Convert Cine Film to USB to Preserve & Share
Old Cine films and those lovely litle frames each hold untold memories from the past, but when was the last time you were able to sit and watch them?
We can convert your cine film to USB Memory Sticks, allowing you to relive all of your amazing memories over and over again, forever and ever.
See our Cine Film to Digital or Cine Film to DVD pages for more conversion options.
Or call us now for some friendly advice
Freephone 0800 690 6160
Ask About Bulk Discounts too.
About Our Service - The Supaphoto© Way
Thousands of Families Have Trusted Supaphoto
Our customers span from private individuals to institutions and TV production companies
How Cine Film to USB Conversion Service works
Our Cine Film to USB transfer process is super simple, reliable and trusted by thousands of happy customers
1. Package Up Your Memories
Simply pack your beloved memories and send the Cine film reels to us. Use either our courier collection and return service or send it to us directly. Ask for your step by step welcome pack now.
2. Lovingly Converted
We love what we do. Our dedicated team will digitise your old cine films. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
This is where the magic begins. You’ll get an email when we’ve sent the Memory Stick Conversions together with the cine film reels back to you. After that, it’s over to you to share and enjoy your old memories!
From start to finish, we track where your reels are so you always know their status and when they’ll be ready for return.
What's Included?
You’ll receive everything needed to safeguard your memories.
Yes, where collection is applicable, we’ll organise for an easy to understand pre-paid address label to be sent to you. Could not be more simple. There’s also a section in there for you to add notes.
We know how precious your memories are. It can feel like a big decision. The Supaphoto Welcome Guide explains the process in step by step simple terms. It will also include useful contact details for peace of mind.
We loe what we do. Our dedcated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
This is where the magic begins. We’ll return all of your original media. Once preserved, you can access your files via our easy cloud download service, on a memory stick or a lovely DVD. Finally, just relax and let those memories flood in!.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Cine Film
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Your cine film reel(s) on a USB memory stick – just plug into a computer (or device with a USB port) to play, save, and copy your files.
Your cine film reels on DVDs. It’s really easy to play them on any DVD player or computer disc drive.
Your cine film conversions, downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you a private access link to watch, download and share your cine films from anywhere.
What you‘ll get: Your cine reels on USB.
What to order: Just choose the USB option to get your reel conversions or opt for a safer SSD.
Ideal for: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
What you’ll get: All of your reels on a DVD.
What to Order: Just go for the DVD option – nice and easy.
Ideal For: Watching on your computer or television.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as digital files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud backup link to get all your conversions. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Quick access and sharing with the family.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Old Cine Films
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Cine Film to USB
Your cine film reel(s) on a USB memory stick – just plug into a computer (or device with a USB port) to play, save, and copy your files.
What you‘ll get: Your cine reels on USB.
What to order: Just choose the USB option to get your reel conversions or opt for a safer SSD.
Ideal for: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
Cine Film to DVD
Your cine film reels on DVDs. It’s really easy to play them on any DVD player or computer disc drive.
What you’ll get: All of your reels on a DVD.
What to Order: Just go for the DVD option – nice and easy.
Ideal For: Watching on your computer or television.
Cine Film Transfer to Digital
Your cine film conversions, downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you a private access link to watch, download and share your cine films from anywhere.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as digital files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud backup link to get all your conversions. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Quick access and sharing with the family.
Want to Convert Cine Film to USB? See Samples
The video to the left gives you a clear look at our cine film transfer service, including sample results from original film reels. It shows how treasured footage can be carefully converted into convenient digital files supplied on USB, ready to watch, store and share.
At Supaphoto, your cine films are handled in a fully equipped professional-grade studio using the latest scanning equipment and specialist software. We use dedicated 2K to 5K resolution film scanners designed to capture as much detail as possible from your original reels, helping produce clean, stable and high-quality results from older home movies.
Our cine film transfer process is 100% sprocketless, which means the film is scanned without the stress of traditional sprocket-driven systems. Before transfer, each reel is assessed and inspected so we can identify damage, poor splices, shrinkage, mould, brittleness or other issues that may affect the result. If you are unsure what type of reel you have, our guide to recognising different cine film formats can help explain the main differences.
We only use well maintained professional-grade equipment because cine film can be fragile and every reel deserves careful treatment. For customers wanting the best possible outcome, we also offer a Pro Wetgate option, which can help reduce the appearance of scratches and surface marks during scanning. AI restoration enhancement is also available to improve clarity, colour and overall viewing quality where appropriate.
