Modding the Kodak Reels 8mm Film Digitizer (Firmware Hack)
- Thread starter Mac84
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Hi,
how do I know what version of the machine I have? Is it A, B or C? I thought it was the first letter of the serial number I have C1725148BK00237. But when I see numbers starting with H, it must be different.
Thanks a lot for the answer.
how do I know what version of the machine I have? Is it A, B or C? I thought it was the first letter of the serial number I have C1725148BK00237. But when I see numbers starting with H, it must be different.
Thanks a lot for the answer.
Can you share sample video footage that displays the issue?
I've had some older film that is warped/cupped to the point where the sprockets are not properly distanced and the pin is having a hard time advancing the film properly, requiring me to manually "pull" the film through and hope that it's able to grab and advance it further.
Also, an unrelated intermittent issue with the synchronization of film advancing and image shutter is experienced by many users (causing some stutter/jumpiness/distortion visible in the top area of some frames. 0dan0 was reportedly able to address this in one of the more recent firmware versions.
Hopefully this piece will suffice as an example.
Edit
I just tried a normal 8mm and it came through fine. No skipping. It looks like a problem with the film.
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If that is happening on stock firmware, on all film reels (without sprocket damage), just seek a replacement. This is not some that is fixed with a firmware change.
I'm trying color film and there's no skipping. The advance works fine, so the problem must be with the black and white films. They're probably dried up from age. Since I have a lot of super 8mm, I need to figure out how to fix it.
Since the color ones are OK, I'd like to try your firmware. I'm just afraid of killing the machine with the wrong version. I don't know which one I have or how to find out.
Since the color ones are OK, I'd like to try your firmware. I'm just afraid of killing the machine with the wrong version. I don't know which one I have or how to find out.
People have reported that flashing the wrong version will not harm the unit. Since your serial starts with "C", and the latest units start with "H", I'd start with version "A" and see if that works for you. If not, go to version "B", then "C".
OdanO's Post #496 has all 3 versions of 6.6 attached for download.
Follow the instructions Steve posted at the very bottom of this page (https://mac84.net/8mmlookup/) to the letter. Especially "only use FAT32 formatted SD cards when flashing firmware"
Have fun.
I think you can rule out type A, these are the oldest, and very unlikely to be sold as new anywhere. My one Type A was still called "Reelz" not "Reels", well until I firmware updated it. I would think most new units are Type C, so I would try type C first, then B. The 8mmlookup should be updated with information from more recent serial numbers.
Thanks for your advice. I got the firmware working (type C) and did some before and after comparison. The bitrate improvement is impressive! I'm now looking into improving the resolution with the lens replacement. I hesitated a bit when I saw the lens price ($78 USD), but decided to go ahead anyway. I stopped cold however when I saw the shipping. The only shipping offered was "Express International" (ship to Seattle), and they want $102! Has anyone stateside paid this amount for shipping? I've searched other sites for similar or equivalent lenses, but to no avail. Any advice?
One suggestion is to try https://www.forward2me.com/ to get you a UK mail address, that would then forward on to the US. Yes the shipping is crazy. As I was purchasing three lenses, the cost pair lens wasn't too horrible. So gather other interested and buy in bulk.