THE YEAR THAN YASHICA CHANGED HIS MIND.

When both super-8 and single-8 were introduced, in 1965, Yashica made only 7.000 cameras of the TL30 camera for single-8, prior to change to super-8 in 1966. More than 50 years later the camera is still in working condition. 

MUTASCAN IS ALIVE AND WELL.

The small Finnish company Mutascan has made a name for itself over the last few years not only by selling cheap motion picture film equipment, but also by processing and scanning with great quality at very reasonable prices.

Two or three months ago there were rumours that the company had gone bankrupt. As I had developed two or three cartridges in April, with complete efficiency, I decided to send them a roll of Ektachrome some weeks ago.

Well, friends, no bankruptcy: I received it perfectly processed (although not as quickly as before). But this is the proof than Mutascan is fully operational and is, without a doubt, the best alternative for filmmakers in Scandinavian countries.

Although they are not as fast as before, their processing is very clean. The point they need to improve is the response to the customer: you cannot leave filmmakers without news of their work for weeks. 

I will continue to use Mutascan's services occasionally, but also I will working with Frank Bruisma, from Reversal Lab, in Holland, who does a very good job, returning the material well sorted and adding polyester tails to the films. 

For large jobs, I will also continue working with Andec Cinegrell, in Germany,  as they are undoubtedly the best lab in Europe for larger orders, and when there are more than ten cartridges they offer very reasonable discounts.

For extreme speed, with overnight development and scanning, in Spain, the best option is Retrolab, which works mainly for advertising agencies.

And, whenever I have time, of course, I will continue to develop myself, and for this reason I have already ordered a new one Jobo processing machine (same one used by Marwan Mozayen of Silvergrain Classics).

Post Scriptum: Mutascan may be in financial trouble, but they are still processing film today. What we need to do is help small companies like this survive when they need it most

For maximum discretion, I sent this cartridge with the name of my assistant Alex (Alejandro): in this way I ensured anonymous treatment.