Convert Cine Reels to Save Your Memories
Old Cine film reels are like little bank vaults that hold lots of long unseen memories from the distant past, but tell me, when was the last time you sunk into the sofa and watched them?
We can convert your cine reels and let you finally preserve and share all of those amazing memories for you and your family forever.
See our Cine Film to Digital, Cine Film to DVD and Cine Film to USB pages for other conversion choices.
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 our Cine Film Transfer Service Works
The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.
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 digital 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 Films
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Your cine film reels on DVDs. It’s really easy to play them on any DVD player or computer disc drive.
Your cine film reels 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 conversions, downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you your very own access link to watch and share your cine films from anywhere.
What you‘ll get: Your reels on at least one DVD.
What to order: Just choose DVD to get your reel conversions.
Ideal for: Watching on your computer or television.
What you’ll get: All of your reels on a USB.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. 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!
Your cine film conversions, downloaded easily online from our cloud. We’ll send you your very own access link to watch and share your cine films from anywhere.
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Quick access and sharing with the family.
Your cine film reels 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: All of your reels on a USB.
What to Order: One USB stick is generally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs with USB slots.
We take your cine reels and convert to DVD. It’s so easy to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.
What you’ll get: Your cine reels transferred to DVD.
What to Order: Just ask for the DVD option to get all your conversions.
Ideal For: Watching on your television or a computer with disc drive.
No1 Cine Film Conversion Service in the UK
Watch the video alongside to see how Supaphoto carefully converts cine reels into high-quality digital files. It explains each stage of our professional transfer process and includes genuine examples of restored footage, helping you understand what to expect before sending your precious memories to us. Whether your reels have been stored for decades or you’re unsure of their condition, our proven workflow is designed to recover the best possible results while treating every film with exceptional care.
Every cine reel is transferred in our fully equipped professional studio using the latest scanning equipment and software. We use dedicated 2K to 5K resolution film scanners capable of producing broadcast-quality digital transfers, giving your memories outstanding clarity while faithfully preserving the original footage. If you’re looking to preserve older collections, our specialist services for transferring vintage cine film into digital formats are designed to deliver long-lasting results.
Unlike older projector-based methods, our equipment performs a 100% sprocketless transfer, allowing delicate, shrunken or damaged film to move safely through the scanner without placing unnecessary strain on the perforations. Before scanning begins, every reel undergoes a careful inspection and pre-transfer assessment so we can identify any issues and select the most appropriate capture settings. If you’d like advice before sending your collection, our guide on preparing cine film for safe posting provides helpful tips.
We only use professionally maintained equipment to achieve the highest possible quality. Where suitable, our Pro WetGate option helps reduce the appearance of scratches during scanning, while AI restoration enhancement can further improve the appearance of the finished digital files. Should a reel present any difficulties, we’ll transfer it again using different equipment settings and capture configurations to achieve a better result.
Approximately 99% of cine films are successfully digitalised and recovered irrespective of their condition. We regularly handle 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm film, and if you’re unsure which format you have, our guide to identifying different cine film formats can help. We can also capture both magnetic and optical sound where present, and offer specialist solutions for preserving 16mm film collections with the same professional care and attention.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
Choosing the right company to preserve your cine reels is about more than simply converting film to digital. It’s about trusting experienced specialists to care for irreplaceable memories from the moment they arrive until your originals are safely returned. At Supaphoto, every order is hand digitalised here in the UK by experienced technicians using proven workflows and a multi-point quality assurance process, giving you confidence that your precious footage is handled with the care it deserves. Whether you require a complete professional cine film digitisation service or a single family reel transferred, the same attention to detail is applied throughout.
You’ll always be able to speak to a real member of our friendly customer service team if you have questions before, during or after your order. We also provide order updates and tracking for added peace of mind, while carefully handling every original reel throughout the transfer process before returning it safely to you.
With more than 20 years of experience preserving analogue media, we’ve built a reputation for quality, reflected in over 600 genuine five-star customer reviews. Our expertise is trusted by multiple TV broadcast companies and programmes, including the BBC Repair Shop, as well as museums and other institutions that rely on careful handling of valuable originals.
We believe in transparent pricing too. There are no hidden annual cloud storage subscription charges, and you won’t be charged for blank or untransferrable sections of film. For customers seeking the highest possible results, an optional advanced service is available to further enhance suitable footage, while optional cloud hosting provides convenient online access and secure storage of your completed transfers.
If you’re preparing reels for digitisation, our guide to packing and sending cine film safely offers practical advice before dispatch. You can also explore our extensive Cine Film Transfer Learning Zone for expert guidance, preservation advice and answers to common questions about historic film formats.
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 Digital file downloaded via Cloud, USB 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 DVD 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 8mm 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 MP4 Digital Files
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″ (200′) 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. It takes longer but and costs relatively 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.
