8mm film comes on reels that are placed in a camera or on a projector.
Transferring 8mm film to video is not for the technologically challenged. The process involves getting the images from the traditional celluloid film reels and recording them on a digital video medium. It is typically a job for a professional with specialized film scanning equipment. It is possible, however, to do it yourself. The results will largely depend the equipment you use and your understanding of video imaging technology.
Instructions
1. Set up the projector. Set the speed of the projector at 20 frames per second (fps) for the film to properly sync up the speed at which digital video cameras record. The distance from the projector to the screening surface will depend on the brightness of the bulb and the lens in the projector. Try various distances to gauge both the brightness of the image and its clarity. You want to err on the brighter side because your video camera's technology will record a darker image.
2. Set up the room. Turn off all the lights in the room and cover up any windows that might allow light to pass into the room. Make sure your screening surface is flat and still. Any creases or movement in the surface will turn up in your video.
3. Place the video camera adjacent to the projector so the angle of viewing remains the same. Connect the proper cable from the projector to your video camera if you are recording sound as well. Examine the types of cables needed on both devices. They are both likely to be RCA cables. Set your input settings on your camera to record the sound coming in from this input. Consult the manual for your specific camera.
4. Hit the record button on your video camera. Start projecting your 8mm film reel. If you have Super 8 film, as opposed to 8mm film, the aspect ratio will be a bit different on the video screen.
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