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How to Convert 8mm to Digital Devices

8mm films were an older generation's means of recording footage. Years ago, an 8mm film projector was the only way to play back and view the filmed footage. But converting the film to digital format affords archiving and playback of footage on various digital devices. You may seek a professional video service to do your conversion. The quality of the digitized output depends on the amount you invest in the service. A do-it-yourself process requires simple preparations and steps that you can do at home.

Things You'll Need

  • 8mm projector
  • 8mm films for copying
  • Room to use for projection
  • White screen
  • Thick clothes or boards for covering doors and windows
  • Film cleaner
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Digital video camera with USB or FireWire connection to the computer
  • USB of FireWire connector
  • Tripod
  • Computer
  • Video editing software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the 8mm film projector inside a suitable room where you can record the footage using a digital video camera. Whether the projector is borrowed, bought or brought from your stock room after many years, it is best to first clean it using soft, lint-free cloth. In the same way, clean the film print using a separate soft, lint-free cloth dampened with film cleaner. This is typically available in film shops. An 8mm film projector is usually available in vintage camera shops, Goodwill stores, eBay and various online stores.

    • 2

      Prepare the white screen, cloth or the white wall in the room to serve as your movie screen. Block all unwanted light sources including the light passing through windows and doors. Cover them with thick cloths or boards to make the room as dark as a regular movie theater.

    • 3

      Set up the projector in front of the white screen. Load the projector and make a test playback so you can adjust your projector's height and distance to the screen as well as the focus and brightness of the played back footage. Secure the projector on a stable and flat surface.

    • 4

      Prepare the camera to use for the digital recording of the footage from the 8mm film. Ideally, set up the camera right next to the projector so you achieve a similar angle when shooting the footage from the screen. Secure the camera on a tripod, then do a test shoot to adjust the zoom, focus and exposure prior to actual recording. Plug the camera to an electric outlet to avoid accidental shutdown during recording due to drained battery.

    • 5

      Turn off the lights, then press "Record" on your camera. Follow this with the pressing of the "Play" button on your projector. After about 20 seconds, stop the recording and playback. Check your newly-recorded footage for any problem and adjust your camera and/or projector accordingly.

    • 6

      Start the official playback of footage on the white screen. Record this footage with the video camera.

    • 7

      Press the "Stop" button after finishing the recording.

    • 8

      Connect the camera to the computer using a USB or FireWire cable to digitize the footage.

    • 9

      "Capture" or "Import" the video from the camera to the computer using video editing software.

    • 10

      Export or convert the original video to an appropriate video file format that your target digital device can read and play. Popular formats used in most multimedia devices include .MOV, .MP4, .WMV and .AVI.

    • 11

      Connect your digital device to the computer using a USB cable or via Bluetooth connection. Transfer the video file from the computer to the device.

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