Format guides · c. 1930 – 1985
Reels of film, back on the screen.
the projector's been gone for years, the reels haven't
Before video, family history lived on reels: homesteads, hunting trips, weddings, and bush Alaska in the 50s and 60s. Film actually holds remarkable detail, and a good scan often looks better than anyone remembers the projector ever did.
What we take
16mm8mmSuper 8
Something else in the box? Text a photo to(907) 240-2739and we'll identify it for you.
Why now
What time does to movie film
Vinegar syndrome
Older acetate film slowly releases acetic acid as it ages, the sharp smell archivists call vinegar syndrome. Once it starts, it accelerates, shrinking and warping the film.
The colors drift
Color dyes fade unevenly, which is why old reels drift toward red or magenta.
Every play costs frames
Splices dry out and snap, and every projector run risks scratching frames that can never be rescanned.
The rate
- High-definition 720p scan
- 40¢ per foot
- Higher-definition 1080p scan
- 60¢ per foot
- Volume discount
- 5% past 2,000 ft, 10% past 5,000 ft
Cleaning and repair are included in the price. Footage is estimated from reel size: a 3-inch reel is about 50 feet, 5-inch about 200, 7-inch about 400. Enhancements like color correction are quoted separately.
Add it up in the estimatorFrom the studio counter
Worth knowing before you drop off
- A sharp vinegar smell means the clock is running. Move those reels to the front of the line.
- Keep reels flat in their cans, cool and dry. The attic and the crawl space are the two worst rooms in the house for film.
- If your film has sound, tell us first. We don't transfer sound film in-house, but we work with a trusted Lower 48 vendor and handle the logistics.
Quick answers
How much film do I have?
Measure the reel across. A 3-inch reel holds about 50 feet, a 5-inch about 200, and a 7-inch about 400. The estimator on our pricing page does the math for you.
My film smells like vinegar. Is it too late?
Not necessarily, but it is urgent. That smell means the film base is breaking down, and it speeds up over time. Sooner genuinely beats later.
Can you transfer film that has sound?
Not in-house at this time. We have a trusted, quality vendor in the Lower 48 for sound film, and we're happy to get you a quote and handle the shipping logistics.
More questions answered on the FAQ page.