If an issue appears during transfer, we do not simply accept a poor result. Where possible, we will try again using different equipment, decks or capture settings to achieve a better digital file for the customer. We handle a wide range of formats, including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm film, and approximately 99% of cine films are digitised and recovered regardless of condition. If your film has magnetic or optical sound, we can capture that too.
For customers comparing output choices, our wider cine film digitising service explains more about preserving old reels in modern viewing formats.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
When you choose Supaphoto to convert cine film to USB, you are trusting us with original reels that may be decades old, fragile and irreplaceable. That is why our service is built around careful handling, clear communication and proper quality control from start to finish.
You can speak to a real person if you need help, rather than being pushed through an automated process. Our experienced technicians handle your originals with care, and every order goes through multi-point quality assurance checks to help ensure the best possible result before your files are supplied. We also provide updates and order tracking, giving you reassurance while your cine films are being digitised.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Supaphoto has supported families, collectors, multiple TV broadcast companies and programmes, including the BBC Repair Shop, as well as museums and institutions with important original material. Your films are hand digitised here in the UK, and your original reels are returned after transfer. If you are preparing old reels before sending them in, our advice on getting cine film ready for safe transfer may be useful.
We do not charge for blank or untransferable items, and there is no hidden annual subscription charge simply to keep cloud storage active. Optional cloud hosting is available for easier access and sharing, but it is not forced on you. For customers who want the highest possible outcome, optional advanced services are also available to improve results from suitable reels.
Supaphoto has earned over 500 genuine 5-star customer service reviews, reflecting the care, service and reliability customers expect from a specialist UK studio. If you are comparing USB with other modern formats, our flexible cine film transfer options explain how different choices can suit different viewing and storage needs. You can also explore our wider cine film help and guidance section for more background before ordering.
We are really proud to be an ongoing technical partner to the TV Production Company behind for the BBC’s Repair Shop and have worked on multiple programmes.
See more examples of references below.
Output & Viewing
Choose cine converted to USB, Digital file downloaded via Cloud or DVD. Watch on TV, PC, tablet or mobile.
Colour Corrections
Expert colour correction for faded cine films and frame by frame remastering
2K / 5K REVIVAL AI
With our 2K/5K REVIVAL AI film restoration system, we can bring out the best of your cine film
Free Services
Advanced film machine cleaning, splice repairs and no charge for blank and cine reels
Security of Handling
We take security of handling very seriously at Supaphoto with step by step tracking
Professional Studio Grade Technology
Our Studio employs New Broadcast quality Sprocketless 5K Film Scanners to ensure safe and beautiful reproductions of your precious films.
Cine Film Can Look so Beautiful - ..In the Right Hands
We take technical quality seriously at Supaphoto. We deliver great results with our cine film capture process as you can see from the example below from an old cine film from the 1950’s. The sample on the right is from the early 1980s. Now with our REVIVAL AI process we can use AI driven software to even further enhance your film by recovering true authentic detail whilst keeping that lovely look and feel.
Cine film can become brittle, faded, or damaged over time, making treasured footage harder to view and preserve. Converting it to USB helps protect your memories in a convenient format before the original film deteriorates further.
For more information, watch our service film.
Before
Pre Treatment
After
Post Treatment
See for Yourself!
Just Move the Slider Left and Right
Don’t Just Take our Word For it...
Photo for illustration purposes only.
Sir Richard Attenborough – Just One of Our Proudest Moments
We were so proud to be chosen by the University of Sussex to preserve some of film director Sir Richard Attenborough’s photographs.
Over the years, we’ve also scanned thousands of photo from prestigious photo albums going back to the 1900’s for British politicians to thousands of everyday family photo collections for families throughout the UK.
We were chosen to undertake cine film conversion work for the TV Production Company behind the BBC’s Repair Shop!
Other projects include digitalising Sir Richard Attenborough’s personal collection of images, converting early footage of Virgin Airways promotional films and digitalisation work relating to Windsor Castle, The Mary Rose and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Our Cine Film Transfer Prices
At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.
Cine Film Transfer Prices to USB, Digital and DVD
Part 1. One-Off Set-Up & Preparation Charge: £29.99
This is a one-off charge per order irrespective of project size. Here we clean, prepare and repair the film for a superior finish. We’ll also check any splices & rewind films that are back to front.
It all takes time but is worth it in the end.
Part 2. 2K HD Capture Prices 8mm & Super 8 Ciné Films:
3″ (50′) Reel: Standard Service: £14.99 each inc colour correction
5″ (200′) Reel: Standard: £34.99 each inc colour correction
7″ (400′) Reel: Standard: £54.99 each inc colour correction
Looking for Museum Quality Service?
For not much more, many opt or our advanced service where the resolution is even higher and many elements are further enhanced including colours and frame stabilisation – See advanced service below.
