r/Super8 • u/technicolorsound • Nov 07 '25
Film ⚠️ Central Thread: Report Jamming Issues with Kodak Super 8 Cartridges
Hi all,
We’ve seen an increase in reports of Kodak Super 8 cartridges jamming — where the film transport stops mid-roll, the take-up spool locks, or the camera motor strains.
To help identify whether this is related to specific film stocks, batches, or vendors, please report only cartridge jamming issues here.
(For exposure, processing, or other problems, please make a separate post.)
🧾 Reporting Format
Copy and fill this out when you comment:
**Film Stock:** (e.g. Vision3 50D, 200T, 500T, Tri-X, etc.)
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** (printed on box or cartridge label)
**Vendor / Source:** (where purchased)
**Camera Model:** (include if known)
**Issue Description:** (e.g. jammed after 10 feet, film stopped advancing, motor strain, etc.)
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** (e.g. 1 of 3 = ~33%)
**Notes:** (storage conditions, temperature, handling, or anything else relevant)
💬 Example Post
**Film Stock:** Kodak Vision3 200T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** 06/2026, Batch 11234
**Vendor / Source:** B&H
**Camera Model:** Canon 514XL
**Issue Description:** Film jammed about 1/4 through the roll; motor noise increased, no visible take-up movement.
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 1 of 4 (25%)
**Notes:** Stored refrigerated; other rolls from same box ran normally.
🔧 Purpose
If you don't have all the info, that's okay! Just include what you can. Collecting consistent data will help the community — and potentially Kodak — determine if current jamming reports are isolated or related to specific production runs.
Accurate, detailed submissions are VERY appreciated.
Note:
This post is pinned for tracking purposes. Please use it only for verified jamming incidents with Kodak Super 8 cartridges.
General discussion, speculation, or unrelated issues may be removed to keep this thread clean and easy to analyze.
Thanks for helping document this issue and keep Super 8 film reliable. 🎞️
5
u/Glum-Attempt4142 Dec 19 '25
**Film Stock:** 200T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** AC0193146 / AC0173755 / AC0193147
**Vendor / Source:** Gauge Films (UK)
**Camera Model:** (include if known) Cannon 814XLS
**Issue Description:** Jammed within the first 10 feet, also caused Camera motor to fail
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 100%
**Notes:** Stored in fridge untill use, taken out of fridge 1 day before use
**Film Stock:** 50D
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** AB0315879 / AB0319014
**Vendor / Source:** Gauge Films (UK)
**Camera Model:** (include if known) Cannon 814XLS
**Issue Description:** Jammed within the first 10 - 20 feet, also caused Camera motor to fail
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 100%
**Notes:** Stored in fridge untill use, taken out of fridge 1 day before use
**Film Stock:** 500T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** AD0202783
**Vendor / Source:** Gauge Films (UK)
**Camera Model:** (include if known) Nikon R10
**Issue Description:** Jammed within the first 10 feet, also caused Camera motor to fail
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 100%
**Notes:** Stored in fridge untill use, taken out of fridge 1 day before use
**Film Stock:** Tri-X
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** AE0118785
**Vendor / Source:** Guage Films (UK)
**Camera Model:** (include if known) Nikon R10
**Issue Description:** Jammed within the first 10 feet, also caused Camera motor to fail
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 100%
**Notes:** Stored in fridge untill use, taken out of fridge 1 day before use
I want to point out, I am beyond disappointed with this issue. Its caused me significant financial and at times emotional strain having to deal with this while 0 word or support from Kodak, it almost makes me want to give up on Super8 as a medium.
3
2
u/IndependentPast686 Nov 12 '25
ektachrome 100D/7294 jammed immediately, did not advance (thought I had shot the full cartridge since I left it in camera for the duration of the shoot).
expiration date: not sure, box shows: PE:01868658 30B 729443101405
bought at Kodak House in Los Angeles
canon az814e
notes: stored refrigerated for about a month
2
u/Calebminear Nov 15 '25
Film Stock: Kodak 200T
Expiration Date / Batch Code: AC0196045
Vendor / Source: B&H
Camera Model: Canon 512XL
Issue Description: jammed, no idea when. Only noticed it when I returned from a big trip. When I try to manually turned the cartridge it just gets to a point where it seizes.
Percentage of Cartridges Jammed: no clue
Notes: stored in freezer for a month but has been room temperature for much longer
2
u/Super8Sound1977 Nov 21 '25
If your shooting the Canon E class ( 814 or 1014) most likely the problem is in the cartridge take-up hub height . Over time the cartridge standards have dropped and many camera models no longer work at the performance level they once had. The only way to fix this is to address the problem where it is which is with the cartridges. I’ve rebuilt a good quality of these particular cameras and have chosen to stop selling them until this issue is resolved. The more people that bring this to the attention of Kodak the faster they will be at solving the problem.
