Old video reels

[ch33zw1z]

So a family member hands these to me and asks if I can convert them to digital...Any advice is helpful

Can I find a machine to convert them?

 

[Fardringle]

It's hard to tell just from the picture but it looks like those are old 16mm reels.

You can buy equipment that will convert them to digital but it is extremely expensive. You'd probably be better off paying an archival company to convert them for you. Even then, it is NOT cheap, so may not be worthwhile depending on what is on the film.

This is not a specific endorsement, but just an example of a company that does it:
https://archivalcompany.com/16mm-film.asp

 

[Oyeve]

man, I still have 8mm films of me as a kid in the mid 60s. In the 80s I found an old 8mm projector that I still pull out occasionally. A couple of years ago I used an HD camcorder and just recorded them playing off a white sheet. There was no sound so that didnt matter.

 

[ch33zw1z]

thanks guys

 

[queequeg99]

My father recently found a bunch of old 8mm reels that he converted. He used a company down in AZ and the results were very good. I'll have to update my post later today with the name of the outfit after I get home from work this evening. As I recall, the cost wasn't prohibitively expensive. However, it wasn't so cheap that he just sent everything he had. Instead, he ended up going through the reels with a projector and cut out those portions he really wanted. He ended up getting rid of about 1/3 of the footage.

Additionally, Costco also provides a tape-to-dvd conversion service through a 3rd party service they contract with. I don't know about the quality or pricing, but it is something to look into. Here's a link:

http://www.costcodvd.com/

 

[ch33zw1z]

Omg I never did this. Anyone have some more recommendations? Lol, gotta start the process soon

 

[Steltek]

Yeah, I could see that it is very urgent that you get this done as soon as possible...

In addition to the Costco link above, I know both Kodak and Walmart have conversion services as well. I also think Walgreens has one too. There are also 3rd party conversion companies like Southtree. My cousin's wife used them for some of their old family films, and she said she was satisfied with what she got back from them (though I've never seen the films myself).

One thing to consider is what shape the film is in. If it is dusty or dirty, you might want to consider looking for a conversion service that offers film cleaning/repair services. It would cost more, but you'd probably end up with a much better end result.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Yeah, I could see that it is very urgent that you get this done as soon as possible...

In addition to the Costco link above, I know both Kodak and Walmart have conversion services as well. I also think Walgreens has one too. There are also 3rd party conversion companies like Southtree. My cousin's wife used them for some of their old family films, and she said she was satisfied with what she got back from them (though I've never seen the films myself).

One thing to consider is what shape the film is in. If it is dusty or dirty, you might want to consider looking for a conversion service that offers film cleaning/repair services. It would cost more, but you'd probably end up with a much better end result.

Back in 2013, the cost was staggering based on available funds. 💩

Thanks for the info, I'll look into it!

 

[thesmokingman]

Back in 2013, the cost was staggering based on available funds. 💩

Thanks for the info, I'll look into it!

Just telesync it till you figure out an archival method. Hell the TS just might be good enough. Go rent a projector and a DV camera and go at it. The projector should have audio outs that you can plug into the camera, voila telesynced. I haven't done this in decades since school but you know movies are still being illegally cammed today.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Just telesync it till you figure out an archival method. Hell the TS just might be good enough. Go rent a projector and a DV camera and go at it. The projector should have audio outs that you can plug into the camera, voila telesynced. I haven't done this in decades since school but you know movies are still being illegally cammed today.

Not a bad idea, I'll keep it in mind.

Here's another one I will look into also: https://kodakdigitizing.com/products/16mm-conversion

 

[thesmokingman]

Not a bad idea, I'll keep it in mind.

Here's another one I will look into also: https://kodakdigitizing.com/products/16mm-conversion

I would go with one of the more pro and smaller shops so you can choose what you need or want like color/scratch correction, scan resolution, telecine, etc etc. You can also rent the digitizers if you're close to a metro area or like if you're in LA there are tons of shops that do it.

 

[ch33zw1z]

PlayitAgainVideo.com - Film, Video, Slides, Photo Transfer Experts since 1986

Film, Video, Slides, Photo Transfer Experts since 1986

playitagainvideo.com

I ended up going with this one. They have site in MA (where I'm located) that I can dropoff / pickup. It's $40 project charge and 32 cents per foot. So I didnt have to drive all the way to Newtown (other side of the state) but still close enough and small enough to get a personal feel to the interaction so far.

The site I dropped at says they've been doing quite a bit of stuff lately, they suspected it was due to covid and increased times spent at home.

 

[IronWing]

PlayitAgainVideo.com - Film, Video, Slides, Photo Transfer Experts since 1986

Film, Video, Slides, Photo Transfer Experts since 1986

playitagainvideo.com

I ended up going with this one. They have site in MA (where I'm located) that I can dropoff / pickup. It's $40 project charge and 32 cents per foot. So I didnt have to drive all the way to Newtown (other side of the state) but still close enough and small enough to get a personal feel to the interaction so far.

The site I dropped at says they've been doing quite a bit of stuff lately, they suspected it was due to covid and increased times spent at home.

$11.52/minute!

That has to be some damn fine porn!

 

[ch33zw1z]

$11.52/minute!

That has to be some damn fine porn!

Nothing so cool, just home videos on my in-laws first kiddo mostly (not my wife). I lol'd while diggin thru the reels and reading labels, cuz it's just like typical parents to record all sorts of shit from their first kid then nothing.