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How to Repair Super 8 Splices on Very Old Film

If you need to repair super 8 splices on very old film, you had best be prepared to take your time. There are two methods to doing it: the first is a quick and dirty fix that is sure to be noticeable, and the second is a more painstaking fix that will restore your very old film to its original splendor.

Things You'll Need

  • Razor blade
  • Film splicing tape
  • Light box or super 8 film editor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the film on your work surface so the damaged splice is flat on the table.

    • 2

      Using a razor blade or your fingernail, scrape the remains of the old splice tape off of the film. Your film should now be in two sections.

    • 3

      Apply a new piece of film splice tape over the two sections of film, joining them. Do this on one side only, and do this only if you are wanting to do a quick fix and do not mind that the repair will be obvious. If you are looking for a more seamless repair, continue to the next step.

    • 4

      Place the two halves of the film onto your light box, or, if you are using an actual super 8 movie editor, put them in the film pans that are then inserted in the viewer.

    • 5

      Look closely at each frame and identify where the frames can be cut to create a new splice that will not include the damaged portions or interrupt the flow of the images in the scene. Cut the film there with a razor blade. Push the two ends together and, using splice tape, join them by placing the splice tape on one side only.

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