Super 16mm and 16mm film
Eastman Kodak introduced 16mm film around 1923 as a cheaper alternative to 35mm motion picture film.
The format has undergone many changes and improvements over time. Variations include standard 16mm with a 1.37 aspect ratio and Super 16 with a wider aspect ratio of 1.66. We can scan the film as either over scan or under scan which allows for more or less of the frame to be included in the image.
16mm film has a number of other variations such as single or double perforation and sound options either magnetic or optical. We do not offer magnetic soundtrack recovery but can have this part of the service done on an outsourced basis.
16mm film has a much higher resolution than 8 mm film due to its larger image size.
Pictured below is 16mm single perforation with an optical soundtrack.
We scan 16mm film at 2k resolution and can recover the optical soundtrack from 16mm films with either mono, stereo or variable density soundtracks. Post scan we render files at the correct frame rate for 16mm film, which is generally 16, 18 or 24 fps. Sound (if any) is added post scan and colour correction is applied if required.
In most cases, Kodak film (if shot correctly) and under the correct lighting for the film type does not require any colour correction. The same cannot be said for some Agfa film, this film tends to fade and colour rendition is poor when compared to Kodak film.
Damaged Film
We will repair and splice film as required to complete the work. There are no additional charges for simple splicing.
If required, new leaders will be attached and additional charges may apply in this case.
Our scanner requires the film sprocket holes to be fully intact for a perfect scan. Damaged film may result in frame shift or an unstable scan.
Acetate Leach – Vinegar Syndrome
Film that has suffered acetate leach (vinegar syndrome) may not be able to be scanned.
If a strong vinegar smell is present, this is a sure sign of acetate leach, and the film should be scanned as a matter of urgency.
Film damage is usually worst at the outer edges of the reel. In some cases film toward the middle of the reel can be recovered succesfully.
Output file types
- 2K uncompressed MOV – as scanned – no post production.
- HD 1920 x 1080 MOV – Edited, speed and colour corrected.
- Image Sequence – TIFF, PNG or JPEG.
- HD 1920 x 1080P MP4.
- Separate WAV / MP3 file for audio track.
If you require a different file type, please let us know, our systems allow for almost any file with customizable settings i.e.. bandwidth, compression type etc.
Approximate run times – feet vs frame rate
Contact us for more information on this service