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

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WowIndescribable

New Tinkerer
Dec 17, 2025
5
1
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Lens extension compatibility

I’m trying to do the lens upgrade but I’ve tried two different M12 lens extensions and neither of them seem to fit the threads on the sensor/board. Has anyone else had this issue? Suggestions welcome.
 

larryc39

Tinkerer
Jan 2, 2025
34
34
18
Lens extension compatibility

I’m trying to do the lens upgrade but I’ve tried two different M12 lens extensions and neither of them seem to fit the threads on the sensor/board. Has anyone else had this issue? Suggestions welcome.
Yes, sometimes, the chintzy plastic of the lens mount on the sensor board are just destroyed when you remove the lens (or even from the factory perhaps?). If it doesn't easily thread on with a couple tries, buy and install a new lens mount to the sensor board.
 
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WowIndescribable

New Tinkerer
Dec 17, 2025
5
1
3
Yes, sometimes, the chintzy plastic of the lens mount on the sensor board are just destroyed when you remove the lens (or even from the factory perhaps?). If it doesn't easily thread on with a couple tries, buy and install a new lens mount to the sensor board.
Thanks for that. So the lens mount is replaceable…how does one look for/find a 1:1 replacement?
 

HGSiegel

New Tinkerer
Mar 23, 2026
8
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Ok, I've created a new version of Rev D firmware---thanks for the feedback, @Hook Line and Tinker ! I wish I could test these builds first, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm traveling for a week and not gonna fly with the unit---especially on float planes. :) I've made this more of a diagnostic version that allows testers to give me some answers I can work with. Thank you!

---
Diagnostic Build — Stage Progress Test (April 15)

This firmware is for Revision D models ONLY. Do not flash on Type A, B, or C units.

This build adds numbered stage markers to the screen so we can pinpoint exactly where the overlay code gets to before
stopping. It also tests whether font rendering works on Type D.

What's new in this build:
- Numbered green squares (1-7) appear on screen as the code progresses
- If a stage is blocked, it shows as a RED square instead of green
- Auto-exposure code is DISABLED in this build to prevent the lockup
- Preview buffer fix — was pointing at the wrong image pipeline

*** ADDENDUM ****

This build also includes new 4:3 sensor patches from the previous build. These are separate from the overlay/stage marker changes but could independently cause issues:

  • OS04D10 sensor output changed from 1936x1076 (16:9 crop) to 1728x1296 (native 4:3)
  • Sensor register table patched: y_start, y_end, x_start, x_end, output width/height
  • ISP mode table updated to expect 1728x1296 input (modes 0-2)
  • Framerate set to 18fps
If the unit crashes immediately on power-up (before any stage markers appear), the sensor patch may be the cause — the ISP might reject the new dimensions, or the encode pipeline might not handle 4:3. If you see at least stage 1 (a green square), the sensor init passed and the crash is in the overlay code.

*************


How to flash: Same as before — copy FWDV280.BIN to a FAT32-formatted SD card (16-32GB recommended), create an empty
NVTDELFW folder, insert and power on.

What to look for: After powering on and letting the unit initialize, look at the screen for small colored squares with
numbers.

┌───────┬─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Stage │ What it means │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 1 │ Overlay code is running │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 2 │ Frame counter initialized (startup complete) │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 3 │ Preview mode detected │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 4 │ Histogram data found in image buffer │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 5 │ Histogram rendered to memory │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 6 │ Histogram drawn to frame buffer │ ├───────┼─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 7 │ Auto-exposure checkpoint (stops here by design) │ └───────┴─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Please answer these questions:

  1. How many green squares do you see? (e.g. "I see green 1 through 5")
  2. Are any squares RED? If so, which number? (Red = code stopped at that stage)
  3. Can you see numbers inside/next to the squares? (This tells us if font rendering works on D)
  4. Where on the screen are the squares? (Top/bottom/left/right — helps us understand LCD rotation)
  5. Does the unit lock up or stay responsive? Can you navigate menus, or does it freeze?
  6. Does pressing OK still advance film? (Mechanical test)
  7. If you start a capture, do any squares change? (Stages may differ between preview and recording)

To revert: Same as before — format the SD card, or use the stock firmware .BIN to reflash.
I got the exact same result as shown in post #514 with the version you included in post #513: small colour bars and full unresponsiveness. My serial: K2225148BK00... Reverting to the stock firmware worked fine.
N.B.: My previous post #517 referred to your post #509. I'm sorry for the confusion that might have caused.
 

Asielus

New Tinkerer
Apr 14, 2025
10
3
3
1) stick with the the known lens 12mm at 2.8mm. I have three units running 2.8mm all work great. Use: https://www.rmaelectronics.com/azure-photonics-azure-1228mac/

2) Latest 3D spacers: https://tinkerdifferent.com/threads...-film-digitizer-firmware-hack.2897/post-42590
Locking rings: https://www.m12lenses.com/category-s/97.htm
Extension tube: https://www.m12lenses.com/7mm-Metal-Extension-Ring-for-M12-Mount-p/pt-erm12-700m.htm

3) I haven't seen one

4) Try it. Pec pads are working for me, haven't tried anything else.
Is there a manual on how to perform the 12mm lens replacement?
 

ThePhage

Tinkerer
Oct 30, 2024
68
66
18
Is there a manual on how to perform the 12mm lens replacement?
Deano has in this post what is probably the most comprehensive report on the process.

From the firmware guide, here's a running list of links to such posts:
 

hobbified

New Tinkerer
Apr 23, 2026
1
0
1
Hi,

I just bought a new unit, serial J2925148BK00028, which is a format that I haven't seen mentioned by anyone else. It seems to be a "type D" unit (works after flashing the D stock firmware).

My results with the Post #513 firmware are the same as HLT and others have seen: two red and two green bars in the upper-right corner with a bit of detritus beneath, no takeup reel activity, and no response to the controls besides the power button.

I have a bit of familiarity with embedded dev, and I can talk to the UART, but I haven't opened the unit up just yet.