How much does Super 8 and 16mm digitization cost? How the price is worked out
At Videoconversion, film digitization is not charged by the metre but by the running time of the film and its format (Super 8, 16mm, 9.5mm). To estimate the running time, multiply the number of reels by the minutes on each: a 15-metre Super 8 reel runs about 3 minutes 20 seconds at 18 frames per second. Current prices are on the film rates page, VAT included.
1. Priced by running time, not by the metre
Many companies price by the metre of film, which means measuring every reel. At Videoconversion Digital Lab the price depends on the format and the running time of the film, in price bands, and is based on what you see on screen: how many minutes of picture your film has.
The exact price, VAT included, is always kept up to date on the film rates page. We don't repeat figures in this article so they don't go out of date; here we explain how to estimate your case and what else affects it.
2. How to work out the minutes on your reels
If you don't know how long your film runs, you can estimate it from the reel length and the filming speed (home Super 8 is usually shot at 18 frames per second):
| Format | Typical reel | Approximate running time |
|---|---|---|
| Super 8 | 15 m (50 ft cartridge) | about 3 min 20 s at 18 fps |
| 16mm | 30 m (100 ft reel) | about 2 min 45 s at 24 fps |
These are theoretical running times: the real film may be a little shorter if the whole reel wasn't used. If you have many reels, count them and multiply.
If in doubt, send us a photo of the reels and we will help you estimate the running time.
3. What else affects the price
- •Format: Super 8, 16mm and 9.5mm (Pathé Baby) have different rates; 35mm is quoted separately.
- •Total running time: rates work in running-time bands.
- •Sound: if the film has a soundtrack, please ask us before sending it.
- •Condition of the film: film with broken splices, mould or vinegar syndrome is assessed case by case.
- •Type of delivery: MP4 for home viewing, ProRes or DPX for professional and archive use.
- •Institutional collections: custom quotes are prepared for archives and film libraries.
All jobs come with a 90-day warranty.
4. How to ask for a quote
- 1.Count your reels and note the format (Super 8, 8mm, 16mm…) and whether they have sound.
- 2.Check the rate on the film rates page using the estimated running time.
- 3.Contact us on WhatsApp or at our Barcelona lab, Av. República Argentina 38, or ask for home pickup.
- 4.Receive your files by secure download or on a new drive or USB stick.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge by the metre of film?
No. The price depends on the format and the running time of the film, in price bands.
Where can I see the current film rates?
On the film rates page at videoconversion.es, VAT included.
How many minutes does a Super 8 reel hold?
A standard 15-metre reel runs about 3 minutes 20 seconds at 18 frames per second.
Are there special prices for many reels or archives?
For institutional collections or large volumes we prepare custom quotes. Write to us and we will put one together.
Do you have film reels you want to save?
Check the film rates or write to us on WhatsApp and we will advise you based on the format and condition of your films.