I recommend having at least 3 or 4 of the same Super-8 camera before attempting a feature film. Make sure they all properly work before attempting to make your Super-8 feature. Similar Super-8 cameras will probably increase the likelihood of matching the look on film from camera to camera. The primary reason to own 3 or 4 Super-8 cameras before attempting to shoot a Super-8 feature is that virtually no one in the world will fix a Super-8 Camera quickly unless you have a special contact or friend who will do it and lives nearby.
The extra cameras also can come in handy for certain shots or scenes in which you may only get to do one or two takes and decided to have two or more cameras running for that particular scene. Many times Stunts
will have several cameras going so that the stunt doesn't have to be repeated.
Super-8 cameras are very inexpensive and usually you can find what you are looking for. However, beware that many times the super-8 cameras sold on eBay may be in need of a servicing or repair from a qualified technician. Super-8 technicians are few and far between.
All that film Equipment fit in a Subaru!
Accessories for your Cameras
The more you find multiple cameras of the same model and type, the easier it is to carry camera accessories that will easily work with all of your cameras. These accessories include lens shades, wide angle attachments, filters and lens caps and for the really serious a camera blimp. It saves time to be able to switch cameras and be able to use the same accessories. If your main camera stops working, all of those camera's accessories can then be easily put onto the back up camera. To the right is an overabundance of lighting equipment that was used on a low Budget Super-8 film.
Top and Bottom Photos by Randy Baldwin
What if my Super-8 cameras are all Different Makes and Models?
Try and figure out where each Super-8 camera does its best work. The quieter running Super-8 cameras should probably be used indoors. The louder cameras should probably be used outdoors. Cameras with bigger telephoto lenses can be used to keep the camera farther away from the actor while still getting a nice close-up. This can prove useful for indoor shoots in large rooms, the camera can be put farther away thus reducing the noise that is picked up by the microphone.
