What do I need to convert 8mm reels to DVD?

WildHorse

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2003
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Maybe 40 or 50 old 8mm reel-to-reel films of girlftiends' family stuff from circa 1960s to 1970s, in boxes in her parents' garage.

She wants to pass out DVDs at Christmas. I don't know how much film footage, but most of the reels look pretty full.

What equipment do I need to get in order to convert reel-to-reel films to digital, so they can be burned to DVDs with my desktop computers?

I expect this to be a once-in-my-lifetime job, so don't need fancy gear.

What is needed? Is it available for short term rental? Or can I buy it used? Where?

I'm not a video person, and don't know anything at all in this area.

If you don't know the specifics, then can anybody please suggest where I can get further guidance?

Thank you.

 

montypythizzle

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
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You are going to need some kind of capture card, and I doubt those old 8MM players had composite and stereo or mono RCA out, or did they?
 

WildHorse

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2003
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montypythizzle,

Thank you for responding.

All I know is that her dad has an ancient reel-to-reel projector. It was probably already old when he got it, so I'd guess it's from the 1950s.

It only shines light through the film for projection onto a reflection screen, and it gives sound. There's no digital output.

I have video cards & cables for various desktop computers here, so that end of the hardware is covered. As for what equipment is needed to convert the reel-to-reel 8mm film to digital so it can be captured into a file on the computer, I need help.

And if I need something more than Nero v6.6 to do something to the digital files prior to DVD burning, I need guidance there too.
 

RPB

Senior member
Oct 16, 1999
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I did this by running the film on the projector and shooting it from the screen with a tripoded camcorder.

Then connected camcorder output to video capture card input.

Created DVD with ulead dvd movie factory.

DVD Flick is a free program that also works well.

The films i did were silent so i didn't connect the audio cables durring capture to get rid of the sound of the projector.

While not very professional it did save the video from deteriorating any more than it already had.

I should add this takes alot of time but you probably allready guessed that.