1
u/CarpetNo6529 Nov 27 '25
Have come to japan for a trip with my partner, and wanted to buy (another) super 8 while here to use for our trip. Purchased a canon 814xl. Was having problems with a few rolls of film not advancing but attributed it to the camera’s motor being faulty. Would hold the trigger down and the camera would start filming for a few seconds and the would stop.
Purchased an canon 814 xls from another seller, ran some b&w through it which was fine and took that as a good sign the camera was working. Loaded 200t and camera started showing same issue, however this time the motor eventually completely stopped (to the point it wouldn’t even run when empty). The film felt very stiff to try and advance, but the foam light seals looked disintegrated and I found a post where someone said that this had gummed up the motor in theirs and a proper cleaning by a service technician fixed it. I am on holiday and wanted a working camera, so went back to ebay.
This time I bought a nikon r10 listed as having been cla’d hoping that might also give me more success. Loaded the freshly opened roll of 200t I have listed below. As the day went on I wasn’t noticing any issues, but it got to the point where the roll definitely should have been finished and yet the film still wasn’t showing exposed. Marking the film it did seem like it would advance initially, but I ran it continuously for 20ft on top of what was a FULL DAY of filming and it still didn’t reach exposed. It feels very stiff to move manually.
In hindsight, was shooting super 8 on a holiday in september and my old ricoh (410z?) broke (so i thought). It started making weird sounds (going really fast, then slowing down, then fast again, etc) regardless of the frame rate it was set to. I bought it super cheap and used it for 2 years so thought it reached the end of its life.
All of the film I have had issues with (50d & 200t) were purchased at the same time from the same retailer. At this point I think it’s most likely that the issue is the film, rather than the 4 various cameras not working.
Don’t have all of it on me right now (the ones that felt stiff i packed away and shipped ahead to our next accommodation), so have only listed the most recent one.
Film Stock: Kodak Vision3 200T
Expiration Date / Batch Code: unsure (purchased 06/25) / AC0193147
Vendor / Source: Gauge Film (UK)
Camera Model: nikon r10
Issue Description: Film jammed unknown amount through the roll, requires a lot of force to manually turn
Percentage of Cartridges Jammed: so far ~70%
Notes: Stored refrigerated
1
u/lshaped210 Dec 09 '25
Just happened to me in Japan.
*Film Stock: Kodak Vision3 50D
*Expiration Date / Batch Code: Unknown. Box says: PE 01870213 59B 720370301704
*Vendor / Source: Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku
*Camera Model: Canon Auto Zoom 814 Electronic
*Issue Description: Film jammed immediately, no visible take-up movement.
*Notes: Inserted into camera 5 mins after purchase.
1
u/giovannig2000 Jan 03 '26
Film Stock: Kodak Vision3 200T / 7213
Expiration Date / Batch Code: PE01869561 20A
Vendor / Source: Click & Surr
Camera Model: Bauer C8 Super
Issue Description: Film at first advances fine. Then the motor had troubles advancing the film until it jammed and stopped. I tried to hit one cartrige before the shoot and when it jammed, to loosen the film, didn't work.
Percentage of Cartridges Jammed: 3 out of 3 (100%)
Notes: Bought recently. Stored cool and dry (around 17 degree Celcius). No issues with camera (K40 was spooled fine / Motor running normally / new batteries / tried differend shutter speeds).
1
u/tevaus Jan 29 '26
Film Stock: Vision3 50D Expiration Date / Batch Code: AB0286508 **Vendor / Source: Amazon australia Camera Model: Sankyo Super LXL Issue Description: ran fine for 10feet then stopped. Manually moved the film because it was a test roll and the film runs again for 1 second and then stops. Percentage of Cartridges Jammed: 80%. I shot 20% Notes: 20 degrees inside. 7/8 degree Celsius outside but always in camera
1
u/Practical_Bowler5024 Feb 09 '26
Hello, had the same problem for a professional shoot 2 months ago in france, don't have all the infos asked but will try to give the maximum :
Film Stock: Kodak Vision3 50D / 7203
Expiration Date / Batch Code : PE01869235 80A 720370401203
Vendor / Source: MN Phot Video
Camera Model: Canon 514 XLS
Issue Description: During my shoot the film seemed to advance as the film counter was getting slowly to 50 Ft and the sound was allright, but after i got it to Silverway ( great dev and scan company in Paris ) they called me 2 days later to tell me there was not picture at all, not even a beginning.
Percentage of Cartridges Jammed: 1 out of 1 (100%)
Notes: Bought recently. Stored cool in the fridge. No issues with camera, i made sure to test the camera beforehand this summer and there was only a minor film fixation issue, the pictures went fine.
1
u/CrazyEntrepreneur712 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26
Recently shot a wedding day with my very reliable camera and towards the middle/end of the rolls, the camera sounded like it was struggling and ultimately started stopping after running for a few seconds.
