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How to Digitize a 35mm Movie

To digitize 35mm film, professionals use a very expensive machine called a telecine. Telecine transfers can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so, for most people, this process is out of the question. A much cheaper way to digitize 35mm film is to use a simple play and shoot process involving a 35mm projector and a consumer grade digital video camera. There are many different digital video cameras available to the consumer, but for its low cost and ease of operation, a Mini DV camera is recommended.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital video camera (Mini DV recommended)
  • 35mm projector
  • Projection screen
  • Tripod
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your 35mm projector and load your 35mm film print.

    • 2

      Set up your projection screen. If you do not have access to a projection screen, a clean white wall or large piece of butcher paper, though not preferred, are acceptable stand-ins.

    • 3

      Turn on the projector and line up its frame to the projection screen.

    • 4

      Set up a tripod beside the 35mm projector and mount your digital video camera on it.

    • 5

      Turn on the digital camera and line it up to the projection screen.

    • 6

      Start the digital camera recording, then start the 35mm film.

    • 7

      Wait for the 35mm film to play through completely, turn off the projector and then turn off the video camera. Rewind and playback the digital tape to verify the digitized recording of the 35mm film.

    • 8

      Connect your digital camera to your computer and download the digitized version of the 35mm film to your hard drive. You can then edit and further digitize your recording.

Film Production

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