Transferring Troubles!

[thebrowniecameraguy]

I just can't seem to get it right. Do I have the wrong kind of camera. I have a JVC VHSC GR-AXM225.

I can run the camera on an old compaq presario desktop comp, with the 3 rca inputs and a windows 98 se version of a Intel Video Capture utility.

Or, which I havent done yet, is to go buy a input usb triple rca box that sends the signal to my windows xp laptop, and I can use the windows movie maker, or the program that comes with the rca-usb box.

What I am trying to do is transfer my regular 8mm movies to digital media, and I would like to switch over to super 8mm possibly, but I want to continue to use my regular 8mm equipment when I fancy it. Should I have these done professionally or should I pursue it on my own.


Help!
Cheers,
Jordan

[schematic2]

Depends on what you want for a final result. So far, the equipment you describe will give you less than desireable results in my mind. Anything less than frame capturing (as in the Filmstuff workprinter) is a waste of time. The best that you can expect with your setup will be flickers and hotspots. Send it out or spend the bucks for a workprinter. Generations from now, your efforts will be appreciated. Especially when the film has aged beyond use. . . :oops:

[super8man]

"FILM AGED BEYOND USE" ?????????????

Please, my Dad's 16mm color films shot in 1963/64 still kick ass in color and realism...So, let's see, that's 40 years. Hmmmmm.....Seems film lasts a peeerrrreeeeetttttyyyyyyyyia-ffin-eh long to me. Excuse my French. I think it will even out last cd's and dvd's...

The way I am able to justify the workprinter, IMHO, is to try and get a few paying gigs from close friends, rellies, coworks, etc, and charge them below market prices for an above market result. That's what I am doing (Roger, I am going to paypal you on Monday!! Just worked it all out!).

Cheers,
Michael

[mattias]

Anything less than frame capturing (as in the Filmstuff workprinter) is a waste of time.

i respectfully disagree. diy off the screen transfers are cool, fun, inexpensive, and can be really good.

/matt

[schematic2]

I think it will even out last cd's and dvd's...

I've been doing some old film transfers. Lots of burns, cracked sprocket holes, bad splices and poor storage lend to severe film damage from people running their precious films with their old dried up projectors. Once there gone, there gone. Yellowing and cracking is also a factor, especially stuff from the coast. I guess my opinion is, if its precious family heritage, get it on digital as good as you can. It will never get better....
I guess I'm vocal on this because I went the full circle. I made some elaborate equipment and wrestled with the usual drawbacks. Until you have a "frame capture" and "pulldown" and some enhancement, you haven't experienced 8mm on television as it can be.
If the material that is in question is of no heritage value, then go ahead and settle for less, but if its going to be passed on for generations, do the right thing, even if it means getting all interested family members to chip in.
Be sure to experiment on some valueless stuff first. Experimenting will always lead to some film damage. . .


Once its gone..........its gone.......


Good luck, and have fun!

[mattias]

I've been doing some old film transfers. Lots of burns, cracked sprocket holes, bad splices and poor storage lend to severe film damage from people running their precious films with their old dried up projectors.

i think it's wrong to assume that people have old dried up projectors and old film. i have a well maintained projector and project mostly stuff from the last year for example. and there's a huge difference between saying that something is better and saying that everything else is a waste of time.

/matt

[schematic2]

mattias, you are right, not all people have bad projectors, but most of my business is from people who do. I see lots of damaged film. Its sad, cause in a lot of causes, its too late. I do come on strong because I been exposed to my relatives damaged film treasures and it hits home on a personal note. I really hate to see anyone get less than the best over a few bucks. We won't get the opportunity to reshoot that old stuff.

I didn't mean to offend anyone, but I hold old films extremely precious. Its seems the older you get, the more they mean to you. . .


My whole point is if the films are irreplaceable, treat them as so and preserve them. If its an easily replaced epic, have fun and enjoy..... :?