What’s the quality like?
We’re proud of our quality. We offer 2k or 4k 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. See also our 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.
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 Cine Reel Transfer Service
Converting your cine reels to digital is one of the most effective ways to protect irreplaceable family memories from the effects of age, handling and environmental damage. Unlike analogue film, digital copies can be viewed without using ageing projectors, shared with relatives around the world and backed up for long-term preservation. At Supaphoto, every reel is professionally assessed, carefully handled and transferred using specialist equipment to achieve the highest practical quality from your original film.
Our service is suitable for a wide range of cine formats, including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm film, making it easy to preserve mixed collections in one order. Whether you’re looking for a complete professional cine film digitisation service or prefer your memories supplied on physical media through our USB cine film transfer service, you’ll receive the same meticulous attention to detail. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to preserve your collection, our guide explaining why archiving your memories matters explores the long-term benefits of digital preservation.
How to Place an Order
We’ve made the ordering process straightforward, whether you’re sending a single family reel or an extensive archive. Simply gather your cine reels, package them securely and send them to our UK studio. Once they arrive, our technicians inspect each reel before scanning begins to ensure the most suitable transfer settings are selected.
Throughout the process, your originals remain carefully tracked and handled, giving you confidence that your collection is in safe hands. When the transfer is complete, your original reels are returned alongside your chosen digital format.
If you’re unsure how best to package your collection, our guide to preparing cine film before sending it provides practical advice to help your films arrive safely and in the best possible condition.
Ease of Process
Digitising cine reels doesn’t need to be complicated. Our experienced team manages the technical aspects of the transfer, allowing you to enjoy the finished results without needing specialist knowledge or equipment.
From the moment your reels arrive, they’re professionally assessed, transferred and quality checked before your completed order is prepared for dispatch. We also keep you informed with order updates, providing reassurance throughout the process. Whether your collection contains one format or several different reel types, our technicians are experienced in handling them efficiently while preserving the correct running order wherever possible.
Digital Download, USB or DVD – What’s Best?
The right delivery format depends on how you intend to enjoy your memories. A digital download offers immediate access and is ideal if you’d like to share films online or create additional backups. USB is often the preferred choice for customers wanting high-quality files that can be viewed on modern televisions, computers and many smart devices while remaining easy to store.
DVD can still be a suitable option if you regularly use a DVD player, although it has lower resolution than the original digital files. Many customers choose USB because it combines convenience, portability and excellent picture quality. If you’re uncertain which format best suits your needs, our More Questions About Cine Film Transfers section answers many of the most common queries before you place an order.
Pricing Guidance
The cost of converting cine reels depends on factors such as film length, the number of reels and any optional enhancement services selected. At Supaphoto, pricing is designed to be transparent, with no hidden annual cloud storage subscription charges and no fees for blank or untransferrable sections of film.
Optional services, including advanced restoration techniques and cloud hosting, are available for customers who require additional flexibility or enhanced results, while keeping the standard transfer process straightforward and cost-effective. If you’d like further information before ordering, our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions page covers pricing, turnaround times, delivery options and many other topics commonly asked by customers.
Good Old Fashioned Customer Service
At Supaphoto, we believe excellent customer service is just as important as the quality of the finished transfer. When you contact us, you’ll speak to a real member of our UK team who understands cine film and can answer your questions before, during and after your order. Whether you’re unsure which film format you have or need advice on the best output option, we’re happy to help. Our experienced technicians and customer support team work closely together to ensure every order progresses smoothly, while regular updates provide added peace of mind from the moment your reels arrive until your originals are safely returned.
Understanding Common Cine Film Formats
| Film Format | Typical Use | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| 8mm | Home movies from the 1930s onwards | Small frame size, silent or magnetic sound |
| Super 8 | Family films from the 1960s onwards | Improved image quality, often includes sound |
| 9.5mm | Earlier amateur filmmaking | Distinctive centre sprocket holes |
| 16mm | Professional, educational and commercial filming | Larger image area with excellent detail |
If you’re unsure which reels you own, our guide to identifying different cine film formats explains the distinguishing features of each. Customers with Super 8 collections may also be interested in our dedicated Super 8 film digitisation service, while larger professional collections can benefit from our specialist 16mm film conversion service.
Cine Film Learning Zone
What is Super 8 film?
Super 8 is a popular amateur cine film format introduced during the 1960s. It offers a larger image area than Standard 8mm and many reels include magnetic soundtracks. Our article explaining the differences between Standard 8mm and Super 8 film provides additional guidance.
Can damaged cine film still be digitised?
In many cases, yes. Every reel is inspected before transfer, and our technicians select the most appropriate scanning approach for its condition. Approximately 99% of cine films can be successfully digitalised and recovered irrespective of their condition.
