Thank you very much for all of the excellent advice. When I tried this several years ago the playback on the camcorder was flickering and getting dark to light. You just explained that adjusting the projector's film rate (variable speed control) this will adjust the frame rates of the projector to that of the frame rates of the camcorder. Thank you very much for your great video explaining all this. Super helpful, indeed. I can't wait to try it!!!!!!
Just a little side note. With the expensive cost of Projector bulbs these days and the lack of availability it always best to NEVER touch the new Bulb when replacing a Projector Lamp, as the oil on your skin dramatically shortens the life of a Bulb you may have paid anywhere from $50 to possibly over $100. Latex gloves or a paper towel will save you $ if you have many Films to transfer.
My dad and I just started a transfer business and we have a projector that doesn't displays on the wall it displays on the computer. This projector is called Retro scan universal. The camera is pointed down on the film and underneath the film is a light. So you get better transfer quality and then by the software and video editing software you get a better movie.
This "off the wall" method would be OK 15 years ago.but with today's technology,a little budget,and patience,it wouldn't be too hard to get frame-by frame direct scan process with modest computer&equipment.The quality will be VASTLY superior than this traditional method.
You're absolutely correct about this method. There are other ways to do this that will achieve a higher quality. However, this method is a quick and cost-effective way for individuals who don't have the computer, skills, extra money or time to do it.
Obviously, the keys here are a variable speed projector and a tripod. You can mount your preferred video camera on the tripod, even a smartphone or DSLR.
Thanks for tutorial. I get a huge black bar moving across vertically. Is this due to speed difference too? Unfortunately my projector has fixed switch for speed. Thanks
Thank you for sharing this very well done video. I will make the attempt to save at least one film I have using this method. If I decide to have it done professionaly is there a company that stands out above the rest?
kurt destan Thanks - Good Luck trying it. If you decide to have it done by a company, there a hundreds to choose from online. There only one in my area that I know of and the reviews from people who've had it done are mixed. You may want to check consumer advocate websites like the Better Business Bureau or read reviews prior to shipping off your irreplaceable film.
Nice tutorial! I have 4 reels that were passed down to me from my late grandfather. They want $200 to convert them at Costo (best price I could find). I have no idea what is on them so I'd rather buy a projector from the thrift store and do your transfer method. I'm sure there are better ways and equipment...but for the cost of a cheap projector this should work out great!
They only charge 12.00 per reel where I live but they put the video on DVD and it's copyright protected now and I can't upload the DVD file to Facebook so my relatives can watch this old family home movie. The files are VOB files and not .mov or .avi or mpeg files which is what I really wanted so I could upload it to Facebook.
+Jordy Giler If any projector burns film,then there is something wrong with it-as to why it is used as a comedy trope in old cartoons and such. I mean,What would be the point of film if you could only see it once, then immediately set your house on fire-ya know? Never let your projector get too hot.These old things are very mechanical in the most classical sense of the word, and require some care to operate. If it starts to get to the point to where it seems it could burn your film, immediately turn it off, before it actually does any damage- some projectors let you remove film mid play in the case of emergency,but this is a rare luxury- do your best to keep an eye on it. As to what to do if it *starts* burning?- I"m afraid I have no real good answer for that. all you can really do is unplug it, and go get some water. prevent as much damage as you can. *make sure the projector is completely dry before checking if it's ok, otherwise bad stuff will happen* These are all rare issues, though.Don't worry, so long as you use the old brain noodle and let it cool down in the rare occasion it gets "scary" hot,you should be fine.
Why bother using video tape to capture the films? If your camcorder has a firewire output/input and your computer has a firewire capture card, just capture it to the computer's harddrive using editing capture software. Another thing. Never...I mean never depend on the camcorder's battery to capture anything unless your outside. Always use the power connector cord for reliable power.
interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover ripping software try Womerca DVD Ripper Roadmap (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my brother in law got amazing success with it.
