Can You Play a Super 8 Movie on an 8mm Projector?

Can You Play a Super 8 Movie on an 8mm Projector?
Published: Feb 20, 2010
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read

So you’ve just brushed the dust off some of your old home movies. Now all you need is a projector to take that trip down memory lane. Will an 8mm projector play those Super 8 films?

Is it Possible?

In short: no. Super 8 and 8mm are two different types of film.

Super 8 vs. 8mm

The perforations on 8mm film are nearly twice as wide as Super 8 perforations. This difference in size requires you to use a projector that is designed to play a specific size of film.

Projectors

There are machines, called Dual 8 projectors, that can play both Super 8 and 8mm film. Be careful, though, as these machines may compromise the condition of your film.

Determining Your Film Size

If you’re unsure what type of film you have, Super 8 film has a .91mm sprocket hole width, while 8mm has a 1.8mm sprocket hole width.

Advertisement

Other Options

You may want to skip the projector altogether, and invest in a more modern solution. Many places will take your film and transfer it to a DVD for a relatively low cost.

References

Timothy Machroli

Based in Chicago, Timothy Machroli is currently a full-time student at Columbia College, studying to become a filmmaker. Though this marks his first venture into writing in a professional capacity, he has always enjoyed writing—both…

Sponsored
Our Pastimes Logo

A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.