8MM-16MM FORUM WORLDWIDE

Thinking about purchasing a 16mm projector and wondered about difference in Image Size and picture quality compared to Super 8.

I thnk a better question is what is on the market that you want to watch? Also, even though 16mm is obviously twice the image area of super 8 and it does reflect in picture quality, 16mm takes up a lot more storage space, the films are typically more expensive and harder to find and you are limited to optical audio tracks only. With super 8, even though the film is the same size at regular 8, you have twice the image area and it shows when you watch the films. Also from the late 60's to early 80's a ton literally tons of commercial releases were sold for super 8. If you watch the market on Ebay or on here you'll recognize several releases that show up time after time usually at good prices. Plus with super 8, you can have a large collection on a pretty small bookcase. Personally for my 16mm collection I have to use huge metal storage racks that take up a decent amount of room.
My suggestion, if you are interested in both formats, then go with both formats. Sometimes a 16mm print isn't available on super 8 and vice versa. Experiment with both before you choose one.

Thanks Eric,

I have noticed that some 16mm prints are quite pricy and I am somewhat limited to space. I should consider this before deciding whether to purchase one or not.

I have to partially disagree with Eric. Yes 16mm takes more storage space and movies a heavier, so shipping will be more expensive. But there are far more titles available on 16mm than on super 8 (just go and check o ebay). High quality prints in super 8 (lpp and/or anamorphic Derann quality) are more expensive than 16mm. Super 8 was intended for home use, so you will usually find very popular stuff, very little indie, vanguard or foreign films. Super 8 was about shorts, actually there are very few S8 projectos that can handle 1200 ft reels. 16mm quality is far superior and you can get a nice projector for peanuts, I bought an ELMO-16 AL which is top of the line for just 50 USD and it can handle 2400 ft reels , a feature in two reels! The light bulb is 250 watts (an ELMO GS1200 is only 200) There is not such thing as a super8 IB Tech (technicolor) print. I started collecting super-8, now I almost exclusively collect 16mm. So it really depends on what kind of movies you like. I have paid 150 USD for 16mm mint complete prints of "Mississippi Burning", "The Fabulous Baker Boys" and "The African Queen" and as little as 100 USD for "Modern Times, "The Lady Vanishes" and "On the Water Front" just try finding one of this in super 8. My suggestion is take the best of both worlds, have both 16mm and S8.

Overall, 16mm provides superior quality - sharper picture. Remember it's a professional gauge. 8mm was purely for home use. 16mm is the superior gauge.

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I collect both gauges including standard 8 sound, but I love the quest to find the rare bird. Like Mike said, 16mm has the best and most economical selection. I have super 8 prints that look better than some of my 16mm, but that is the exception and they are expensive and hard to find.

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Thanks everybody. You have helped me in deciding to purchase my first 16mm. I have just finished closing a deal on ebay on an Elmo 16-CL. What size reel can these handle?

It can handle a 2000' or a 2300'. The 2300' is the same diameter as a 2000', except the center hub is smaller.

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My experience is that if you can afford it and are willing to deal with the occasional dud print turning up on your doorstep( which happens more in 16 than in 8), then 16mm collecting is much more rewarding.

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I have yet to see any super 8 print; even the best Derann Disney features they've done 15 years ago that beats 16. Actually, you can't compare the two. 16 can be up to five times sharper, more density and clearer. I've viewed both for years. Universal 8 did a great job with their 400' digests but I've seen 16mm 800' on the same movies and they were better quality.