8mm film to DVD

[1rovert]

I have lots of reels of 8mm film, to get a firm to do the job will cost a mint. Is there anyone out there, who can give me any advice on how it can be done?? Ta!

[Buenchico]

Have you got an 8mm projector? Have you got a digital video camera?

Basically, all you need to do is to project the film onto a screen and then video what's on the screen. You can buy a special device which is meant to improve the results (although these can be hard to find). Basically, it's just a box which uses a mirror to back-project the film onto a screen which you then video. However, digital video is better able to cope with low contrast ratios than analogue video can, so you should be able to get reasonable results direct from a small cine screen.

If you've not got an 8mm projector, they're usually fairly cheap in secondhand shops or on eBay. (Remember that there are two 8mm formats: Standard 8 and Super 8. You need to ensure that the projector is compatible with your film). Alternatively, try a 'wanted' ad in your local free-ads paper or on supermarket noticeboards. (There must be thousands of people who've got an unused 8mm projector somewhere in their house).

If you've not got a digital video camera, now's the time to start asking around your friends, relatives and work colleagues. Someone should have a camera they can lend you. (There are a few shops who will hire one to you but this shouldn't be necessary. Most people only use their camcorder a few times a year. Lending it to a friend won't inconvenience them at all and, if you offer a small payment, they could benefit from the arrangement).

Once you've captured the image as digital video, you can then transfer it to your PC and burn it to a DVD. (That might require changing the file format. This will depend upon the original file format used by the video recorder and whether you're trying to make a DVD just to use on your PC or one which will play on any DVD recorder. Once you've got the video onto your PC, you can post here again if you need help with the file transfer).

Chris

[1rovert]

Thanks Chris:
I am an ex projectionist, and know about all the sizes of 8mm film there are (there is also 9.5mm).
I understand all you have said, and know how to do it.
I know what your going tosay "Then why didn't you do it". Your are right, but beleive it or not I'd forgotten (I am 71, and was doing all this in 1946).
So thank you for reminding me, it was kind of you to give an answer. Incedentlly! would a digital camera do, I have one that takes cine.
Thanks again,
JR.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for your reply.

Theoretically you could use the video facility on a 'stills' digital camera but the image quality isn't usually very good and, more importantly, the maximum recording time is often very limited. However, since you've already got the camera it might be worth giving it a try.

Chris

[deso]

Digital cameras generally only record movies at around 15fps so the result would be a bit "Charlie Chaplin" like. Best to use a video cam if possible.