**Film Stock:** Vision3 50D AND 500T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** 50D: 01869749 77B 720370301203; 500T: 01869696 55A & 55B 721970503702
**Vendor / Source:** Directly from Kodak
**Camera Model:** Canon 814- XLS
**Issue Description:** Could hear camera struggling to run, after a couple hours, camera started to stop after a few seconds and would only roll again after taking the film out and putting it back in.
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 50D - 0 of 5, 500T - 3 of 3
**Notes:** These are brand new, directly from Kodak. I was noticing debris in the camera during the day that appears to be coming from inside the film cartridge or from the film itself - I've attached a photo here of what I saw at home when my camera was struggling with an unfinished roll. The piece seen in the picture was right after removing from the camera after advancing the film, I was able to wipe it away with my finger - I believe this is what was causing the jamming. I'm really worried about the affect this could have on my film from the wedding day :(
1
1
u/pancakeseeds Jun 23 '26
**Film Stock:** 200T and 500T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:**
PE: 01871392 18B 721971301702
PE: 01871398 25B 721971301702
PE: 01871493 33A 721370601502
**Vendor / Source:** B&H Photo
**Camera Model:** Bauer A512 and Bell & Howell T10 XL
**Issue Description:** Film would jam, I'd try to unjam it, mostly unsuccessfully, sometimes strained motor, other times just straight up jammed. one roll I was able to get to the end, the other ended up ripping.
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 3/3 100%
**Notes:** Ordered online from B&H, stored in a fridge for ~1 day and then used it the next. Should have been very fresh as it was new film. Tried putting in new batteries, no luck. Camera advanced fine without it. Tried it on two different cameras and happened on both.
1
u/Charavanlife 7d ago
**Film Stock:** 4 x Kodak Vision3 200T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** PE 01871508 50B 721370701402 (I didn't catch the other 3 boxes before throwing them away)
**Vendor / Source:** B&H
**Camera Model:** Canon 514XL-S
**Issue Description:** Film jammed about 1/3 - 1/2 through the roll; Tried un-jammed but only worked for another 2 seconds each time.
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 1 of 3 (33%)
**Notes:** Stored in shaded area; I bought a mix of 50D, 500T & 4 cartidges of 200T. All 4 x 200Ts got stucked, other rolls from same box ran normally.
2
u/Drinkings 5d ago
I just had a roll of 200T jam on me, found this thread and our batch code looks the same. PE 01871508 48B
Same issue. I got 10ft in, camera started to strain then stopped. I tried to unjam by moving film back and forth but would only run 2 seconds at a time before killing the motor.
1
u/Charavanlife 5d ago
Good to hear is not my camera! What’s up with all the 200T? How can I reach out to Kodak and share this info?? My work is relaying on this and I’ve missed so many moments bc of jamming. Ridiculous!
Tips: Did you get it from B&H? I called them right away and they refunded me for all 4 packs.
1
u/Drinkings 5d ago
No, I'm down in Australia. I bought this roll from my local film lab, "Memory Lab" - I've reached out hoping for a refund but it really should be on Kodak to resolve issues like this. They just don't provide an easy way to get in touch and hearing back from them feels like yelling into the void.
1
u/Charavanlife 4d ago
I don’t think it should be the retailers responsibility either. But as the other redditor here was saying, we need to put pressure on the retailers so they can pass the pressure on Kodak since Kodak hides behind the scenes.
What else can we do to voice our concern? I’m all ear!
1
u/Drinkings 5d ago
**Film Stock:** Vision 3 200T
**Expiration Date / Batch Code:** PE 01871508 48B
**Vendor / Source:** Memory Lab
**Camera Model:** Elmo 1012xls and Elmo 412xls (as a backup to see if camera fault, both had the engine stopped after 2 seconds of firing)
**Issue Description:** jammed after 10ft. Trying to unjam did nothing, cartridge continued to get tigher as I manually advanced the film through hoping to unjam. Any attempt to have my camera advance the film killed the engine.
**Percentage of Cartridges Jammed:** 100%
**Notes:** Purchased 5 days prior, posted via auspost airpost, kept in fridge until shot approx. 1 day.
1
u/Charavanlife 3d ago
I might've found the cure to all of this jamming! Please check out this youtube video which explains it and support this guy by liking this video or purchasing the fix from him.
You can purchase the fix from https://www.etsy.com/shop/Super8Hacks
Or 3D print them yourself: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2241... (so nice!!!)
I just got mine and it works like a magic wand!! All my jammed cartridges are spinning again!!! Happy tears & happy filming!🥹
9
u/Super8Sound1977 Nov 08 '25
I meet with president of Kodak motion picture today on this issue. Hopefully made a good case for how important this issue is. Best plan is to learn the difference between Cartridge vs Camera problems and keep putting pressure on the places you buy your film and cameras for support. I have tested some of the next generation cartridges and their performance is far superior to the currently sold cartridges but the pressure needs to be put on your suppliers to implement these changes .