While we typically recommend turning your Super 8 film reels into digital copies that you can easily share and view with a modern device, sometimes it’s nice to watch them with a movie projector as they were originally intended. The good news is that there are still used Super 8 projectors available, but you will need to know which options are still good quality.
Capture has helped 12 million people view and preserve their memories, so we put together this guide to help you enjoy your Super 8 memories with a projector that stands the test of time. That way, you can relive your memories the way you and your family did years ago.
Keep reading to understand Super 8 projectors, examine the factors you should keep in mind when shopping for one, and learn about the top 5 options that are available in good condition online today.
Jump to:
- Understanding Super 8 Projectors
- Factors to Consider When Buying a Super 8 Projector
- Top Picks: Super 8 Projectors Worth Buying
- Alternative Options
- Honorable Mentions
- Tips for Maintenance and Care
Understanding Super 8 Projectors
Super 8 film evolved from standard 8mm film and compact pre-split 8mm film made by Bell and Howell. It was introduced in 1965 by Eastman Kodak with a compact cartridge that made it easier to film and reduced jamming.
Super 8 improved upon the old movie formats like 16mm and 8mm film by adding a magnetic film strip capable of recording sound, setting the standard for home movies until videotapes became popular.
While you might be able to figure out how to view 8mm film without a projector, to view Super 8 film the traditional way, you need an old film projector. So, how does a projector work? They shine light through the film to produce the image on a screen or wall.
However, not all Super 8 projectors are equal with some offering soundtracks, dual 8mm and Super 8 compatibility, easy loading, durable designs, and more. Early Super 8mm projectors include Bell & Howell Super 8/Reg 8, Sankyo Magnetic Sound 500, and the Keystone Auto-Instant.
However, instead of an old Revere projector or outdated Argus, later models soon developed that are what you should be looking for in the modern era, including 5 tried and true options that we recommend later in this article. But first, it’s important to consider several factors when shopping for retro film projectors to ensure you get a quality option that works for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Super 8 Projector
When shopping for a Super 8 projector in the digital age, there are several things to keep in mind including the condition, brand, compatibility, availability, and cost.
Condition
Super 8 projectors are vintage filmmaking equipment, which means you’ll want to consider the condition before buying. While it’s unlikely you’ll find a new projector that doesn’t double as a digital converter, you’ll want to consider whether it’s in working order, refurbished, or needs additional repairs.
Brand Reputation and Reliability
Since Super 8 projectors are old, it’s important to keep the brand in mind. Some brands like Bell & Howell, Chinon, Kodak, Bolex, and Bauer built projectors to last, but lesser-known brands might not offer the same quality and durability.
Compatibility
You’ll want to consider whether the film projection technology only works for Super 8 or whether it can project standard 8mm, 16mm, or other film types as well. Additionally, some are equipped to work with modern devices, which might be beneficial when using vintage media projectors in 2024.
Availability of Parts and Repairs
If something happens to your Super 8 film equipment, will you be able to find someone who knows how to replace it or has the parts necessary to do so? This is an important question to ask unless you want to keep buying new projectors all the time.
Price
The price of vintage film projectors can vary greatly, so this is certainly an important consideration. However, keep in mind that refurbished and great condition options tend to cost more, but will also be more dependable.
Top Picks: Super 8 Projectors Worth Buying
These are our top 4 picks for Super 8 movie projectors in the modern area and why you should consider buying these top options.
Canon Cine Projector PS-1000
Image Source: https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/cine296.html
This projector model was released in 1977, offering Super 8mm sound playback, a highly portable design, and simple operations that are perfect for modern consumers. It can accommodate a 400-foot Super 8 reel and offers an automatic sound-level control circuit (ALC) and a long-life tungsten-halogen lamp.
However, what makes it stand out amongst other similar options is the f/1.3 Zoom lens that provides top-quality projections as well as the Daylight Viewer that attaches to the front of the lens.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great projection quality
- Sound playback and volume control
Cons
- Many models require spool threading replacement
- Can be very hard to find these days
Kodak Super 8 Supermatic 70
Image Source: https://www.cined.com/bh-reviews-kodak-super-8-camera/
Marketed in 1974, this projector model is perfect for anyone who has Kodak Supermatic cassettes. It offers automatic rewind, volume control, and both manual and automatic controls. Due to its geometrical design, it’s quite durable and many are still in great condition. It also offers still frame, reverse, and forward functions and even has built-in speakers.
While it improves on the earlier models like the Supermatic 40, the main downside is that the lamp is not the brightest, even in the brightest setting. However, you can find some videos online to get around this minor issue.
