  You can find them on eBay for fairly cheap.  I'd recommend a Kodak "Brownie" because they're very simple and easy to load.  Also, the motor uses a chain to drive the reels, so you don't have to worry about a belt wearning out or breaking.  You can also get 8mm movie film transferred to DVD...but really, if you're going to do something the "old school" way and use 8mm film, you might as well do it right!  Watch it on a projector.  I shoot with vintage 8mm movie caemeras as a hobby, and I just watch my movies on a projector.  

If you do use Super-8 film though, be sure the projector specifically says that it can play Super-8 film.  Super-8 and regular 8mm movie film are not compatible.  The sprocket holes are different.  If you try to run a Super-8 film on a regular 8mm projector, it will get damaged.

Seriously, I would recommend getting a regular 8mm movie camera.  They're all-metal cameras and are more solid and better made.  Also, they actually tend to be better quality than Super-8 because they have a better film gate with a real pressure plate, instead of having a cheap one that's just built into the film cartridge.  Also, there's just something cool about working with film spools!  Get a Bolex K2.  So far, that's been my favorite 8mm camera.  They're really nice vintage cameras, with a lot of good features (adjustable shutter, manual aperture, backwind for fades and disolves, etc).  Look on eBay.  You can find a really nice vintage 8mm movie camera for less than $50.

Good luck and have fun!