8mm film to video: what can I expect to pay and what questions to ask re quality?

Factual Questions
1

I have three small reels of 8 mm film that I desparately want to convert to video (they’re from the late '50’s and capture some childhood/family moments). Yesterday, I stopped by a local store that converts film and was given an estimate of “a couple hundred dollars.” I said, how about just one reel? About $80. I don’t know the length of the film, but the reels measure 2 3/4" across and are not quite full. One reel has two pieces (about 12" each) that broke off and need to be patched. I’ve done some web surfing and found a place that sounds good (they explain the procedure used and assure quality conversion) but don’t say how much. There are some more local places I can try, but before I do, what is reasonable in terms of cost and what questions should I ask in an effort to assure a quality conversion?

2

Assuming you have 3 * 400 ft reels (about 10 minutes worth each IIRC), you’re looking at about 10c a foot, or $120 for the conversion. Add $10 for splicing and $10 for the new VHS tapes, you’re looking at roughly $150. That price should include cleaning and lubricating the film.

A coulpe of good web sites are

http://www.film-to-video.com/ which gives reams of info (but they look really pricey)

and

http://www.audvidsvs.com/video.htm#film_to_tape which gives prices (but seem to offer a more basic service)

3

Thanks Colin, I’ll try those sites. I’d be willing to pay $150, so I’ll check around some more local places too.

4

You can do it yourself if you have a projector, a mirror made for this type of transfer & a camcorder. A little less quality than a store, but practically free. Once you get it on video, you can put it on your computer & change the quality.

5

Handy - I don’t have a projector, mirror,or camcorder (plus, I wouldn’t know how to put it on my computer and change the quality),but I found in the yellow pages a local video conversion place called “The Do-it-yourself Center.” I thought it unlikely that a complete novice such as I could do it myself but your post now has me reconsidering that option – I’ll call that place tomorrow. Thanks.

6

yesvideo.com in SF transfers video to CD, I don’t know if they do 8mm though. You could ask them. 2 hours of video put on cd is only about $40. CDs last a long time, video starts to turn to fuzz around 15 years. Talk to them & let us know if they do 8mm, I don’t see why they would not.