Convert Old 8mm Film to Video Using an HDSLR

Convert Old 8mm Film to Video Using an HDSLRIf you've been around long enough to know what 8mm films are, good chances you have some family footage somewhere in the attic.

James Miller, Designer and Photographer based in the UK came up with a clever way of converting 8mm footage to "modern" video using a full frame Canon 5D mark II, an old projector, some LEDs, and a broken lens.

The video how-to on Vimeo shows highlights of the build process and the description provides more detailed info.

The real smarts here is projecting the movie directly onto the sensor without a mediating screen (or a bedsheet if you're a regular reader :)

[via petapixel via planet 5D]

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Comments

Great

  • March 18, 2011
  • Anonymous

That's brilliant. Nicely shot video.

 

Creative

Amazing creativity :D

The video's very cool as well, thanks for the share

Dave of David's Simple Photography

http://reviews.davidleetong.com

Brilliant but are there sync issues?

I have been asked to transfer but only have a 30fps camcorder so this is a perfect excuse to upgrade to a new full frame.. Are there sync problems or frame slippage issues with long runs?

Synch?! That's a hoot!

Synch?! That's a hoot! There's no practical way to synch the camera to the projector. One might alleviate the issue by using a longer shutter speed. I dunno, I might be mistaken. Might be an interesting effect on its own.

I could think of a couple more improvements:

1. Use a high-CRI light source. LEDs are probably the worst option.

2. Use an achromatic doublet (like a close-up filter) in front of the projector's lens. I don't know the specifics of that Flek's rear group/element but it might not be ideal.

Good but...

  • January 19, 2012
  • David G

Hi, I think this solution is pretty briliant but honestl I prefer to give my old films to professionals that's the best way I' ve found to save my memories. My suggestion is www.homemoviedepot.com I think they're really good at their work and always at a vey good price. Try it and then let m know.

Bye. 

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