CFA’s film technicians can transfer your 35mm, 16mm, 8mm and Super 8mm films to DVD or digital formats. Your payment for these transfer services helps support Chicago Film Archives’ archival preservation efforts.
You can estimate the total footage of your film based on these standard reel sizes:
| 3″ diameter | 50’ reel |
| 4″ diameter | 100′ reel |
| 5″ diameter | 200′ reel |
| 6″ diameter | 300′ reel |
| 7″ diameter | 400′ reel |
| 12″ diameter | 1200′ reel |
CFA offers three different transfer options, allowing for flexibility in terms of budget, resolution, and intended use:
The Filmfabriek HDS+ scanner is a high-quality option for home movies or professional projects. This sprocketless system scans 16mm, 8mm, and Super 8mm film to HD resolution and can capture both magnetic and optical sound. There is also a wetgate option available for minimizing the appearance of scratches and mold on the image.
There are standard and premium options for this machine, as outlined below.
1. STANDARD SCAN
The Standard Scan option is the simplest way to receive HD transfers of your films. This option uses one-light exposure and does not include any post-production. Clients can receive their scans either cropped or as overscans.
RATES:
| 16mm film | $0.45 per foot | ||
| 8mm & Super 8mm film | $0.60 per foot | ||
| Mag/optical sound (16mm) | +$0.15 per foot | ||
| Wetgate | +$0.15 per foot | ||
2. PREMIUM SCAN
The Premium Scan option offers manual best-light exposure and post-production adjustments, including contrast correction and fixing frame jumps. From the 2K edge-to-edge master, CFA can deliver a finished file in HD (1080p).
RATES:
| 16mm film | $0.70 per foot | ||
| 8mm & Super 8mm film | $0.85 per foot | ||
| Mag/optical sound (16mm) | +$0.15 per foot | ||
| Wetgate | +$0.15 per foot | ||
Our highest resolution option, the Kinetta Archival Film Scanner is a sprocketless flatbed scanner capable of producing 4K edge-to-edge scans of 35mm and 16mm film, with optical sound on both of these formats. This scanner is extremely gentle, and was specifically designed for damaged, shrunken, and warped film that won’t run through other systems. From the 4K edge-to-edge master, CFA can deliver a finished file up to UHD (2160p) resolution for theatrical or home presentation. Scene-to-scene exposure adjustment and color correction for faded films are also available.
RATES:
| 16mm film | $1.00 per foot | ||
| 35mm film | Starting at $0.50 per foot | ||
| Optical sound | +$0.15 per foot | ||
| Color correction | +$0.15 per foot | ||
| Color negative | +$0.15 per foot | ||
Estimates for 35mm scanning available upon request. Please e-mail olivia [at] chicagofilmarchives.org.
12/1/2021: OUR TOBINS ARE TEMPORARILY OUT OF COMMISSION
The Tobin telecine is the transfer service for those looking to save on costs while still gaining access to their precious film material. This sprocket-driven machine can transfer 16mm, 8mm and Super 8mm film that is in good condition, and captures optical sound on 16mm film. The SD (720×480) resolution is well-suited for DVD and sharing your films online.
RATES:
| 16mm film | $0.25 per foot | ||
| 8mm & Super 8mm film | $0.30 per foot | ||
16mm price includes optical sound capture.
For all three transfer options, the following apply:
DELIVERY:
| Digital files | No charge (drive provided by client) | ||
| Drives available for purchase | |||
| First DVD | $25 | ||
| DVD copies | $15 each | ||
Please be aware that DVDs are not considered archival quality and will eventually degrade. It is highly recommended that you also receive your media as a file.
HANDLING: $15 per order for administrative processing.
SHIPPING: All shipping charges handled by customer.
Free estimates are available in person, over the phone or by e-mail. For help identifying your films, more information about our transfer services, or estimates for any of these options, call (312) 243-1808 or email info@chicagofilmarchives.org.