A Guide to Super 8 Film Stocks: Choosing the Right Look for Your Project
- The Film Wave
- May 7
- 3 min read
Super 8 film continues to captivate filmmakers, artists, and hobbyists alike with its nostalgic charm and timeless aesthetic. Whether you're shooting a music video, wedding, short film, or a personal project, choosing the right film stock can feel like a daunting task.
With each film stock offering its own unique look, speed, and character, navigating the options can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the different Super 8 film stocks to help you choose the one that best suits your vision.
🔧 Let's Start with the Basics:
🔢 Stock Code
The stock code on film refers to a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer (like Kodak) to each specific type of film emulsion. It’s usually a four-digit number (e.g., 7203, 7219) that tells you exactly what film you’re using, including format and emulsion type.
Example: Kodak 7219
72 = Super 8 or 16mm format.
19 = Emulsion type — in this case, Vision3 500T, a tungsten-balanced color negative film.
So, 7219 = Kodak Vision3 500T for Super 8/16mm.
📸 ISO
🌞 Daylight vs. Tungsten
1. Kodak Vision3 50D (Color Negative)
Stock Code: 7203
ISO: 50
Balance: Daylight
Characteristics:
This is the finest-grain color film available for Super 8. Ideal for bright outdoor scenes, 50D delivers vibrant colors, sharp detail, and excellent dynamic range. Its low ISO makes it less suitable for low-light conditions but perfect when working with ample natural light.
Best For:
Daylight exteriors
Nature or travel films
Professional-quality Super 8 footage
2. Kodak Vision3 200T (Color Negative)
Stock Code: 7213
ISO: 200
Tungsten-Balanced
Characteristics:
Versatile and forgiving, 200T performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings. With a cool color palette and more grain than 50D, it gives a cinematic feel while still maintaining detail in shadows and highlights. It can be used in daylight with an 85 filter or color corrected in the post.
Best For:
Mixed lighting environments
Fast moving sets
Filmmakers who want flexibility in post-production
3. Kodak Vision3 500T (Color Negative)
Stock Code: 7219
ISO: 500
Tungsten-Balanced
Characteristics:
This high-speed film is your go-to for low-light shoots. With a softer look, 500T has outstanding skin tones and color reproduction. It captures a wide latitude allowing you to capture shadow detail with noticeably lower grain, making it a very forgiving film stock!
Best For:
Night scenes
Indoor events like weddings or concerts
Versatility as it performs well in most lighting conditions
4. Kodak Tri-X (Black and White Reversal)
Stock Code: 7266
ISO: 200
Panchromatic B&W
Characteristics:
A timeless classic, Tri-X offers high contrast, bold blacks, and beautifully fine grain. Its ability to render light and shadow makes it ideal for artistic, documentary, or experimental work. It has a distinctly analog feel that evokes early cinema.
Best For:
Black-and-white aesthetic projects
Documentary or historical narratives
Projects to be shown on a projector
Kodak Ektachrome 100D (Color Reversal)
Stock Code: 7294
ISO: 100
Daylight-Balanced
Characteristics:
Unlike the Vision3 films, Ektachrome is a color reversal (positive) film, meaning it produces a viewable image without needing digital scanning for color correction. It’s known for its punchy colors, crisp contrast, and retro vibe. With a tighter exposure latitude, it requires careful lighting but rewards with a distinct, vibrant look.
Best For:
Retro-style music videos
Fashion or commercial work
Projects to be shown on a projector
🎬 Final Thoughts: Which Film Stock Should You Choose?
Film Stock | Best For | Look |
50D | Bright, daylight scenes | Clean, fine-grain, vibrant |
200T | Versatile shooting | Warm tones, moderate grain |
500T | Low-light/night scenes | Grainy, moody, nostalgic |
Tri-X | B&W projects | High contrast, dramatic, reversal film |
Ektachrome 100D | Retro aesthetics | Bold, vivid, reversal film |
Each film stock has its personality, and the choice ultimately comes down to the look you're after and the environment you're shooting in.
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