The short answer: before handing over tapes or film reels for conversion, check seven things: which machine does the scanning (and whether it has a model name), whether the price list is public and billing is by real minutes, whether you can watch the process, how you receive the result, what happens to the originals, what the reviews say — and whether you can try before committing. A lab that answers all seven clearly is a lab you can trust.
Your tapes and films are a single copy. There is no backup. Choosing a conversion lab is therefore not price comparison — it is deciding who guards them. Here are the questions worth asking any lab, including us.
1. Which machine scans the film — and does it have a name?
This is the question that separates labs. There are three ways to convert 8mm, 9.5mm and 16mm film:
| Method | How it works | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Projection capture | Project on a wall and film the projection | Flicker, dark corners, lost sharpness — and every projection wears the film |
| Telecine | The film runs continuously past a camera | Reasonable, but no per-frame adjustment |
| Frame by Frame | Every frame is scanned individually as a still | The maximum quality the film can give |
"We do Frame by Frame" is an easy claim — so ask for the model name. Our scanner is the Filmfabriek Muller HDS+ — a dedicated Dutch machine costing over 200,000 ILS that scans frame by frame without pulling the film by its perforations (so even shrunken or damaged film passes safely), with restoration and color correction in a dedicated online grading suite. A lab that dodges the model question is probably scanning on something it would rather you did not see.
2. Is the price list public — and is billing by real minutes?
A lab confident in its price publishes it. Look for a full price list on the site, and check what you are billed by: "per reel" or "by estimate" can hide surprises — a 13cm reel can hold 10 minutes or 25. Our price list is fully published and billing is by real scanned film minutes: 30 ILS per minute for 8mm and Super 8, 65 ILS for 16mm, 80 ILS for 9.5mm (plus 20 ILS per minute for a soundtrack). Video tapes: 75 ILS per tape, 63/55 ILS from ten tapes up.
3. Can you come and watch the process?
A simple question few people ask: "Can I sit next to you and watch one film being converted?" A lab with nothing to hide says yes. We made it policy — our full-transparency page documents the machine, the process and the people, and you are welcome to book a visit, sit with us and watch your first reel being scanned in front of your eyes.
4. How do you receive the result?
Ask about format and channel. DVD is a dying format — players are vanishing from living rooms and discs scratch. The right answer today is files: with us, an organized download link valid for a month, and for professional work — ProRes, MXF or MP4, your choice. A copy on a USB drive, external disk or cloud as needed.
5. What happens to the original films?
Settle this in advance: how do the originals come back? With us — pickup from the studio or arranged return shipping; since the results arrive as a download link, most customers skip returning the originals unless they hold sentimental value. Uncollected materials are kept up to two weeks after conversion. If your originals matter to you — tell us in advance and we will arrange their return.
6. What do the reviews say — and who answers the phone?
Read Google reviews, but read them right: look for reviews mentioning work like yours (film reels, old tapes, slides), not just "friendly service". Notice who answers, too — a lab where you talk to the person who actually scans will give you professional answers, not a sales script.
7. Can you try before you commit?
The safest way to decide: see a result from your own material. With us the first minute is free — you send the films, we scan one minute and send it to you to watch, and only then you decide whether to continue. Door-to-door courier pickup and return anywhere in Israel; turnaround about 7 business days for small jobs and about 21 for large ones. More in English: 8mm & Super 8 Film Transfer in Israel.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Frame by Frame or Telecine?
Frame by Frame, no contest: every frame is scanned individually and receives its full information, with no flicker and no smearing. Telecine is inferior, and wall projection is the method to avoid — it also wears down the original film.
How much does 8mm film conversion cost?
30 ILS per real film minute for 8mm and Super 8, VAT included (16mm: 65 ILS per minute; 9.5mm: 80 ILS; plus 20 ILS per minute for a soundtrack). The first minute is free.
Does a low price mean low quality?
Not always — but a very low price forces a fast method: projection, Telecine or an automatic feeder. Frame-by-Frame scanning on a dedicated machine simply costs more to run. So the right comparison is not shekel versus shekel but method versus method.
How do I send you the films?
Door-to-door courier anywhere in Israel, or visit the studio. On film orders over 680 ILS one-way shipping is on us (over 1,050 ILS — both ways); for tapes — free one-way shipping over 20 tapes.
Have a box of films or tapes? Tell us what is in it or call +972-3-5610368 — and we will tell you exactly what can be saved and what it will cost. Over 6 hours of material? We will gladly come to you and quote directly against the material.
