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

VoodooKi

New Tinkerer
Oct 26, 2025
3
0
1
How can I tell if the firmware update was successfully installed? After performing the Firmware B update, my startup screen still shows the regular Kodak logo. My serial number is D2825148BK00952. I used a SanDisk Ultra 16 GB card, formatted it to FAT32, and placed only the FWDV280.bin file on the SD card. The boot process took approximately 10–20 seconds. I’ve also tried all three options. Also, I just bought this new off of Amazon.
 

TheElk

New Tinkerer
Oct 5, 2025
29
1
3
I was out this week and tested last saturday with V6.9. I found sufficent color settings for Kodachrome from the 70 s. 448, 256, 256 ev 2 ( White bal 2,0 -1,5 -0,5 ). Only the issue after 16384 frames existed. Now we have the new V7.1.1 with the possibility to choose also 24fps ( over 95 % of my films are in 24fps ) what makes it getting rid of cutting and reframing. I love this, many thanks. Today I did 2 short scans with the new version. I believe I have to test with additional settings for the Kodachrome tomorrow. 528, 256, 256 ( White bal 1 -1.5 -0.5 ) was my last test. It was too green. But this was the setting which showes a good histogram with an empty Kodakfilm, but not within the film.
Tomorrow I will also check, if the 16384 Problem has gone away ...
 

0dan0

Active Tinkerer
Jan 13, 2025
233
393
63

0dan0

Active Tinkerer
Jan 13, 2025
233
393
63
How can I tell if the firmware update was successfully installed? After performing the Firmware B update, my startup screen still shows the regular Kodak logo. My serial number is D2825148BK00952. I used a SanDisk Ultra 16 GB card, formatted it to FAT32, and placed only the FWDV280.bin file on the SD card. The boot process took approximately 10–20 seconds. I’ve also tried all three options. Also, I just bought this new off of Amazon.
The boot screen, if updated, will show:
BootLogo1600x1200-V7.1B.png


I've only used 32GB cards with stand formatting (defaults to FAT32.) If is very new, it likely Type C.
 

VoodooKi

New Tinkerer
Oct 26, 2025
3
0
1
Well now you know you are installing firmware. :) So Type B it is.
Thanks, I’ll go back to Type B then.
I’m trying to convert my grandfather’s films for the family and want to make sure I can give them the best quality possible. I have 15 reels from the early 1960s, and I’m guessing they haven’t been used in decades. I’ve ordered some PEC-12 to clean the film is there anything else I should do?
Here’s the MediaInfo for Type B:
 

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ThePhage

New Tinkerer
Oct 30, 2024
23
10
3
Thanks, I’ll go back to Type B then.
I’m trying to convert my grandfather’s films for the family and want to make sure I can give them the best quality possible. I have 15 reels from the early 1960s, and I’m guessing they haven’t been used in decades. I’ve ordered some PEC-12 to clean the film is there anything else I should do?
Here’s the MediaInfo for Type B:
I found success with using Pec Pads and Film Guard solution to gently clean dust/dirt from the film before scanning, while also lubricating it. Some film didn’t need it as much as others (those that had been screened more often).

I did use Pec 12, but for cleaning the film path on the scanner.

Compressed air was occasionally helpful to blow dirt out of the gate while scanning as needed.

Also, decide on a system to organize and label the footage and files. A spreadsheet with any data you can assemble would be wise.

On my next round of scanning (with the awesomeness that is 7.1.1 or later) I may borrow from someone up thread who put cotton or spec pads on the scanners’s grey film guide posts to keep those from scratching the film.
 

0dan0

Active Tinkerer
Jan 13, 2025
233
393
63
Thanks, I’ll go back to Type B then.
I’m trying to convert my grandfather’s films for the family and want to make sure I can give them the best quality possible. I have 15 reels from the early 1960s, and I’m guessing they haven’t been used in decades. I’ve ordered some PEC-12 to clean the film is there anything else I should do?
Here’s the MediaInfo for Type B:
That looks like Mac84 firmware, not 0dan0 v7.1. The original firmware hack didn't modify the boot logo, that is way you didn't see any change on the firmware update.

Other big differences: resolution at 1920x1440 (not 1600x1200, remember the stock lens can only resolve ~640x480, more resolution is not always better), bitrate is lower (not 35Mb/s), and 20fps is the stock framerate (not an 8mm or Super8 fps.) The v7.1 firmware has a lot of additional fixes, more stable exposure and a manual white balance control. My firmware also updates the date to 2025-10-22.

1761541196780.png


Attached is the latest Type B firmware if you want the above and more.
 

Attachments

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