Movie film transfers

16mm Film Transfer in Louisville

We scan your 16mm movie film frame by frame and turn it into MP4 video you can watch, share and keep. Silent reels and reels with optical or magnetic sound are all welcome, delivered on DVD, USB thumb drive or cloud download.

Get an estimate Plan your visit

Vintage 16mm film reels and a film can beside a USB thumb drive and a DVD at The Print Refinery Louisville East

Price: From $29.50 per reel
Scanning: Frame by frame
Sound: Silent, optical or magnetic
Delivery: MP4 on DVD, USB or cloud

What we transfer

What we do with your 16mm film

16mm reels of 50, 100, 200 and 400 feet
Silent 16mm film with no soundtrack
Optical sound captured and applied in house
Magnetic sound handled by a tested, trusted partner lab
Every frame scanned on its own for a steady, clear picture
MP4 files in standard definition, with Bluray quality HD as an upgrade
Delivered on DVD, USB thumb drive or secure cloud download
Original reels always returned

Step by step

How it works

Bring in your reelsDrop off your 16mm film at our store on Westport Road in Louisville.
We check your filmWe look over each reel and note whether it is silent or has optical or magnetic sound.
We scan frame by frameEach frame is captured on its own, then assembled into a smooth MP4 video with any sound applied.
Get your moviesPick up your DVD or USB thumb drive, or download your files from the cloud, and collect your original reels.

Movie Film Transfers Video Tape Transfers Audio Transfers

Questions

Common questions

What does frame by frame scanning mean?

Each frame of your 16mm film is captured as its own image. Those images are then put together into a video, which keeps the picture steady and detailed.

How much does 16mm film transfer cost?

We price by reel, based on the size of the reel and not how much film is on it. Each 50 feet of reel size is $29.50, so a 50 foot reel is one section, a 100 foot reel is two, a 200 foot reel is four and a 400 foot reel is eight. A 50 foot reel holding 30 feet of film is still charged as a 50 foot reel.

Can you transfer 16mm film that has sound?

Yes. We capture and apply optical sound in house. Magnetic sound goes to a tested, trusted partner lab, which is one of the very few times your reels leave our store.

How do I know what kind of sound my film has?

You do not need to figure that out before you come in. Bring your reels to the store and we will check each one with you.

What file format and resolution will I get?

Your movies are delivered as MP4 files in standard definition. Bluray quality HD is available for an additional charge.

How will I get my movies back?

Choose a DVD, a USB thumb drive or a secure cloud download. Let us know which one you want when you drop off your film.

How long does 16mm film transfer take?

We aim for about 14 days. Orders are worked first in, first out, so timing depends on how many orders are ahead of yours. Reels with magnetic sound go through our partner lab the same way.

Do I get my original reels back?

Yes. Your original reels are always returned with your order. Almost all of the work is done in house at our Louisville store.

Do you transfer other movie film formats?

Yes. Visit our Movie Film Transfers page to see the other film formats we work with.