RARE SQUARE KODAK SUPER-8 SPOOLS

Those of us who filmed in Super-8 still remember the ritual: opening the Kodak lab envelope and finding the classic round 15-meter (50-foot) Kodachrome reel, protected by its familiar circular yellow or black plastic cap. It was part of the identity of the format, almost a ceremony.

That’s why I was astonished when, thanks to a generous gift from César Ballesteros of the well-respected firm Tested Super8 Cameras, I discovered something completely different: black Kodak reels inside a yellow plastic case… but square!

For someone who has lived a lifetime among emulsions, stumbling upon this variant feels almost like uncovering an unknown archaeological piece. And yet, beyond its rarity, the design is undeniably practical for archiving individual films that don’t need to be mounted on larger reels. This square version, manufactured in France, is a curiosity worth noting.

Now the mystery remains, one I share with my readers:
Was Kodachrome ever returned in square cases in other countries besides France?

Any clue or memory you might have will be most welcome to help shed light on this little piece of Super-8 history.