Super 8 film cameras

Super 8mm camera is a motion picture camera specifically manufactured to utilise the Super 8mm motion picture format. Super 8mm film cameras were first manufactured in 1965 by Kodak for their newly-introduced amateur film format, which replaced the Standard 8 mm film format. Manufacture continued until the popularity of video cameras in the early 1980s. The cameras are no longer professionally manufactured (although used cameras may be restored and sold) and most cameras readily available are used from the 1960s and 1970s.

Super 8mm Cameras

The first camera to be formatted for the new film was the Kodak M2. During the late 1960s cameras were only formatted to film at 18 frames per second (FPS), but as technology improved, Frame speeds such as 24 FPS (The motion picture standard) and faster speeds (for slow motion filming) were incorporated into camera mechanics.

Super 8mm film stock

Super 8mm film cameras do not need to use the Super 8mm film produced by Kodak, but other film stocks produced by companies such as Fujifilm and independents (in the form of re-packaged film) are compatible. The only difference to the films is the cartridge used to insert them into the camera. All lengths of film sold are of 50 ft. (Approx. 15.5m) lengths. Kodak did produce 200 ft. and sound cartridges, but these have since been discontinued. Most stocks are reversal film (for simple projection) but some negative stocks have been produced.

In 1965, the original emulsion released was Kodachrome II colour film. However in 2005, Kodak announced it would stop manufacturing Kodachrome stock. The discontinuation was due to the steps K-14 development used. Nowadays, Kodak Super 8mm film cartridges are sold as either Ektachrome colour reversal film, Plus-X and Tri-X black and white reversal film or Vision 2 colour negative film (in 200 ISO and 500 ISO speeds). Fuji Velvia 50 and a number of other stocks are also available.

Super 8mm brands

Many companies manufactured cameras and equipment for use with the format. Many well-known brands such as Kodak, Canon and Agfa made cameras, projectors and stock for use with the cameras.

List of camera manufacturers

Many companies (Such as Kmart's Focal range) used re-branded products, these have not been included into the list.

3M

Agfa

Bauer

Beaulieu

Bell and Howell

Bolex

Braun (Nizo)

Canon

Chinon

Copal

Cosina

Elmo

Eumig German Wikipedia page, needs translation

Fujifilm (Fuji)

GAF

Halina (Haking)

Kodak

Konica

LOMO

Minolta

Nikon

Pathé

Raynox

Ricoh

Rollei

Sankyo