Compare & Contrast: Super 8 Film Stocks

Whenever we order film for an upcoming Hello Super 8 shoot, there are a whole lot of factors to consider: Is the event indoors or out? What will be the main light source? Will we be shooting at night? What's the color palette going to be? Does the client want a classic or retro look? One of the cool things about super 8 is that there are plenty of amazing film stocks available for us to choose from. Here's a brief comparison of the various super 8 looks that we can achieve using several different--but all beautiful!--film stocks.

• Color Negative (Kodak Vision 3; 200 & 500 ASA): This stock is ideal for lower light situations and softer colors & skin tones.
  
  
  
  
• Color Reversal (Kodak 100D): Comparable to Kodachrome, this color Kodak reversal film has a similar look to older 60s/70s stock. The processed film is highly saturated, with a lot of contrast and rich tones--perfect for capturing bold, bright colors and making a dramatic statement.
  
  
  
  
• Black & White Reversal (Tri-X): Black & white reversal also allows for a higher level of contrast than negative film. (What's the difference between reversal and negative? With reversal film, a positive image is imprinted right on the film shot; negative film gets processed into a whole new strip, resulting in the positive print & negatives.)
  
  
  
  

Reversal/Negative Stock Comparisons

Skin Tones

Reversal:

Negative:

Reversal:

Negative:

Floral

Negative:
Negative:
Reversal:
Reversal:

Bright Sunlight

Bright sunlight is the best friend of reversal film. Here are some examples of processed reversal film, which gives colors a dense, rich, high-contrast appearance.

Low Light

Low light comes out best with a high ASA, so we always opt for negative film. (Reversal requires lots of light to get that big pop of color and can't be used in low light.) Here are some examples of how negative color film performs in low light situations (i.e. when we hit the dance floor!).

Black & White in Natural Light



Black & White in Low Light

So we've got soft & classic color negative, super-saturated & retro color reversal, and the timeless look of black & white film. What's your favorite?