I shot the F1 Australian Grand Prix on Super 8mm film!

The was the first time I’ve ever used Super 8mm film. After exploring analog 35mm film for the past year or so, I thought it was about time I use film in a video form.

After two free tickets to the Formula One landed in my lap, I gave my friend, Tim, a call, borrowed his camera for the day and set out on a small adventure.

Alongside the Super 8mm camera, I brought my 35mm camera and some ILFORD Black and White film.

A black racing car on a race track with blurred background of grandstands and fencing.

My overall experience, with shooting the Australian Grand Prix was decent. I say decent because it wasn’t great nor bad.

Without getting media access you’re often stuck behind fences, walls or objects that disrupt the shots you’re aiming for. It makes it tough.

On top of this, there’s a heck of a lot of people. Busy crowds, all searching for the best view of the track, limited our options for watching. We were lucky enough to have grandstand seats however, capturing cars from a range of angles was difficult.

Crowd of people gathered outside the Fangio Grandstand at a racing event on a sunny day.
People sitting and posing in front of a secured area with a large camera and equipment on a tripod, with a sign indicating they are security personnel at Qatar Airways.
A person wearing a white safety helmet and a flag draped over their shoulders walking past a metal fence at a sports stadium during daytime.
A black and white photo of people sitting and walking along a shaded riverside walkway with trees. In the background, a city skyline with tall buildings and palm trees is visible across the water.

The luxury of using a Super 8mm film camera is that poor views don’t matter a whole lot. I like to believe that imperfections are what gives images life.

As you can see in the content above and below, is a raw, unfiltered perspective of the day. It encapsulates the real experience of watching F1 live from the track.

Black and white photo of two officials in safety vests standing by a gated entrance to a race track, behind the gate are bleachers filled with spectators and a tent. There is a sign warning against entry to restricted areas and mentioning penalties.