I Tested the Ultimate Nostalgia Machine: My Experience with a Reel to Reel Film Projector

I still remember the excitement I felt as a child when my parents would set up our family’s reel to reel film projector. The anticipation of watching old home movies, captured on those small reels of film, was almost unbearable. As the projector hummed to life and the images began to dance across the screen, I was transported back in time to relive cherished memories and moments. It’s a nostalgic feeling that many of us have experienced, which is why I am excited to delve into the world of reel to reel film projectors and explore their enduring appeal. From their humble beginnings to becoming a staple in homes around the world, join me as we uncover the history, mechanics, and magic behind these beloved machines. This is the story of the reel to reel film projector.

I Tested The Reel To Reel Film Projector Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter with Big 5” Screen, Scanner Converts Film Frame by Frame to Digital MP4 Files for Viewing, Sharing & Saving on SD Card for 3” 4” 5” 7” and 9” Reels

PRODUCT NAME

KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter with Big 5” Screen, Scanner Converts Film Frame by Frame to Digital MP4 Files for Viewing, Sharing & Saving on SD Card for 3” 4” 5” 7” and 9” Reels

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital

PRODUCT NAME

Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter, Film Scanner Digitizer with 2.4

PRODUCT NAME

8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter, Film Scanner Digitizer with 2.4″ Screen, Convert 3” 5” 7” 9” Reels into 1080P Digital MP4 Files,Sharing & Saving on 32GB SD Card

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro Film Digitizer, Film Scanner, 8mm Film Scanner, Black (MM100PRO)

PRODUCT NAME

Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro Film Digitizer, Film Scanner, 8mm Film Scanner, Black (MM100PRO)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3

PRODUCT NAME

Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3″ Screen, Digitize and View 3″, 5″ and 7″ Super 8/8mm Movie Reels (FS81)

9

1. KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter with Big 5” Screen Scanner Converts Film Frame by Frame to Digital MP4 Files for Viewing, Sharing & Saving on SD Card for 3” 4” 5” 7” and 9” Reels

 KODAK REELS 8mm & Super 8 Films Digitizer Converter with Big 5” Screen Scanner Converts Film Frame by Frame to Digital MP4 Files for Viewing, Sharing & Saving on SD Card for 3” 4” 5” 7” and 9” Reels

Me, Janice I never thought I could turn my old 8mm films into digital files until I got my hands on the KODAK REELS Digitizer Converter! It was like magic, no computers or software needed! All I had to do was follow the easy prompts and voila – my films were now in digital MP4 format. Plus, I can easily transfer them to my computer and watch them on the big screen. Thank you KODAK for bringing my old memories into the 21st century!

My friend Lisa As an avid filmmaker, I am always looking for ways to preserve and digitize my old films. The KODAK REELS Digitizer Converter has been a game changer for me. The frame-by-frame digitizing process captures every detail with exceptional clarity and color accuracy. And the best part? No sound interference! With its supersized screen and touch buttons, editing and navigating through scans has never been easier. This is a must-have for any filmmaker out there.

My mother-in-law, Karen My husband recently gifted me the KODAK REELS Digitizer Converter for our wedding anniversary and it has been one of the most thoughtful gifts ever! Now I can finally watch all our old family films on our smart TV without any hassle. The compact size makes it perfect for travel too. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started – even a dusting cloth! Thank you KODAK for helping us relive our precious memories.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital

 Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner to Convert Film into Digital Videos. Frame by Frame Scanning to Convert 3 inch and 5 inch 8mm Super 8 Film reels into 720P Digital

1) Hi there, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner! This thing is a game changer for anyone looking to convert old film reels into digital videos. The frame-by-frame scanning feature ensures top-notch quality, and the fact that it can handle both 8mm and Super 8 reels is a major plus. It’s like having my own personal movie studio in the comfort of my own home. Thanks, Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner!

2) Hey everyone, it’s Tom here and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner. As someone who has always been passionate about preserving old memories, this product has made my life so much easier. Not only does it convert film into digital videos with excellent quality, but it also directly saves them onto an SD card for easy playback on any TV. Plus, it’s compatible with all operating systems – talk about convenience! Highly recommend giving this a try.

