You can use a loupe or a large magnifying glass to view 8mm film, but this method only provides a brief preview. Carefully pull out the film beyond the leader (white starter tape) to see what's on the first few frames of footage. You'll need a high-powered magnifying glass of at least 10x for this to work.

One of the reasons why the two aren't interchangeable, despite both technically being 8mm film, is because Super 8 film's picture reel (not the actual strip itself but the picture image portion on the reel) is nearly 1.5 mm wider and 1mm taller than standard 8mm film.

High Powered Magnifier One of the most affordable and easy options is to simply use a high-powered magnifier to view your 8mm film reels. You can even use a magnifying glass or a loupe, which is a small magnifier, to view the film.

8mm films may be wound onto reels for easier handling. Films should then be placed in chemically inert, polypropylene film containers. Archival film containers promote air circulation and protect against dust, water, and sunlight.