A significant ‘problem’ with film transfer is accurately retaining the original speed of 8mm/Super 8 films. For Normal 8 film, this is typically 16 or 18 frames per second, while for Super 8 it is usually 18 frames per second or sometimes 24 frames per second. Depending on the camera model, ‘odd’ speeds like 9 frames/sec, 12 frames/sec, 36 frames/sec, etc., could also be selected. Particularly, very old N8 films were often exposed at very low speeds (such as 9/sec. or 12/sec.) to maximize filming duration with expensive small spools.
Assuming most films were shot at 16 or 18 frames and our television standard operates at 25 or 50 frames per second, a conversion needs to occur during digitization or post-processing to fit the original 18 frames into 25/50 frames. Service providers use various methods for this task. Many ‘DIY systems’ bypass the issue by filming the movie via a modified projector and saving it. When the film is played back at 18 frames through a projector and simultaneously recorded with a camera at 25 frames per second, the asynchrony results, among other issues, in what are called blended frames. These frames display two images simultaneously, creating a blurred effect, as seen in the image below:
This occurs several times per second, leading to blurry and unclear film images. While the result may be viewable and of reasonably good quality, it is not professional and is unfortunately still a common practice.
A more professional approach is achieved by scanning the film progressively, frame-by-frame, as we do. While the film runs faster, it is slowed down in post-processing to the correct speed, and software fills the missing 7 frames (from 18 to 25) with duplicates. This method yields a sharper, more natural, and true-to-original digital version. However, due to the aforementioned 7 added repetitive frames, there is a slight uneven, ‘jerky’ effect on camera pans and intense movement, yet it looks good and is far less distracting than versions with blended frames:
As we strive to improve from good to better to deliver a ‘perfect image,’ we have recently adopted files that play at the original speed, namely 16, 18, or 24 frames per second. This approach achieves a native 1:1 representation of your original films at their original speed without disruptive intermediate frames. Best of all, these files can be viewed on any device, including computers and televisions, which play them seamlessly even at special frame rates. You can download and test the sample films linked below on your devices:
For further technical inquiries, please feel free to contact us directly. We are here for you personally.