http://www.just8mm.com/ | The easiest way to tell the difference between standard 8mm film and Super 8mm film is to check the shape of the sprocket holes and the size of the hole in the middle of the film reel. Learn more about the differences here.

2. For many decades, 8mm film
was the preferred medium
for recording home movies
and amateur films. But over
those decades, there were
several different formats of
8mm film that went in and
out of popularity. In this
presentation, we’ll discuss
the different kinds of 8mm
film, and how to tell the
difference.

3. As the name implies, all
kinds of 8mm film are
exactly eight millimeters
wide. Aside from that, the
different types of 8mm
film – standard 8mm,
Super 8mm, etc. – all
have slightly different
features from each other.
As such, examining the
film can often reveal its
exact format.

4. The main difference between standard 8mm and
Super 8mm can be seen in the sprocket holes
along the top. Standard 8mm’s sprocket holes are
almost square, whereas Super 8mm’s sprocket
holes are more rectangular.
STANDARD 8mm
SUPER 8mm

5. Another way to tell
the difference
between standard
8mm and Super 8mm
is examining the film
reel. On a reel of
standard 8mm film,
the center hole is
smaller than that of a
Super 8mm reel. If
you can fit your
finger in the hole, it’s
almost certainly a
Super 8mm reel.

6. Not sure if a piece of
old film, whether
8mm or Super 8mm,
has sound? Look for
a yellow strip on the
side of the film
opposite the
sprocket holes. If it
doesn’t have a
yellow bar, then it’s
picture only.

7. Most 8mm and Super 8mm film are reversal stock;
when processed, they create a transparency that is
ready for projection, rather than first creating a
negative. However, there are
several types of 8mm
reversal film, both in
color and black
and white.

8. In general, reversal film
is better suited for
interior photography
using artificial light,
and for daylight
photographs and films
with lots of sun to
illuminate the picture.
Reversal film tends to
have a sharper, less
grainy image, which
comes at the expense
of contrast.

9. Negative film’s greatest benefit is that it
can be used effectively in a wider
variety of situations than reversal film.
Reversal film requires excellent lighting
to create a clear picture. Negative film,
on the other hand,
can capture more
details from
shadows and
darker areas.

10. Just8mm.com specializes in
transferring home movies
recorded on 8mm film to crisp,
clear digital presentations.
Preserve your precious movie
memories on DVD today by
visiting www.just8mm.com.