Film Transfer FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of cleaner do you use?

         We use Edwal's Anti Static Film Cleaner. It is very gentle and safe for all film types.

2. What kind of equipment do you use?

          We use a modified version of the Moviestuff telecine units. The lens/mirror system has been replaced with a custom lens system that allows us to focus directly on the film surface without loss of quality. Our optics and CCD electronics are all HD using uncompressed component out for the HD frame-by-frame capture and NTSC DV stream for the Standard and Deluxe transfers.

3. I recieved my DVD and hard drive, but the video on the hard drive is backwards, why?

         The full resolution file on your hard drive, or MiniDV tape, is the image exactly as it was captured from our machine. Since we do not use mirrors or prisms in our optical system, the image is flipped horizontal. If you wish to view your file in the proper orientation you simply make the change using your editing software. The image on the DVD is correctly positioned because we flipped it in post before burning your DVD.

4. How long will it take for you to transfer my film?

      Approximately 1 business day per 1000'. Times may be slightly longer during the holiday season.

5. How big of a hard drive do I need for the Standard or Deluxe transfers?

      You will need 13 gigabytes per 900 feet of film.

6. How big of a hard drive do I need for the HD frame-by-frame transfer?

       You will need 20 gigabytes per 50 feet of film.

7. How do I measure my film?

        Unless you have a take-up reel with footage increments, it can be hard to judge exactly how much film you have. But a good estimate can be made from the size of the reel. Use the following table as a guide:

3" reel = 50'
4" reel = 100'
5" reel = 200'
6" reel = 300'
7" reel = 400'

Keep in mind that many times film has been spliced, lengthened or shortened and the above table is only for estimation. When your film arrives and is cleaned it will be measured and an exact total will be given to you before transfer.

8. I want to pay by check but I don't know exactly how much film I have, what do I do?

     You can start by estimating your order using the sizes listed above. Include a check for the amount of estimation. After cleaning your film we will contact you with the actual total. If it is less than what you paid, you will recieve a refund check with your film. If it is more, you will be required to send another check to cover the balance or pay by credit card over the phone. Once the balance is paid we will continue with the transfer process.

9. My film is very old and brittle, can you transfer it?

    Yes, we have transferred very old and very brittle film before. It takes a delicate touch but it can be done.

10. When you clean the film you say you fix broken sprocket holes. What if a whole section of holes is missing?

    Unfortuately, once the holes are gone, they are gone. We can fix up to 3 broken holes in a row. Any more than that and we will have to cut and splice the film to the nearest good hole.

11. Can you make my film look better than it was shot?

    We can bring out the best quality of the film but we can't make film look any better than it is. If it was shot in very dark situations, it will be grainy and dark. If it was overexposed, it will be washed out. The quality of the film is greatly influenced by the way it was originally shot and how it has been cared for over the years.

12. What if I have a 400' reel but 30 feet of it was underexposed so much there is no image. Will I be charged for that film?

      Yes. Since we have to clean and transfer the entire reel in order to get the good film, the bad film has to be transferred with it and you will be charged for the work completed.

13. What if I have questions about my order?

     We encourage everyone to either email us or give us a call before beginning their order. We can go in detail the process and steps taken to transfer your film. We have sucessfully transfer hundreds of thousands of feet of film from all over the globe and we want you to feel as comfortable with your investment as all of our past clients.

You can reach us by email at: info@moonpro.us and phone at 440-357-8633 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST. Or if you live in the area, feel free to stop by the studio!