Invention of Super 8 Film
Super 8 film was invented by Eastman Kodak in 1965 as an improvement to the existing 8mm film format. It featured smaller sprocket holes, which allowed for a larger image area, and a cartridge system that simplified loading and unloading the film. Super 8 film quickly became popular for home movies and amateur filmmaking.
Rise and Fall of Super 8 Film
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Super 8 film was widely used by amateur filmmakers and artists, as well as in the professional film industry for low-budget productions. However, the advent of video technology in the 1980s and 1990s led to a decline in the use of Super 8 film, as it became easier and cheaper to shoot on video. By the early 2000s, Super 8 film had largely been replaced by digital video.
Resurgence of Super 8 Film
In the 2010s, there was a renewed interest in Super 8 film as a medium for artistic expression and experimentation. Filmmakers and photographers began to embrace the unique aesthetic qualities of Super 8 film, such as its graininess, colour saturation, and shallow depth of field. Several companies began to produce new Super 8 film stock, and film festivals and competitions dedicated to Super 8 filmmaking emerged.
Current State of Super 8 Film
Today, Super 8 film remains a niche medium, used primarily by artists, hobbyists, and enthusiasts who appreciate its distinctive look and feel. It is still possible to purchase new Super 8 film stock, as well as refurbished and vintage Super 8 cameras. While digital technology has largely replaced Super 8 film in the mainstream, the medium continues to inspire creativity and experimentation in the world of independent filmmaking.
Where to find us?
We a selection of Super 8 film reels available for sale on our website. To see what else we offer from our company please see below where to find us:
Wildcard Curiosities is based in Freemen’s Common Antique Centre, 8 Counting House Road, Leicester, LE2 7LT.
The centre is open from Tuesday – Friday 10am-4pm Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
There is a café and toilets on site