8mm film
As the predecessor to the VHS tape video camera, Super 8 film was a commonly used film for decades in both commercial and personal filmmaking endeavors. This photosensitive film required light-sensitive containment and processing, as well as an extensive and tedious editing process in order to display a few minutes of footage.
How 8mm Film Works
Super 8 film, commonly referred to as 8mm film, works the same way as the film in a traditional film camera. The film is exposed to light through from lens. The photosensitive chemicals on the film reacts to the light, creating an "exposure." Unlike a traditional film camera that must be wound after each image in order to expose the next image, 8mm film cameras continuously expose the film one after another to capture the illusion of movement.
Development Chemicals
The chemicals used to develop 8mm film vary between black and white film and color film, as well as by manufacturer. Although the chemicals are different, the way they work is the same. The developing chemicals react with photosensitive chemicals on the 8mm film to "lock" the exposure and prevent light from further exposing the film. The time frame that the film must be bathed in the chemical for development is different for each chemical.
Developing Process
8mm film is extremely photosensitive, meaning that any amount or type of light reacts with the photosensitive chemicals. Because of this high sensitivity, 8mm must be developed in complete darkness. The slightest crack of light can ruin an entire film roll. Because 8mm film is contained in a light-tight container the container must first be "broken" open in order to retrieve the film. Once the film is out of the container, it is placed in a light-tight chemical bath that prevents any additional exposure.
Film Editing
Originally, the only way to edit a finished roll of 8mm film was in a linear editing process. This was done by looking at each individual frame, to determine the order they needed to be played in or what sections to remove. Then the film was cut and spliced back together in the order it was suppose to be played in. Nowadays, editing is done in nonlinear methods, such as digital computer editing, by uploading the finished film to a computer.
8mm Film in the Digital Age
Although the popularity of 8mm film camera declined in the 1980s due to the introduction of the VHS video camera and was considered "officially dead" with the discontinuation of Kodachrome film, it has made a surprising comeback. 8mm films are considered artistic endeavors by many film producers. This is partially attributed to the fact that sound is no longer included on 8mm films, and a 50-foot roll only last about 3 minutes and 20 seconds, meaning that a filmmaker has to tell a story in a a short time with only visual images.
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