Part 3: What Do I Want Back? – Choose from One of the Following Options:
i) Mp4 Digital Files via our Cloud Download for easy viewing & sharing with family – £29.99 Per Hour of footage
ii) Mp4 Digital Files on a Master USB Stick – £29.99 Per Hour of footage
iii) Conversion to a new DVD in a nice presentation case – £29.99 Per Hour
Part 4: Optional Extras
– Back-up Version on Master USB Memory Stick: £19.99 each
– Back-up Version as a Master DVD in Presentation Case: £19.99 each
– Extra copy of DVD in Presentation Case: £14.99 each
Free Doorstep Collection & Return Delivery
Contact Us Now to receive your free welcome pack and address label. We’ll then liaise with you to get your package collected free of charge. Prices also include free return delivery.
Want to Order? – How Can I contact You?
Simple! Just Call us on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
All Prices are Inclusive of VAT
FAQs
We’ve made life easy for you by compiling the the most commonly asked questions that we’ve been asked over the years in one place!
How can I view my films?
Could not be easier! Either plug a simple USB into your TV and view as a slideshow or watch on PC, laptop, ipad or mobile phone.
Is it easy to share with my family?
It’s so easy. Just forward the link we’ll send you or share your USB memory stick.
Which media output is best?
Digital files are easy to play and share on PCs, laptops, ipads and phones. Start your own home movie editing projects too. A back-up DVD also makes sense.
No Upfront Payment? – When do I pay?
We never charge upfront unlike other companies. Why? Because there’s always a small chance that you may have non-chargeable blank reels.
How long does it take?
Typically 5-10 working days or less.
Do you offer an advanced service?
Yes. It delivers more vivid colours, better contrast, sharper pictures and image stabilisation. We also have options for different file outputs such as Pro Res which takes a little longer and costs a little more.
Do you offer Pro Wetgate Solution for Dust and Scratches?
Yes – We are rare in the industry since we also offer this service. When a scratch or vertical line in the film emulsion is filled with fluid, light will travel through the film with less refraction which results in less visibility of the damaged parts.
Do you Offer AI Film Restoration for Cine Film
This time-sensitive enhancement system will help sharpen film while recovering more accurate detail. It can also remove excessive noise whilst softening dust and scratches whilst stabilising the film and much more.
Do you collect / Can we visit your studio?
Yes we collect throughout the whole of the UK! Alternatively, you may visit us too so that we can go through the variables together. Just call or email us in advance to make an appointment at a suitable time please.
What’s the quality like?
We’re proud of our quality. We offer 2K or 5K options – Take a look for yourself
I don’t want to pay for blank cine reels.
Don’t worry. We NEVER charge for blank cine reels!
Do you send the originals back?
Yes indeed – It’s important that you always keep your originals somewhere safe.
I’m not sure if my cine film has sound. Can you capture it if it does?
We have full sound synchronisation capabilities. We’d advise you on receipt. It will take a little more time and hence cost a bit more.
I’ve had my cine film converted to VHS tapes or DVD a while back.. Will the quality be better this time around?
The technology to convert cine film as faithfully as today just did not exist a decade ago! If unsure customers should carry out a single reel test.
Can I view and save the films on a Free Online Gallery?
Yes indeed and you can share them with your family thereafter.
Where can I read reviews about your service?
We always treat cine films as if they were our own. Read our reviews for yourself
Why should I do it?
All cine film slowly deteriorate over time. The sooner you do it – the better.
Can i get a discount on bigger quantities?
Just contact us to see how we can help. We also offer a buy now, pay later option.
I still have questions!
Call us for some friendly help on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
What delivery service would you suggest using when I want to post my own material to you?
We would always advise sending by Royal Mail Special Delivery which is by far the safest delivery option in the whole of the UK!
Bulk Discount?
Got a large order? We’ll always do our best to help you. Just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.!
More Help & Guidance
Benefits of Choosing This Service
Converting cine film to USB gives you a convenient way to preserve old reels without losing the reassurance of a physical copy. Your footage is supplied as digital files on a USB stick, making it easier to watch, copy, back up and share with family. It is especially useful for customers who no longer have a projector or who are worried about damaging fragile reels through repeated handling. Supaphoto’s service is designed for family collections, archive material and older cine formats that need careful treatment. If you are comparing several viewing options, our wider cine film digital transfer choices explain how modern formats can suit different homes and devices.
How to Place an Order
Ordering is straightforward. Gather your cine reels together, keep any labels or boxes with them, and send them to Supaphoto for checking and transfer. You do not need to know the exact format before ordering, as many customers inherit mixed reels without clear information. If the reels are 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm or 16mm, they can be assessed and handled appropriately. Include any notes about reel order, family names or dates if you know them. For customers with smaller 8mm home movie collections, our 8mm cine transfer to USB service may be particularly relevant.