Pros
- Auto-rewind
- Built-in speakers
- Still, reverse, and forward capabilities
Cons
- Bulb isn’t bright and not great for outdoor projections
- Primarily for Kodak Supermatic cassettes (doesn’t work for 8 mm film either)
Elmo GS-1200 Xenon
Image Source: https://super8database.com/projectors/786
This is our personal favorite Super 8mm film projector and offers projection speeds of 18 and 24 fps, easy loading that improves upon Bell and Howell autoload, and fantastic sound that can play in mono, duo, or stereo. It even has bass and treble control and aux outputs. Plus, it looks really cool!
While this projector brings a flood of film projection nostalgia, it’s also quite expensive. That’s because it’s universally beloved among Super 8 and Single-8 film aficionados and film projector collectors. Still, you won’t find a better projector for sound quality and professional projection control.
Pros
- Best-in-class sound quality and controls
- Aux outputs are perfect for modern audiences
- High quality projection in 18 and 24 fps
- Parts are readily available
Cons
- Can get expensive
- Highly sought after and hard to find (though the Elmo ST 180E is a decent, and readily available alternative)
Alternative Options
While we believe that the top three options are the best options for your film reels, there are a couple more classic movie projectors that deserve a mention due to their high-quality designs or best-for-money value.
Chinon 3000GL
Image Source: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vCIAAOSwA5Fj84BT/s-l1600.jpg
This is one of the most affordable and easy-to-find antique film projectors and offers dual projection for both Super 8 and standard 8mm film reels. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and many options you can find on eBay even come with the original box and manual.
With this Chinon sound projector, you get variable speed, brightness settings, and easy loading. While it might be harder to repair and may not offer exceptional settings of a higher quality model, you can’t really go wrong with this one, especially when you can get it for as little as $50.
Pros
- Dual 8mm and Super 8 projector
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Lacks the deeper functions of other analog film projectors
- Might be hard to find parts
Bauer T171 Sound
Image Source: https://van-eck.net/en/product/bauer_t171_sound_-_super8_-_with_sound-_/
If you are looking for a professional quality projector, check out this Bauer T171 Sound. With a 600’ reel capacity and top-of-the-line Will-Wetzlar Vario Travenon lens, you’ll get crisp projection results for your Super 8mm film camera memories.
It also has a great built-in speaker, a durable design, and both forward and reverse projection types. It can project in 18 and 24 fps and is often the go-to for modern filmmakers who want to achieve a retro mood for their movie release.
Honorable Mentions
These are a few f superfinal old-fashioned projectors and Super 8 cine projectors that you might want to consider if you don’t want or can’t find any of the 5 above.
- GAF 1388 Z Super 8: Portable, affordable, and easy-to-use projector.
- Eumig Mark-501: Quiet film projector with a bright bulb and cheap price tag as low as $25
- Fuji S-H6: Versatile option with good audio, sleek modern design, and variable speeds.
- Elmo FP-A Dual Telecine: Great lens, high quality halogen bulb, variable speed, and plenty of repair options available because of its popularity.
- Minolta 7000 Sound: Good balance between an affordable price and quality results with a design that fits a modern consumer.
Tips for Maintenance and Care
Regardless of which Super 8 projector you choose, it’s important to properly maintain and care for it to ensure high quality projections and long-lasting enjoyment.
We recommend cleaning it once monthly whether you use it or not. After all, these machines are quite old. However, before and after each use, you should also wipe down the mechanisms, reels, and sprockets.
For bulb replacement and other repairs, check out DuallCamera.com, 8mmforum.film-tech.com, and Porter Electronics. You can also check local photography and film stores, pawn shops, and electronic repair services.
Most importantly, store your projector in a cool, dark place. Humidity not only damages your projector but can also damage your Super 8 reels and the family memories they contain. In fact, we also suggest choosing a film to digital service provider to convert your film reels into digital copies to ensure the memories are safe even if your Super 8 movie films become damaged, fade, or are otherwise lost.
Capture offers a 30-day turnaround time, a state-of-the-art security and tracking system, and high-quality digital results for Super 8 film memories. That way, you know you preserve your memories as high-quality digital videos while having peace of mind knowing your original copies are safe.
Conclusion
A Super 8 projector can be a fun project, bringing your old film reels to life as they were originally intended. Make sure you consider the condition, brand, compatibility, and price before making your decision, but any of the options we’ve provided will be excellent choices from the right vendors.
If you want to preserve your Super 8 memories while also being able to enjoy them as digital videos without needing a projector at all, choose Capture to digitize your film reels. Click here to learn more about our top-notch film transfer services.
