FAQ: Movie Reel Transfer

• What format are my movie reels — and how do I find out?

  Not sure what you have? Just bring them in. We'll identify your reel format at no charge. Most home movie reels from the 1950s through the 1980s are Super 8mm or 8mm, while 16mm was more common for school, church, and commercial use. If you've inherited a collection and aren't sure where to start, our archiving team is happy to help you sort through it and build a plan..
  

• How should I handle and store my reels before bringing them in?

  Handle reels by the edges only, and store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to drop them off. Avoid running them through an old projector — aging film is fragile, and a stuck or broken reel can cause permanent damage that no transfer service can fix.

• What is vinegar syndrome and should I be worried?

  Vinegar syndrome is a form of chemical deterioration that affects acetate-based film — named for the distinctive vinegar-like smell it produces as the film breaks down. It's common in older reels and can cause warping, brittleness, and permanent image loss. If your reels have a sour or acidic smell, bring them in as soon as possible. Early transfer is the best way to preserve what's left.

• How do I share my digitized videos with family members?

  Once your reels are converted to digital files, sharing those home movies with family near and far is easier than ever. If you choose digital download delivery, you'll receive a link you can forward directly to family members so they can view and save the footage on their own devices — no mailing anything required. USB files can be uploaded to free cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox, then shared via a simple link with anyone you choose. Individual video files can also be emailed, though keep in mind most email providers have file size limits that may make large video files tricky to send that way. For the easiest sharing experience, we recommend the digital download option or transferring your USB files to a cloud service — it's the quickest way to get the whole family gathered around the same memories, no matter where they live.

• What movie reel formats do you accept?

  We accept 8mm, Super 88 and 16mm movie reels. Not sure what format you have? Bring it in — we're happy to take a look and point you in the right direction before you commit to an order.