Know Your Gauge

Not sure which is which? Check below to find out more about the different film gauges most commonly used in New Zealand.

35mm film
35mm film stock has been recognised as the international standard film gauge since 1909. Originally made from highly flammable cellulose nitrate, since 1952 in New Zealand, safety acetate film stock has been used in its manufacture. Remarkably versatile, the gauge has been adapted to include sound and colour, and to accommodate various widescreen formats as well as digital sound.

28mm film
Introduced by the Pathé Film Company in 1912 under the name Pathé Kok, 28mm reached New Zealand in 1913. Marketed for home use, 28mm was made from diacetate film stock rather than the flammable nitrate. Production of the gauge ceased in Europe during World War I and in America in 1920.

16mm film
Introduced into New Zealand by Kodak in 1926, 16mm film was quickly taken up by both professional and amateur film makers. Many films made on 35mm were reduced to 16mm for use in schools through the National Film Library lending service.

9.5mm film
Introduced by Pathé Frères in 1922 as part of the Pathé Baby system, 9.5mm film was as an inexpensive format to copy commercial films onto for home entertainment. A 9.5mm camera was introduced soon after. The system was introduced to New Zealand in 1923. 9.5mm film is easily recognisable by its centrally positioned perforations.

Standard 8mm film
Developed by the Eastman Kodak company during the Great Depression as a cheaper alternative to 16mm. Standard 8mm has been available in New Zealand since 1932. Standard 8mm can be identified by its perforations which sit on the frame line.

Super 8mm film
Introduced in 1965 Super 8mm can be distinguished from Standard 8mm by its larger frame size and smaller perforations, which allows for a better quality picture.