Modding the Kodak Reels 8mm Film Digitizer (Firmware Hack)

fishgee

New Tinkerer
Jan 6, 2025
14
5
3
Hey all, just picked up a used Kodak Reels sn: D3024148BKxxxx which should be a Type B firmware.

Before flashing the 1440p mod I had a question on what the typical file size for the common regular 8 reels at the new resolution and bitrate, e.g. 50 ft, 100 ft and 200 ft?

Thanks in advance.
I'm using the 5.8 version right now, and the file sizes for 3" - 50 foot reels is coming in just under 700MB per reel. I realize the B firmware isn't available in version 5.8 (yet ;-) ), but it should give you some indication of what to expect.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2025-04-23 152156.jpg
    Screenshot 2025-04-23 152156.jpg
    8.5 KB · Views: 6
  • Screenshot 2025-04-23 152239.jpg
    Screenshot 2025-04-23 152239.jpg
    28.3 KB · Views: 8
Last edited:

NotaNumber

New Tinkerer
Apr 23, 2025
2
0
1
I'm using the 5.8 version right now, and the file sizes for 3" - 50 foot reels is coming in just under 700K per reel. I realize the B firmware isn't available in version 5.8 (yet ;-) ), but it should give you some indication of what to expect.
Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and flash the B firmware or may be wait for the type B v5.x.

I have to order some leader and splicing tapes anyway.

Edit: I couldn't wait. The firmware loaded and files as scanned with the modded settings. Playback and thumbnails on the scanner show green and magenta patches but playback of the files on my PC are "normal".

Attached are mediinfo screenshots on files scanned with original vs version B firmware.

I am curious about the encoded time and date. The date appears fixed and the time perhaps random. Does the date have any relationship to the original firmware version?

versionb.pngoriginal.png
 
Last edited: