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How to Convert 8Mm Film to Video

Properly transferring film to videotape requires an understanding of frame rates. Film displays at 24 frames per second, while video records at 30 frames per second. This disparity between frame rates results in image flicker when you attempt to use a video camera to record the projected film image. Because early television required using film as a primary resource, engineers created a device known as a “telecine” that used a specially designed shutter in the film projector to eliminate the flicker associated with different frame rates. 8mm telecine projectors are available for the home movie hobbyist.

Things You'll Need

  • 8mm telecine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the 8mm telecine projector on a flat surface level with a tripod mounted video camera.

    • 2

      Mount a camcorder on a photo tripod and point the camera towards the telecine condenser lens.

    • 3

      Thread the projector with the 8mm film you wish to convert to video.

    • 4

      Place the projector in the “Forward Run” mode to begin projecting the film image into the condenser lens.

    • 5

      Focus the projected image on the condenser lens by adjusting the focus ring on the film projector.

    • 6

      Turn on the camcorder, insert a video tape and focus the camcorder on the image that appears in the telecine condenser lens. Be sure the entire image fills the camera viewfinder.

    • 7

      Rewind the film to the beginning.

    • 8

      Press the record button on the camcorder and return the film projector to the “Forward Run” position.

    • 9

      When the film has finished, stop the recording on the camcorder. Repeat as needed until your 8mm films are transferred.

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