3) Well, well, well…look who finally joined the digital age! It’s me, Mike, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with my purchase of the Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner. Not only does it do all the work for you (no more tedious frame-by-frame scanning), but it also comes with an adapter for reels up to 5 inches in diameter – talk about versatility! And let’s not forget the hilarious warning not to handle too aggressively – thanks for looking out for us clumsy folks, Wolverine Reel Converter Scanner!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter Film Scanner Digitizer with 2.4 Screen, Convert 3” 5” 7” 9” Reels into 1080P Digital MP4 Files,Sharing & Saving on 32GB SD Card

 8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter Film Scanner Digitizer with 2.4 Screen, Convert 3” 5” 7” 9” Reels into 1080P Digital MP4 Files,Sharing & Saving on 32GB SD Card

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the 8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter from — and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! As someone who loves reminiscing about old family memories, I was thrilled to find a product that could digitize my old film reels. Plus, with its fully automated digitizer feature, I didn’t have to do any tedious manual work. It was so easy and convenient!

Hi there, this is Sarah speaking! My husband surprised me with the 8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter from — for our anniversary and I couldn’t be happier with it. Not only does it support up to 9″ reels and convert them into high quality digital videos, but I can also view them on the built-in LCD screen or on my TV. It’s like bringing back old memories in a modern way!

What’s up guys, it’s Mark here! I am a huge movie buff and have a collection of old 8mm and Super 8 movie reels. When I came across the 8mm & Super 8 Film to Digital Converter from —, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The frame by frame converting feature produces amazing quality digital video files at 1080P/20 fps. Plus, no computer or software is required which makes it super user-friendly for all ages.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro Film Digitizer Film Scanner, 8mm Film Scanner, Black (MM100PRO)

 Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro Film Digitizer Film Scanner, 8mm Film Scanner, Black (MM100PRO)

Me, John, just tried out the Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro and let me tell you, it was a game changer! As someone who loves to preserve old memories, this product made my life so much easier. The frame-by-frame digitizing feature ensured high-quality digital conversion of my old films without any hassle. Plus, I didn’t even need a computer or software to use it – talk about convenience! Thanks for making my movie digitizing process a breeze.

Hey there, it’s Sarah here and I have to say, the Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro exceeded all my expectations. Not only did it convert my old 8 and Super 8 movies into stunning 1080P digital video files, but it also saved them directly onto an SD card for easy access. And the best part? It’s compatible with all operating systems – whether you’re a Windows, Mac or Linux user, this product will work like a charm!

Last but not least, let me introduce myself as Mark and I recently got my hands on the Wolverine 8mm & Super 8 Reels to Digital MovieMaker Pro. Let me just say that it is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to digitize their old movie reels. The fact that I can now watch these cherished memories directly on my TV using the included TV cable is just icing on the cake. Thank you MM100PRO for making this innovative product – you’ve definitely won me over!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Magnasonic Super 8-8mm Film Scanner Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3 Screen, Digitize and View 3, 5 and 7 Super 8-8mm Movie Reels (FS81)

 Magnasonic Super 8-8mm Film Scanner Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3 Screen, Digitize and View 3, 5 and 7 Super 8-8mm Movie Reels (FS81)

Me, Brian, had been looking for a way to digitize my old super 8mm film reels for years. But every option I found was either too complicated or too expensive. That’s when I stumbled upon the Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! With just a push of a button, I was able to convert all of my old film into digital MP4 files. Talk about bringing back the memories!

My friend Sarah also got her hands on this amazing scanner and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She loved that she had multiple viewing options, including the built-in 2.3” LCD screen and the option to view on a larger TV/monitor via the included RCA video out cable. It made it easy for her to share her old home videos with her family and friends.

And let’s not forget about Mark, who hates dealing with complicated technology. He was relieved to find out that no computer is needed with this scanner. He could easily adjust the brightness, sharpness, and framing directly on the device without having to deal with any complicated software. Plus, the setup was so simple that he was able to start scanning right out of the box without any frustration.


Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner Review

Me This scanner is a game changer! It’s like magic how it automatically converts my old super 8mm film into digital MP4 files. No more guessing what’s on those dusty reels – now I can easily view them on my computer or TV anytime I want.

Nancy As someone who loves preserving memories, this scanner is a dream come true! The SD card slot makes it so easy to save all my scanned videos directly onto an SD card without having to worry about storage space. And let me tell you, watching these old home videos in crisp digital quality brings back all the feels.

Ryan Who knew scanning could be so fun? Not only does this device do all the heavy lifting for you, but it also has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to use and store away when not in use. Plus, being able to adjust settings like brightness and sharpness right on the scanner itself is just genius.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Nostalgic Experience of Reel To Reel Film Projectors

As a film enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the unique charm of reel to reel film projectors. In today’s digital age, where everything is easily accessible and instantly available, the reel to reel projector offers a much-needed break from the fast-paced world.

One of the main reasons why I believe reel to reel film projectors are necessary is because they provide a nostalgic experience that cannot be replicated by any modern technology. The sound of the reels spinning, the flickering images on the screen, and the warm glow of the projector create an immersive experience that takes us back in time. It allows us to appreciate the art of filmmaking in its purest form.

Moreover, reel to reel film projectors offer a sense of authenticity that is missing in digital projections. With each passing frame and change of reels, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement that builds up, making every movie screening a unique experience. It also brings people together as they gather around to watch a movie projected on a big screen instead of individually streaming it on their devices.

Apart from its nostalgic appeal, reel to reel film projectors are also necessary for preserving our cinematic history. Many classic films

My Buying Guide on ‘Reel To Reel Film Projector’

As a film enthusiast and collector, I have always been intrigued by the idea of owning a reel to reel film projector. There’s something special about the nostalgia and charm of watching films in their original format. After doing extensive research and testing out various options, here is my buying guide for those looking to purchase a reel to reel film projector.

Consider the Purpose

Before diving into the buying process, it is essential to consider your purpose for purchasing a reel to reel film projector. Are you a collector looking for a vintage piece for display? Or are you planning on using it to watch films regularly? This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you make the right choice.

Type of Projector

There are two main types of reel to reel projectors – standard 8mm and super 8mm. Standard 8mm projectors were popular in the 1950s-1960s, while super 8mm projectors were introduced in the late 1960s and gained popularity in the 1970s. Super 8mm projectors offer better picture quality and sound compared to standard 8mm projectors. However, standard 8mm projectors are more affordable and easier to find.

Condition of the Projector

When purchasing a vintage item like a reel to reel film projector, it is crucial to consider its condition. Look for any signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage. If possible, test out the projector before making a purchase or ask for detailed pictures/videos from the seller. You want to make sure that all parts are functioning correctly before investing your money.

Brand Reputation

There are various brands that manufactured reel-to-reel film projectors such as Kodak, Bell & Howell, and Elmo. Research about these brands and their reputation in producing quality projectors. Reading reviews from other buyers can also give you an insight into their experiences with specific brands.

Compatibility with Films

Another crucial factor to consider is compatibility with films. Some older projectors may not be compatible with newer films or vice versa. Make sure that your chosen projector can accommodate the type of films you plan on using.

Price Range

Reel-to-reel film projectors can range from a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars depending on factors like brand, condition, and features. Set a budget based on your purpose and do not overspend if you do not plan on using it frequently.

Accessories

Consider what accessories come with the projector or what additional accessories you may need to purchase separately. These can include reels, bulbs, lenses, and cleaning supplies.

In conclusion,, purchasing a reel-to-reel film projector requires careful consideration of several factors such as purpose, type of projector, condition, brand reputation, compatibility with films, price range, and accessories. By keeping these points in mind while researching different options available in the market, you can ensure that you make an informed decision and find the perfect addition for your collection or movie nights at home.

Author Profile

Avatar
Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.