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REEL Super 8

REEL Super 8 Developing Reel

Develop Super 8 film at home in the Paterson Super System 4 Multi-Reel 8 tank. Compatible with B&W, C-41, and E-6, including B&W reversal (Scala process) for positive motion picture film.


Overview

The REEL Super 8 fits the Paterson Super System 4 Multi-Reel 8 tank and holds 15.24 m / 50 ft of Super 8 film per reel. Use it for standard B&W processing or pair it with the AGO Film Processor for rotary C-41 and E-6. It also supports B&W reversal (Scala process), allowing you to produce positive motion picture film at home.

The translucent body helps when handling B&W positives and makes monitoring reversal exposure easier. For Scala processing, a small light stick can be placed inside the reel during the reversal exposure step. The reel is made from chemical-resistant PETG and is heat-safe up to 50 °C / 122 °F.


What's Included

  • 1 x REEL Super 8
  • 1 x Roller base (for manual rotary developing or loading)
  • 1 x Super 8 drying clips system

Tank and AGO Film Processor not included.


Chemical Volumes

Agitation method Minimum per reel
Rotary (with AGO Film Processor) 700 ml
Inversion / vertical 2350 ml

Loading Instructions

Step 1 Assemble the reel

Put the reel together as shown in the guidance sheet so it is easier to load film in the dark later.

Assembling the Super 8 reel

Step 2 Secure the film end

Secure the end of the film onto the reel while you are still outside the changing bag.

Securing the end of film onto the reel

Step 3 Prepare for the dark

Take the reel, film, tank, funnel, roller base, and rubber band into the changing bag in preparation for loading in the dark.

Changing bag in use

Step 4 Load the inner reel

Load the film onto the inner reel, using your finger to guide it into the correct groove.

Loading film onto the inner reel

Step 5 Insert and lock the inner reel

Insert the inner reel into the outer reel and lock them together by twisting the inner reel clockwise. Hold the film in place with your thumb at the same time.

Inserting inner reel into outer reel

Step 6 Load the outer reel

Load the film onto the outer reel in the opposite direction from the inner reel.

Loading film onto the outer reel

Step 7 Secure with rubber band

Secure the end of the film with a rubber band. Make sure the rubber band goes through the slot on the reel to prevent it from rubbing against the tank wall during processing.

Securing film end on outer reel with rubber band

Step 8 Hang to dry

After developing, use the included hooks to hang the film for drying.

Hanging Super 8 film to dry

Scala process (B&W reversal)

If a second exposure is needed, remove the small inner clip to allow the light bar to fit inside the reel to expose the inner reel. The outer reel can be exposed from outside.

Second exposure for Scala process

Download guidance sheet


Care

Rinse the reel after each use. Avoid temperatures above 50 °C / 122 °F. Store dry and out of direct sunlight.

Updated on 14 Feb 2026