The short answer: A regular 8mm reel of 7.5 cm holds about 4 minutes, 12.5 cm about 14, 18 cm about 28, and the largest 25 cm reel about 56 minutes. Super 8 gives a little less from the same reel — about 3.5, 12, 24 and 48 minutes — because its frame is bigger. These are estimates from our studio table; the true running time is known only after scanning, and we bill only net viewing minutes.
A box of reels in assorted sizes, and you want to know how many hours of memories are in there and what it will cost — without a projector. The diameter of the reel is all you need for a first estimate.
How does reel diameter translate into minutes?
8mm film was projected on reels of standard sizes, and each size holds a predictable length of film. Knowing the length and the filming speed — most home movies were shot at 16–18 frames per second, which Kodak also gives as the speed of a home projector — you can work out the running time. The table below is our canon, the figures behind the reel calculator on our site, for a reel wound full to the rim.
| Reel diameter | Regular 8mm | Super 8 |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 cm (3 in) | about 4 min | about 3.5 min |
| 12.5 cm (5 in) | about 14 min | about 12 min |
| 16 cm | about 21 min | about 18 min |
| 18 cm (7 in) | about 28 min | about 24 min |
| 21 cm | about 41 min | about 36 min |
| 25 cm | about 56 min | about 48 min |
Why does Super 8 give fewer minutes?
By Kodak's specifications the Super 8 frame (5.46 × 4.01 mm) is larger than the regular 8mm frame (4.8 × 3.5 mm), because smaller perforations leave more room for the picture: fewer frames per metre, so fewer minutes. Most Super 8 was shot in 50 ft cartridges, which Kodak rates at 3 minutes 20 seconds at 18 frames per second or 2.5 minutes at 24, each returning from the lab on a 7.5 cm reel. Our Super 8 vs Regular 8 guide shows how to tell them apart.
How do you measure a reel correctly?
Measure the spool itself — edge to edge, through the centre — not the wound film. If the film does not reach the rim, remember the outer turns hold far more film than the inner ones, so a half-filled 18 cm reel holds much less than 14 minutes. Enter diameter and format in our reel calculator (Hebrew), and if the films have waited decades, read how long 8mm film lasts first.
What are you actually paying for?
We transfer 8mm and Super 8 at 30 ILS per minute, but that is a net viewing minute: leaders — the white or orange stretches at each end of a reel — burnt or black frames, and footage that is not yours are not billed. A 25 cm reel the table puts at 56 minutes usually ends up with fewer billable minutes. The table is for budgeting; the invoice follows what was actually scanned.
How do we count the minutes?
Every reel is checked by hand before scanning: perforations, flexibility, old splices, signs of decay. It is then scanned on a Filmfabriek Muller HDS+, frame by frame — no projector, no camera; each frame is captured individually, even when the film is shrunken or brittle. The machine knows exactly how many frames it captured, and from that comes the true running time at the correct rate. The first minute is on us. Details on our 8mm and Super 8 film transfer page.
Measure your reels, and let us count the real minutes — the first one is on us.
We send couriers to your door anywhere in Israel, in both directions. Small jobs are usually ready within about seven working days, large ones within about 21 working days, and the first minute is on us — you will see how your film comes out before you decide. You can also drop off in person: our studio at 9 HaMa'ayan St., Rishon LeZion, 5 Lisin St. in Tel Aviv, or Mitzpe Hararit in the Galilee. Call 03-5610368 or leave your details on our contact page. What each service includes is listed on our price list (Hebrew).
Frequently asked questions
My reel is a size that is not in the table. What do I do?
Estimate from the nearest size, rounding down. The final figure is set after scanning anyway.
Does the table also apply to 9.5mm or 16mm film?
No. It covers regular 8mm and Super 8 only; 16mm was mostly shot at 24 frames per second.
Is a full 25 cm reel really billed at 56 minutes?
Almost never. Leaders, burnt frames and footage that is not yours come off the bill.
Can I tell whether a reel is full without unwinding it?
Yes, by eye: film wound close to the rim means a full reel. A clear gap means estimate lower.