Ease of Process
The process is designed to remove the guesswork. You do not need to find a working projector, thread old film yourself or risk brittle reels snapping during playback. Supaphoto inspects, prepares and transfers the reels using specialist equipment, then supplies the finished files on USB. This makes old footage easier to view on compatible computers, smart TVs and media devices. It is also sensible to create a backup copy once you receive your files. Before sending reels, our guidance on preparing cine film for transfer can help you avoid common handling mistakes.
Digital Download, USB or DVD – What’s Best?
USB is often the best all-round choice if you want digital files supplied on a small physical device. Digital download can be useful for quick access and sharing, while DVD may suit customers who prefer watching through a DVD player. Each option has a different purpose. USB is more flexible than DVD because files can usually be copied, stored and backed up more easily. DVD is more familiar for some households, but less future-proof. Some customers choose both USB and disc for convenience. If you would still like a disc version, Supaphoto also offers cine film transfer for DVD viewing.
Pricing Guidance
The price depends on the amount of film, the format, the condition of the reels and whether any optional advanced work is requested. A small number of well-kept reels is usually simpler than a large mixed collection with damage, weak splices or storage issues. Cleaning, restoration, wetgate scanning and higher-resolution options may affect the final cost. The best approach is to think about the value of the footage, not just the lowest price. If a reel contains irreplaceable family moments, careful handling and quality control matter. For more general service questions, Supaphoto’s frequently asked customer questions can help before ordering.
Good Old Fashioned Customer Service
Supaphoto combines technical cine film transfer with proper customer support. You can speak to a real person if you are unsure what you have, how to send it or which output format to choose. That matters because many reels contain important family footage and may be the only surviving copy. Orders are handled with care, and your originals are returned after transfer. Clear communication also helps if your reels are mixed, damaged or difficult to identify. Customers who want broader background before deciding can explore our cine film help and guidance area for useful format and preservation advice.
Understanding This Format
| Format | Common use | Transfer notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm cine film | Older family home movies | Often silent and commonly found in small reels |
| Super 8 | Later home movie collections | Some reels may include magnetic sound |
| 9.5mm film | Older domestic and enthusiast film | Less common and may need specialist handling |
| 16mm film | Amateur, educational or archive material | May include optical or magnetic sound |
| USB files | Modern digital delivery | Useful for copying, backing up and watching on compatible devices |
If you are unsure which reel type you have, this guide to cine film formats explains the main differences.
Cine Film Learning Zone
Many customers ask similar questions before ordering. What is Super 8 film? It is a popular home movie format introduced after Standard 8, often used for family footage. Can cine film still be transferred if it looks old? In many cases, yes, although condition affects the result. Does cine film have sound? Some reels do, but many home movies are silent. Can reels be repaired? Some splice and handling issues may be manageable after inspection. If you are comparing formats, our Super 8 film transfer service may help if your collection contains that specific reel type.
Film Cleaning and Restoration
Cine film can collect dust, dirt, mould and surface marks over time, especially if stored in lofts, garages or damp spaces. Cleaning and restoration are not always required, but they can make a meaningful difference when reels are dirty or fragile. The first step is inspection, because unsuitable cleaning can damage film. Avoid household cleaning products, water or improvised methods. Professional preparation helps protect the original and supports a better scan. Once your films are transferred, it is still worth keeping the original reels safely stored. Our advice on safe cine reel storage explains how to reduce future deterioration.
Wetgate Film Scanning
Wetgate scanning is an optional advanced process that can reduce the visibility of some scratches and surface marks during transfer. It is not suitable for every reel and it does not remove every defect, but for important footage it can help produce a cleaner-looking result. This can be particularly valuable for archive reels, treasured family films or material that has visible surface wear. The decision should be based on the condition of the film and the importance of the content. If your footage shows clear signs of ageing or damage, the guide to when old media may need restoration gives helpful background.
5K Film Scanning
5K film scanning can capture a high level of detail from suitable cine film, especially where the original image quality justifies it. Supaphoto uses dedicated 2K to 5K resolution film scanners, giving customers options depending on the value and intended use of the footage. A higher-resolution scan may be useful for important family archives, documentary material or reels where you want the strongest digital master available. Resolution is only one part of the result, though. Film condition, exposure, steadiness, cleaning and careful handling all affect the final file. For larger-gauge material, 16mm film digitisation may benefit from a more detailed scanning approach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not test fragile reels on an old projector just to see what is on them.
