Aspiring 8mm Filmmakers Guide Using Kodak Brownie, Part 2

The first step in any aspiring film making venture obligates one vital piece of the process; that of obtaining the 8mm film stock, which can prove to be fruitless at times, however it is indeed feasible. The places that do indeed offer film stock ranges from; Regular 8mm, Super-8, and 16mm. All which can be obtained in color or black & white. Most of these retailers also offer the processing of said film as well as transfer-to-digital format services. We will be using regular 8mm film stock with the Kodak Brownie. I have two very reliable sources which are; Spectra Film & Video and Yale Film & Video, both offer competitive pricing, processing and transfer services. Furthermore they both offer refrigerated fresh Eastman Kodak films, no questionable re-cans, outdated, or other inferior quality film.

Something You May Not Know About 8mm Film Stock For A Kodak Brownie Movie Camera

8mm film stock retailers are far and few between, and at no fault of the retailing provider. It was just this past June of 2009 when Eastman Kodak discontinued the manufacturing of their Kodachrome 40 line of 8mm film stock. There are however a few other 8mm film stocks that afford you stellar results. Most 8mm film stocks come in two different lengths; a 25' foot roll and a 50' foot roll, the beautiful part of regular 8mm film stock is that its reversible. Any 8mm film stock obtained on a 25' foot spool can be run through your Kodak Brownie again after one side of the film stock has been exposed, where you then simply flip it over and expose the other side of the unexposed film giving you a total of 50' feet of film shooting. When you send the 8mm film stock in for processing it is cut in the middle and then reattached giving you one continuous roll of processed 8mm film. I would like also to mention that the makers of this film affords you enough film stock at both ends to thread the reels properly and allowing you exactly 25' feet of film footage if conducted correctly.

How-To Choose The Type Of Film Stock For Your Kodak Brownie Movie Camera

I would like to introduce you to the first and only 8mm film I strongly recommend that you should start shooting with as to deter from being discouraged. There are indeed choices regardless of the discontinuation of film manufactured by Kodak, however as to prevent from muddying the waters I strongly suggest we stick with a 8mm film stock better suited for outdoor use, and a stretch by using it a --very well lighted-- indoor scenario. This film would be the Kodak Plus-X Reversal Film 7265, or as it is most commonly referred to as; Cine-X 100. This is a medium-speed 100 ASA black-and-white reversal film. It is best suited for use outdoors in average daylight, or as I mentioned above; indoors where there is adequate light for proper exposure. This is one gem of a 8mm film stock for the economy-minded novice film shooter.

Some Closing Words On Your 8mm Kodak Brownie Movie Camera

In part III of my "How-To Get Acquainted Loading 8mm Film Stock Into Your Kodak Brownie 8mm Movie Camera" I will discuss how-to load 8mm film stock into your Kodak Brownie movie camera.

Sources: Novice 8mm Film Maker - Ray Anthony
Spectra Film & Video
Yale Film & Video
Eastman Kodak Co