Do people still use Super-8 cameras and projectors from the late 1960s?
I have some Super-8 gear that belonged to my parents, and I'm wondering if I should try to pass it along to someone who might use it. This stuff was purchased in the late 1960s and hasn't been used since (approximately) the late 1970s, it's just been sitting in my parents' basement since then. Here's what I have:
Bell & Howell Model 430 Super-8 camera with power zoom lens (not the manual zoom that's seen in most pictures of this model) and slow-motion feature. This runs on four AA batteries. I put some batteries in it, and it appears to work, although I expect it could use a clean/lube/adjust if anyone wanted to actually use it.
Bell & Howell floodlight that attaches to the top of the camera (120VAC) Model #40920, 650 watts, lamp type DVY
Two Bell & Howell movie projectors, switchable between Standard-8 and Super-8, Model # 456A and 466A (they are very similar).
Do people still use projectors, or do they just digitize everything now? I'm pretty sure the second projector was bought used because the first one needed some maintenance, I would guess that they both need some refurbishing at this point. These use incandescent projector bulbs that were not cheap at the time, and I'm sure they haven't gotten any cheaper since then.
I also have a portable movie screen.
Mainly I need to know if I should preserve this stuff, or throw it out.
I know Super-8 film still exists, would any of this stuff be of interest to anyone now?
Posted Jun 21, 2026, 4:04 PM UTC