The Reflecta Scanner seems to be well built and very easy to use. The only slight niggle is the size of the reels that can be used. For most normal use this is not a problem but for anybody who has spliced many films together like me, onto seven inch reels you have to find another way to mount the reels. I did this by using my old projector to mount the full reel and then used a large plastic container to let the film collect. Then used the projector to rewind the film after conversion. A little fiddly but no problem. The converted quality was as good as I have seen without resorting to software enhancement. I did build my own frame by frame scanner using an old Eumig projector and machine vision camera, but always had trouble focusing. The Reflecta unit has no problems like that. To summarise, a very good unit, easy to use and giving excellent results even on slightly degraded film from 1961. Well worth the money.
A great little machine that does the job and puts you in complete control.
A very easy and straightforward way of finally converting old 8mm and super 8 films into digital files.
Overpriced as its relatively new technology but compared to renting or sending your films to "professional" services this machine puts you in complete control with very acceptable results.
Two years warranty and a very supportive European manufacturer gives reassurance (even though you will probably only use it for a few weeks).
Comes with new firmware that does away with the need for conversion from 30fps as it is already set up for MP4 files at 20fps.
Colour of output and jam free operation really depends on the original films. Good to pass them once in "fast" rewind first and also give them a gentle wipe as they pass through.
Easily stopped and restarted when meets poor joints. Then join files with software.
The path of the film could have been designed better as there is tendency to rub against sides especially when rewinding.
By zooming out and adjusting the width of the film to the max one can see all the film from edge to edge instead of sticking to the default 3:4 format which chops off the sides. Then using freeware video editing software the extra top and bottom can be cropped to show all the picture in a wider format. You could adjust the exposure and sharpness but I never felt the need.
Yes the output would no doubt be better with professional machines with better resolution, enhanced colour and less compression in the saved format but for most of us this machine is just what we have been waiting for.
The only real problem....what to do with it once you have converted all you old films!
Does the job of scanning 8mm movies. Better for Super 8 than regular 8. Had issues with damaged holes on regular 8. No issues on Super 8. It would be better if you could adjust the framing on the fly...