Guide to types of cine film
Cine film, is generally used to refer to Standard 8, super 8, 9.5mm and 16 mm film.
Cine film was originally expensive, but as it became cheaper the format started the craze of home recording in 1960s and 70s. Standard 50 ft reels in easy to handle cartridges were purchased for recording important events such as weddings and funerals.
Identifying the cine film format
Use the images and information below to determine the type of film you have.
Standard 8mm & Super8
All sound film is identified by the copper coloured stripe along the edge of the film.
Length of film
To determine the length of film you have, simply measure the film across the widest part of the reel which holds it - i.e. the diameter of the reel.| Diameter of reel | Approximate length of film | Approximate duration of film |
|---|---|---|
| 3" reel | 50ft | 4 minutes |
| 5" reel | 200ft | 15 minutes |
| 7" reel | 400ft | 30 minutes |
| 9" reel | 800ft | 60 minutes |
| 12" reel | 1200ft | 90 minutes |
9.5mm
9.5mm is a relatively rare format of cine film dating back to the 1880's.
It is instantly recognisable by the sprocket holes in the middle of the film.
Initally available in black and white and then in colour, but with no sound.
To determine the length of film you have, simply measure the film across the widest part of the reel which holds it - i.e. the diameter of the reel.| Diameter of reel | Approximate length of film | Approximate duration of film |
|---|---|---|
| 3" reel | 50ft | 2 minutes |
| 5" reel | 200ft | 8 minutes |
| 7" reel | 400ft | 15 minutes |
| 9" reel | 800ft | 30 minutes |
| 12" reel | 1200ft | 45 minutes |
16mm
Silent 16mm film has sprocket holes on both sides of the film.
16mm film was also made with an optical or magnetic sound track running down one edge of the film which means that there are sprocket holes on only one side of the film.
To determine the length of film you have, simply measure the film across the widest part of the reel which holds it - i.e. the diameter of the reel.| Diameter of reel | Approximate length of film | Approximate duration of film |
|---|---|---|
| 3" reel | 50ft | 2 minutes |
| 5" reel | 200ft | 8 minutes |
| 7" reel | 400ft | 15 minutes |
| 9" reel | 800ft | 30 minutes |
| 12" reel | 1200ft | 45 minutes |