Film transfer
8mm & Super 8 Film Transfer Cost by Reel Size
Identify your reel size, compare example transfer prices and plan a mixed box of home-movie film without guessing at the total.
For standard 8mm and Super 8 film, Family Media Transfer's catalog prices run from $27.50 for a 3-inch reel to $220 for a 7-inch reel. Start by identifying the film and measuring the reel across its center. Reel size helps build an estimate; condition, unusual formats and special requests may need a separate assessment.
Film transfer prices by reel size
| Reel diameter | Approximate full-reel capacity | Base transfer price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 50 feet | $27.50 |
| 4 inches | 100 feet | $55.00 |
| 5 inches | 200 feet | $110.00 |
| 6 inches | 300 feet | $165.00 |
| 7 inches | 400 feet | $220.00 |
Capacities are approximate and assume full reels. A partly filled reel contains less film than its maximum capacity; ask us how it should be entered in your estimate. These examples do not promise prorated billing. Reels larger than 7 inches and unusual requirements need a quote. Do not use this table to assume a price for every 16mm or sound-film project.
Prices exclude shipping, taxes, physical drives and optional work. Build a film transfer estimate to review the current options.
What could a box of reels cost?
The mix of reel sizes matters more than the number of boxes. Ten 3-inch reels have a base total of $275. Four 5-inch reels total $440 before discount, or $396 after the 10% eligible-service volume discount. Five 7-inch reels total $1,100 before discount, or $913 after the 17% discount.
These examples assume standard transfers at the listed reel-size rates. Extra services and delivery choices are separate. Film can count with other eligible digitizing services toward the same volume threshold, so include any tapes, photos or audio you want transferred when estimating a mixed collection.
How do I measure a film reel?
- Keep the film on its reel; you do not need to unwind it.
- Measure the outer diameter of the reel across its center, rather than measuring the storage box.
- Write down the diameter and how many reels you have at that size.
- Keep labels, dates and sequence numbers with their reels. Photograph anything you cannot identify.
If several reels belong to one event, keep that group together. Mention partially filled reels, broken spools and condition concerns when you contact us.
Is 8mm film the same as an 8mm videotape?
No. Movie film is a strip of photographic images wound onto an open reel. Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 use enclosed magnetic-tape cassettes. They need different equipment and have different pricing units. This film table is not the price list for camcorder cassettes.
If you are unsure, a photograph of the reel or cassette and its label is a useful starting point. Ask us to identify your media before selecting a format.
What should I ask before booking a film transfer?
- Price unit: is the estimate based on reel size, footage or another measure, and is there a minimum?
- Condition: how are damaged reels or brittle film assessed, and what happens before additional work is charged?
- Sound: is there a soundtrack, and has the service confirmed it can handle that specific film?
- Files: what will you receive and how will you watch, download and keep another copy?
- Originals: how will the reels be returned?
Tell us about an unusual smell, brittle film or damage before shipping. Avoid testing a questionable reel in a projector just to find out what is on it.
Can I bring the reels in locally?
FMT offers Twin Cities drop-off and mail-in options. Use the current drop-off information for counter details and hours, or review the mail-in choices when building your estimate. Large or unusual collections are best discussed with the team first.
See our film transfer service for more information, or start with your reel sizes.