Hacking the Kodak Reels 8mm Film Digitizer (New Thread)

so, I just got my Kodak Reels and was able to get OdanO's firmware up and running. However, when I try to use the "framing" buttons, nothing happens. I try to zoom in and it does not respond, it also does not respond to left or right.

so, I shut it off and turned it back on, and when I did, the framing was zoomed in and to the left - as if it applied my adjustments .

I tried zooming out at this point and it did not respond.

has anyone else had this issue with framing?

My Kodak Reels arrived today with the red adapter attached to the left arm and the grey one attached to the right arm. However, my super 8 reels "center hole" are still too large. Do I need another adapter? please see image.

P-car said:

My Kodak Reels arrived today with the red adapter attached to the left arm and the grey one attached to the right arm. However, my super 8 reels "center hole" are still too large. Do I need another adapter? please see image.

Click to expand...

That is not the adaptor. The red and grey posts are just classic 8mm style reel hubs. You need to attached this over the red post:

Darn. My unit did not come with the adapters. what are they called? maybe I can find them on AMAZON. If I cant find on AMAZON, where can I buy in USA? thanks

P-car said:

so, I just got my Kodak Reels and was able to get OdanO's firmware up and running. However, when I try to use the "framing" buttons, nothing happens. I try to zoom in and it does not respond, it also does not respond to left or right.

so, I shut it off and turned it back on, and when I did, the framing was zoomed in and to the left - as if it applied my adjustments .

I tried zooming out at this point and it did not respond.

has anyone else had this issue with framing?

Click to expand...

Framing is likely working after the reboot.

P-car said:

Darn. My unit did not come with the adapters. what are they called? maybe I can find them on AMAZON. If I cant find on AMAZON, where can I buy in USA? thanks

Click to expand...

Print your own if you can https://www.stlfinder.com/model/super8-to-normal-reel-adapter-ovQWakM0/2572373

OdanO. thank you so much. I'm going also print the parts for the lens MOD. can you suggest a good online 3d print store. I've not done 3d prints in a while.

0dan0 said:

Framing is likely working after the reboot.

Click to expand...

yes, thank you. that issue resolved after boot up.

0dan0 said:

Now most of the time I do not see the artifact, although we did a short film a couple of weekends ago (7 rolls for Ektachrome,) and there was only one moment when I saw this error. But it reminded me to look into it.

I'm thinking of two firmware changes with this new insight.
1) displaying the current readout resolution. This will be sad for stock lens users, as you will see you resolution at around 672x504.
2) optionally encoding at the native readout window resolution (super depressing for a stock lens.) For 12mm users, at 1440x1080 native encode will eliminate any minor scaling artifacts.

Feedback on these ideas?

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I like the transparency of idea #1... It will likely lead to many folks buying a 12mm macro lens (I have mine, but I still need to install it).

I have mixed feelings about idea #2... I like that any scaling artifacts would be eliminated for 12mm lens users at 1440x1080. I also like that it supports the digitization of a 16mm frame (even if the stock film gate does not). However, I'm sure that folks with the stock lens love that the 672x504 images are currently upscaled to 1600x1200. So, I'd like to see the following implemented as a compromise if possible:
a) encode at the native readout window resolution for 1440x1080 and higher
b) retain the 1600x1200 upscaling for native readout window resolutions below 1440 x 1080.

A variation of my "compromise" that I prefer (if feasible) is to make the encoding resolution user-configurable, providing those 2 encoding resolution setting options ('Native' and '1600x1200') regardless of the current readout resolution.

Thanks again for all that you continue to do to improve the quality of this device!

Release V7.6

This adds info reporting the sensor read-out resolution, but leaves the encoding resolution at 1600x1200 for now. This is info is during preview only.

There is also the window offset, the number of x, y pixels from top left of the active sensor region. This could be useful for debugging.
Final change, during capture I have restored support for 50 ISO, so a slightly cleaner image (maybe).

We currently DO NOT have control over ISO, correct? (the algo manages the iso.)

P-car said:

We currently DO NOT have control over ISO, correct? (the algo manages the iso.)

Click to expand...

Correct. The range of film means the ISO needs to vary. The algorithm will aim for the lowest practical for the film's density.