Getting your Super 8 images from unexposed film into a digital format isn't as hard as you'd think. All films require some form of processing after use, then exposed film images will need transferring into a digital format for later editing.
Home Super 8 processing – in a drain pipe!
All Super 8 films have to be processed by specialist laboratories, unless of course you decide to do it yourself (see below). Labs that offer Black and White processing are denoted , E6 reversal processing (Ektachrome) and ECN2 negative processing (Vision & Fuji) .
You don't have to process with the big boys, sometimes local artists and filmmakers might give you the look you want.
With some know how, the right chemicals and a little perseverance, it is possible to process your own Super 8 films.
Super 8 and small gauge films can be optically printed, altered or blown up to 16mm and 35mm formats (at a price), here's a list of organisations who are specialists in such options.
Whilst Super 8 sound film is long out of production, a few specialists can still stripe a processed film for a sound track to be added later.
It is now possible to get your digital footage, computer graphics and animations transferred onto Super 8 film. Combine digital versatility with the proven archive qualities of film. Amazing!
There are various options for film to tape (or data file) telecine ranging from industry standard professional flying spot type broadcast solutions through to frame by frame scans and film chain (projector and camera). With all, the results can be dramatic and show Super 8 off to full effect. Some now offer high definition and straight to hard drive outputs.