One of the advantages of 8mm movie film is that it can be edited on a simple device called a film splicer. The process allows you to remove film frames or take one section and place it somewhere else in the movie. This is old-fashioned, pre-computer movie making at its most basic level. Here's get started.
Instructions
1. Clean and lubricate the entire reel of 8mm film before splicing. This will help prevent the film from scratching during editing. Load the film onto one hand-cranked film reel and start the cleaning process at the beginning of the film leader. To do this, use a lint-free cloth or lens tissue and oil-based liquid solvent. Slowly and carefully clean the reel of film, making certain not to wind it onto the take-up reel until it is dry. When you are done, use the silicone film cloth to gently and slowly polish the film as you wind it back to its original reel.
2. Find the section of film you want to splice. You can do this visually with a loupe or use an 8mm film editor to see an enlargement of the frames. Some 8mm film editors have built-in splicers. You can use that if your editor has one, or transfer the film to a standard splicer.
3. Place the selected portion of the film on the base of the splicer. There may be guides to show you where to put the film. If not, place it straight across the splicer, then tape it in place with 8mm tape on either side of the central area to be spliced.
4. Cut the film. You can do this by hand with a razor blade. Some splicers include a razor blade attached to a handle that looks a little like a stapler. Bring the blade down on the gap between the frames. If you are taking out or moving a section of film, move the film to the area for the next splice and cut there, too.
5. Use the 8mm splicing press tape tabs to rejoin the film ends. This tape is transparent and has sprocket holes. Line them up with the film's sprocket holes. This will make the film transport smoothly through the projector. Put the glossy side up for the press tape tabs.
6. Press the tape onto the film and remove the first tab off the film splice. Still pressing down, pull off the second tab. Turn the film over and repeat the process. Remove the film from the splicer and then press down firmly on the film with your fingers or a smooth tool such as the butt end of a plastic screwdriver to make certain the splice will hold.
Tags: film from, press tape, press tape tabs, razor blade, reel film