Should I keep my original reels after digitisation?
Absolutely. Your originals are returned with your completed order and should be stored correctly for future preservation. Our advice on storing cine reels for long-term protection explains the best conditions for storage.
Film Cleaning and Restoration
Older cine reels often collect dust, loose particles and other surface contamination after decades in storage. Every reel is inspected before scanning so that its condition can be assessed and the most suitable transfer method selected. Where appropriate, optional restoration services can further improve the appearance of the finished digital files by reducing the visibility of age-related defects while respecting the character of the original footage. This careful approach helps maximise image quality without making unrealistic alterations to your treasured memories.
WetGate Film Scanning
For suitable film collections, our optional Pro WetGate scanning service can significantly improve the appearance of transferred footage. During scanning, this specialist process helps minimise the visibility of fine scratches and surface abrasions that naturally develop over many years of use and storage. WetGate is particularly valuable for cherished family films where cosmetic defects would otherwise distract from the viewing experience, making it an excellent option for customers seeking the highest possible presentation quality from their originals.
5K Film Scanning
Our dedicated film scanners support high-resolution capture of up to 5K, allowing exceptionally detailed digital preservation of your cine reels. High-resolution scanning is especially beneficial for well-preserved films because it captures more of the detail contained within the original image. Combined with professional colour correction, careful exposure control and multi-point quality assurance, this produces digital files suitable for viewing today while helping preserve your memories for future generations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to digitise ageing cine reels, as film can deteriorate over time even when stored carefully.
Using ageing projectors to view fragile originals, which may place unnecessary strain on older film.
Storing reels in damp lofts, garages or direct sunlight, where heat and humidity can accelerate deterioration.
Assuming all cine film is the same format, as 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm and 16mm each require specialist handling.
Choosing a service based solely on price, rather than considering equipment, experience, quality assurance and customer support.
For more expert advice about preserving analogue media, browse our Digital Conversion Blog, where you’ll find practical guidance on protecting and enjoying treasured collections for years to come.
More Questions About this Format
A: The safest and most effective way to convert old film reels to digital is to use a professional cine film scanning service. At Supaphoto, we carefully inspect and clean your cine reels before scanning them frame by frame with high-resolution equipment. This method captures every detail of your original film while preserving the colour and contrast. The footage is then converted into digital MP4 files and saved onto a USB stick, hard drive or provided via secure download. This allows you to easily watch, share and store your memories without needing an old projector.
A: We convert all common cine film formats, including Standard 8, Super 8 and 16mm reels. It doesn’t matter if your cine reels are silent or have soundtracks — we can digitise both. Each reel is handled with care by our experienced technicians and scanned using specialist equipment to ensure the highest quality. Whether you have family films, school projects or archived footage, we’ll bring them back to life in digital form.
A: Yes, in many cases they can. Over time, cine reels often accumulate dust, mould or small scratches due to poor storage conditions. At Supaphoto, we use gentle cleaning and restoration techniques to remove mould and surface dirt before scanning. As long as the film hasn’t deteriorated beyond recovery, we can safely transfer it to digital. Even partially damaged reels can often be restored and digitised, preserving as much of the footage as possible.
A: Yes, absolutely. Once your cine reels are converted to digital, you’ll be able to watch your old films on any modern device. Your videos are saved as MP4 files, which can be played on Smart TVs, laptops, tablets and even smartphones. If you’d like to share them with family or friends, you can copy or send the files easily, or request additional USB sticks or DVDs.
A: At Supaphoto, we offer three quality levels for cine reel digitisation. Our Standard quality captures your footage in HD resolution (960 × 720 pixels), ideal for everyday viewing. Premium quality offers Full HD (1,440 × 1,080 pixels), while our High-end option provides the sharpest results, perfect for large screens or editing. No matter which you choose, each reel is scanned frame by frame for smooth playback and crisp visuals.
A: To protect your cine reels during transit, pack them securely in their original boxes if available. Place the reels in a padded parcel with bubble wrap to prevent movement and include your signed order form inside. Once your package reaches our logistics centre, our team will inspect the reels and begin the cleaning and digitisation process. After the transfer is complete, both your original reels and digital copies will be returned safely.
A: Our standard turnaround time for cine reel digitisation is approximately three to six weeks, depending on the number and condition of your reels. If you need your converted films sooner, we also offer a Priority Service. Every order is processed carefully to ensure the best possible quality, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
A: If your cine reels are undeveloped, they’ll need to be processed by a specialist film lab before digitisation. Although standard film development for cine reels isn’t widely available anymore, there are still a few labs in the UK that can develop both Standard 8 and Super 8 film. Once developed, Supaphoto can take care of the cleaning, scanning and conversion process, ensuring your memories are digitised in stunning quality.