Do not clean cine film with household products or water.
Do not throw away the original reels after transfer.
Do not rely on the USB as your only copy; make at least one backup.
Do not assume every reel is silent, as some may include magnetic or optical sound.
Do not store reels in damp lofts, sheds or garages after digitisation.
For service-specific queries, the cine film to USB questions section covers common points before ordering.
More Questions
A:
Our cine film to DVD conversion process involves several stages:
Inspection – assessing and cleaning your film for optimal results.
Scanning – digitising each frame using high-end scanners.
Editing – removing blank sections, correcting colour, and enhancing quality.
Transcoding – converting to a DVD-ready format while retaining detail.
Authoring – creating custom menus and chapters for navigation.
Burning & Quality Control – writing the DVD and performing final checks.
Packaging – printing custom labels and delivering your finished discs.
The result is a professionally finished DVD presentation — perfect for sharing with family.
A: DVDs are a great way to enjoy and share your digitised cine films. They’re easy to play on most devices, and their physical format makes them ideal for gifting. However, DVDs have lower resolution limits compared to digital files. That’s why Supaphoto offers both DVD and high-resolution digital copies, so you can choose the option that suits you best.
A: Yes, our DVD authoring service includes creating interactive menus and chapter points for easy navigation. This professional touch is especially useful when we combine multiple cine reels onto one disc, giving you an intuitive, high-quality viewing experience.
A: Supaphoto’s film transfer service can digitise all major formats — including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, and 16mm — converting them to digital files, USBs, or DVDs. Whatever your reel type, we’ll preserve your home movies and family memories with care and precision.
A: The original audio from your cine reels, if present, can be enhanced using professional sound restoration tools. We remove hiss, reduce background noise, and balance levels for a clean, clear result that complements your restored visuals.
A: Film degradation, flicker, and colour fading are common issues, but our skilled technicians can correct them using restoration and colour grading tools. Supaphoto’s expertise ensures your digitised films look vibrant, stable, and as true to the original as possible.
A: When converting cine film, copyright law should always be respected. However, most home movies are not commercially copyrighted, so this is rarely a concern. If you believe your footage may contain copyrighted content, Supaphoto can guide you on best practices before conversion.
A: Absolutely — in addition to DVD, we can also provide high-resolution digital versions of your cine film for download or cloud storage. This is perfect for archiving or sharing online. Please see our Cine to Digital page for details on this convenient add-on service.
A: Supaphoto can convert your cine films to DVD from only £9.99 per reel.
Our cine film to DVD conversion service is simple, affordable, and professional. Just start your order online, choose your preferred quality level, and select DVD as your storage option. You can also add optional extras such as colour correction and contrast enhancement for an even better result. Once we receive your cine reels, our technicians will digitise them using high-quality frame-by-frame scanning equipment. We’ll then return your DVDs along with your original films so you can relive your treasured memories whenever you like.
A:
Supaphoto converts cine films to DVD starting from £9.99 per reel.
Here’s an overview of our pricing for cine film to DVD transfers:
Up to 18m / 59ft (4 minutes): £9.99
Up to 45m / 148ft (10 minutes): £14.99
Up to 67.5m / 221ft (15 minutes): £19.99
Up to 99m / 325ft (22 minutes): £24.99
Up to 144m / 472ft (32 minutes): £27.99
A: Still not sure what to do with your old cine films?
Don’t let them fade away with time! The best way to preserve your cine reels is to convert them to DVD, USB, or digital files. With over 12 years of experience, Supaphoto specialises in cine film digitisation using professional-grade scanning equipment. Our expert technicians handle your precious films with care, delivering clear, vibrant results that capture every detail.
A: Here’s how to digitise cine films step by step.
If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need a film projector or scanner, a suitable capture device, and editing software to correct brightness, colour, and frame rate. However, the process can be lengthy and technically demanding. The easiest and most reliable method is to use a professional cine film to DVD service like Supaphoto. We’ll check your reels for damage, scan them frame by frame, enhance the footage if requested, and deliver your digitised cine films on your chosen format — DVD, USB, or hard drive.
A: At Supaphoto, you can choose between three quality levels for your cine film conversion.
Budget (PAL 720×576): Ideal for smaller screens and supplied on DVD.
Standard+ (HD 960×720): Perfect for TVs, monitors, or HD projectors; delivered as MP4 files on USB.
Premium (Full HD 1440×1080): Best for large screens, offering enhanced clarity and definition; supplied as MP4 files on USB.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, we recommend Standard+ (HD) for everyday viewing, while Premium (Full HD) provides the ultimate in sharpness and colour accuracy for your most precious footage.
