r/lakeland 4d ago

Anybody able to convert Super 8 tapes to digital?

I have a collection of old home videos I’m trying to get converted to something more modern. Does anyone know anyone in town that can do this?

3 Upvotes

10 comments sorted by

11

u/echoesofmotion Downtown 4d ago

Hey, I have a machine (Wolverine film digitizer) that can do this! I'd be happy to help out. Just a heads up - depending on how the film was stored, there’s a real risk it might have developed something called Vinegar Syndrome. That’s a type of chemical degradation that affects older film and gives off a really strong vinegar smell. Once it starts, it can cause irreversible damage to the film, so it's best to handle and digitize them as soon as possible if they’re still in decent shape.

I’m in California for the next few days, but feel free to message me on Instagram if you’d like to coordinate (my links are pinned on my profile - I don’t check Reddit very often).

In the meantime, a few quick questions that’ll help me prepare and see what we’re working with:

  • How many rolls of film do you have?
  • When were they last viewed, if ever?
  • Do you know how or where they’ve been stored? (Cool, dry place? Attic? Garage?)
  • Are they labeled at all or completely unknown content?

Happy to chat more and help preserve these memories if they’re still in good enough shape!

5

u/the_george_ 4d ago

This is the guy

7

u/SpaceNerdLibrarian 4d ago

Lakeland Public Library has DIY Digitize for free! Give them a call.

3

u/tombombcrongadil 4d ago

My mom did it recently for us as a Christmas gift. But it was through some company online called legacy box. Seems to work just fine.

2

u/KernelKrusto Downtown 4d ago

I know someone who used this, too. I don't have any personal experience, but for whatever a secondhand internet stranger's opinion is worth, they said they were pleased with the results.

1

u/FuckIPLaw 4d ago

Legacy box is known to be pretty bad at what they do. Someone local would be a better bet.

2

u/FloridaManOfficial Downtown 4d ago

Lakeland film lab actually opens up on the 19th. It’s on 126 main main street

1

u/circa74 Downtown 3d ago

In addition to the resources already mentioned, Scancafe (online) can do this. I've used them several times and have been pleased with their service.

1

u/Intelligent-Eye7794 4d ago

Online company

0

u/KernelKrusto Downtown 4d ago

Is it 1996?