MR

Have a lot of old 8mm films and want to convert them to DVDs..
Have no idea where to start...

Any suggestions?

Anyone know the process of how it works?
Or can it be done?

tater1977 wrote:Have a lot of old 8mm films and want to convert them to DVDs..
Have no idea where to start...

Any suggestions?

Anyone know the process of how it works?
Or can it be done?

If your video card isn't up to snuff with the right connections, you can buy something like one of those dazzler units at the computer store and do it that way.

http://www.frys.com/product/6217370?sit ... IN_RSLT_PG

If you aren't really tech savy and don't mind paying to get it done right, have someone else do it.

http://www.walgreensdvd.com/Available_T ... vices.aspx

I've got the machine that transfers VHS to DVDs..but for lol some reason...I think
there is going to be more detail in this...

Thanks Don. Will look at those websites and see if I want to do it or get some help..

Might try Walgreens first...Their price isn't too bad $24.99 / reel...

If they can just get it on DVD...I can do the rest and add audio later...

Taking 1 reel up there tomorrow and see what happens..

Thanks

if you decide you don't like the Walgreens transfers (no idea how they do it), i know someone in Richmond, VA who has a professional frame-by-frame machine that has done transfers for me before, and depending on what camera shot the film, and how good the film has been preserved, you can get some REALLY nice looking transfers. I know you aren't dealing with 16mm, but he has done some transfers of that film for me that looks just gorgeous with the detail that machine can bring out. He's not the cheapest option out there (unless you happen to have some vintage railroad films in there!), but if it needs to look good, he's the best I've found. PM me if you need details.

kgdjpubs wrote:if you decide you don't like the Walgreens transfers (no idea how they do it), i know someone in Richmond, VA who has a professional frame-by-frame machine that has done transfers for me before, and depending on what camera shot the film, and how good the film has been preserved, you can get some REALLY nice looking transfers. I know you aren't dealing with 16mm, but he has done some transfers of that film for me that looks just gorgeous with the detail that machine can bring out. He's not the cheapest option out there (unless you happen to have some vintage railroad films in there!), but if it needs to look good, he's the best I've found. PM me if you need details.

Thanks..Will keep ya in mind if Walgreens doesn't work out. I know they are the old
8mm reels from like in the 1960s. Dad had an old metallic gray 8mm camera I believe.
Its sitting with the reels. Will have to take a look tomorrow...lol now you got me curious...
The old projector is with it all and the screen is there maybe...will have to look.
The film ..if I remember correctly...has some splices ..yea with the old trusty scotch tape
on them...

Thanks

tater1977 wrote:

kgdjpubs wrote:if you decide you don't like the Walgreens transfers (no idea how they do it), i know someone in Richmond, VA who has a professional frame-by-frame machine that has done transfers for me before, and depending on what camera shot the film, and how good the film has been preserved, you can get some REALLY nice looking transfers. I know you aren't dealing with 16mm, but he has done some transfers of that film for me that looks just gorgeous with the detail that machine can bring out. He's not the cheapest option out there (unless you happen to have some vintage railroad films in there!), but if it needs to look good, he's the best I've found. PM me if you need details.

Thanks..Will keep ya in mind if Walgreens doesn't work out. I know they are the old
8mm reels from like in the 1960s. Dad had an old metallic gray 8mm camera I believe.
Its sitting with the reels. Will have to take a look tomorrow...lol now you got me curious...
The old projector is with it all and the screen is there maybe...will have to look.
The film ..if I remember correctly...has some splices ..yea with the old trusty scotch tape
on them...

Thanks

Definitely shop around. Besides Wal-Mart most chain drug stores can do it also, not to mention camera shops and other places.

Don wrote:

tater1977 wrote:

kgdjpubs wrote:if you decide you don't like the Walgreens transfers (no idea how they do it), i know someone in Richmond, VA who has a professional frame-by-frame machine that has done transfers for me before, and depending on what camera shot the film, and how good the film has been preserved, you can get some REALLY nice looking transfers. I know you aren't dealing with 16mm, but he has done some transfers of that film for me that looks just gorgeous with the detail that machine can bring out. He's not the cheapest option out there (unless you happen to have some vintage railroad films in there!), but if it needs to look good, he's the best I've found. PM me if you need details.

Thanks..Will keep ya in mind if Walgreens doesn't work out. I know they are the old
8mm reels from like in the 1960s. Dad had an old metallic gray 8mm camera I believe.
Its sitting with the reels. Will have to take a look tomorrow...lol now you got me curious...
The old projector is with it all and the screen is there maybe...will have to look.
The film ..if I remember correctly...has some splices ..yea with the old trusty scotch tape
on them...

Thanks

Definitely shop around. Besides Wal-Mart most chain drug stores can do it also, not to mention camera shops and other places.

Just remember if you shop around to ask HOW they are doing the transfers. I've seen many a transfer done (even by "professional" video companies) that is nothing more than setting up the projector and screen, and using a camera on tripod to zoom in on the screen and press record. No surprise that you lose a LOT of resolution by doing it that way. It will get you a picture, but you are in well below VHS quality. Depending on what shot it, and how well the film has been preserved, 8mm can look pretty good. If it happens to be Super8 film, it's even better.

kgdjpubs wrote:

Don wrote:

tater1977 wrote:

kgdjpubs wrote:if you decide you don't like the Walgreens transfers (no idea how they do it), i know someone in Richmond, VA who has a professional frame-by-frame machine that has done transfers for me before, and depending on what camera shot the film, and how good the film has been preserved, you can get some REALLY nice looking transfers. I know you aren't dealing with 16mm, but he has done some transfers of that film for me that looks just gorgeous with the detail that machine can bring out. He's not the cheapest option out there (unless you happen to have some vintage railroad films in there!), but if it needs to look good, he's the best I've found. PM me if you need details.

Thanks..Will keep ya in mind if Walgreens doesn't work out. I know they are the old
8mm reels from like in the 1960s. Dad had an old metallic gray 8mm camera I believe.
Its sitting with the reels. Will have to take a look tomorrow...lol now you got me curious...
The old projector is with it all and the screen is there maybe...will have to look.
The film ..if I remember correctly...has some splices ..yea with the old trusty scotch tape
on them...

Thanks

Definitely shop around. Besides Wal-Mart most chain drug stores can do it also, not to mention camera shops and other places.

Just remember if you shop around to ask HOW they are doing the transfers. I've seen many a transfer done (even by "professional" video companies) that is nothing more than setting up the projector and screen, and using a camera on tripod to zoom in on the screen and press record. No surprise that you lose a LOT of resolution by doing it that way. It will get you a picture, but you are in well below VHS quality. Depending on what shot it, and how well the film has been preserved, 8mm can look pretty good. If it happens to be Super8 film, it's even better.

Good idea..thanks...They've been stored in airtight containers as far as I know..