Transcript
Welcome to the DV8 Sniper Tutorial: 8mm Film Conversion Equipment
This is the DV8 Sniper. The function of this piece of equipment is to digitize regular 8 and super 8 mm film. The purpose of this tutorial is to serve as a guide to operating both the Sniper and its associated software.
This tutorial will cover these topics: getting started, preparation, loading film, regular and super 8, lens and lens tubes, positioning camera, camera settings, remote, software, saving movie, and rewinding film. At the end of the tutorial will also be three supplemental topics, and they are: wiring set-up, film jamb, and adjusting timing disk.
In order to familiarize you with the equipment here are the basic elements: projector; camera; control box; remote; A-D converter; camera cradle; lens and lens tube; and synch mouse.
Now that we have gone over the equipment, let's get started.
First let's turn on the power. On the control box is a little black switch, select it. A red and amber light will come indicating that power is now available to the projector.
Next, the analog to digital converter. On the backside is a little black button, select it and two blue lights will come on in front indicating that power is now available. The left blue light indicates that the converter is ready for digital, we need it for analog, so select the button on top and the right blue light will come on. Also, on the camera a green appears indicating that power is available there.
Before you begin the handling of film it is a good idea to wash your hands to ensure that they are clean and free of oil or other materials that may contaminate film. If you desire, you may also wear white cotton gloves.
To load film onto the projector it is necessary to align one of three grooves on a film spool to one spline on the projector spindle. The spool of film is positioned so that the film leader comes off of the spool clockwise and is gently inserted onto the right supply spindle. The white leader is then fed under the film guide.
The control selector in turned to off or its middle position, freeing the pressure plate inside. The film leader is then inserted into the slot at the top and manually fed through the film path until it immerges out the backside of the projector. The film leader is then fed clockwise around the take-up spool and the end of the leader is inserted into one of the spool's film slots.
Looking from above at the film spool shows the path that the film takes from the supply spindle, including the position of the sprocket holes.
As previously illustrated, to load film onto the projector it is necessary to align one of three grooves on a film spool to one spline on the projector spindle. This spindle size will accommodate Super 8mm film. For Regular 8mm film, gently remove the spindle adapter to reveal a smaller splined spindle.
To accommodate difference in frame size between Regular 8mm and Super 8mm film, it is necessary to attach the appropriate lens tube. There are two lens tubes, each marked to indicate the film format, R8 and S8.
Begin by loosening the set screws on the camera cradle and gently slide the camera back a few inches. With one hand, turn the lens tube counter clockwise until it completely detaches from the camera.
Carefully separate the lens from the lens tube.
This is the lens.
Be careful to not touch the glass. Now, reinsert the lens into the appropriate lens tube.
This time with both hands, carefully reattach the lens tube to the camera. Note, do not force the tube in or cross threading may occur. Once the lens has been attached, we are then ready to reposition the camera.
On the Desktop, find and double click on the Dodcap icon. At the bottom left of the interface, select "Preview" and a preview screen will appear.
Now, by moving the camera back and forth in the camera cradle you will begin to see the film image come in and out of focus. Once you have focused the camera on the film gently tighten the set screws on the cradle.
Note: If the frames in the preview screen are out of alignment simply bump the motor button on the back of the projector and the frames will be aligned properly.
To center the film frame, loosen the set screws on the base and gently move the cradle back and forth until the film image fills the preview screen. Once completed, retighten the set screws on the base.
To adjust the camera, ensure that it is set to the "memory ", gain "0", and filter "4." Press and hold the black balance button until the preview screen indicates that the camera is balanced. Then turn the filter wheel until the middle position is "1."
The attached remote controls the intensity of light shining through the film. By turning the dial left the light decreases in strength. Turning the dial right increase the light's strength. In the preview screen, use the remote to adjust for a films particular illumination needs.
To begin digitizing film, first open the Dodcap software. This in the Dodcap interface. Next, you need to give your project a name. Select "Browse". Then determine where you will be saving your project. Enter a project name. Then, select "Open". Next, ensure that the capture devise is set to Microsoft DV Camera and VCR. Now, select "Options" and select to lock the cursor. As the program utilizes individual clicks on the capture button to capture frames of film, the cursor needs to remain in position. Select "Begin" and notice that the cursor cannot move off of the capture button.
On the back side of the projector, press the motor switch. Next, turn the synch switch to "On." The system will begin capturing individual frames of film. The Dodcap interface will indicate how many frames have been captured, the length of film digitized; and the preview screen will display the images. Note the frames of film will be captured at a slow rate. Also, the preview screen will appear choppy--this will not, however, be part of the completed movie.
When the film reaches the end, turn off the synch switch and then turn off the projector.
Select [Alt e] on the keyboard to release the cursor.
Then select "Yes" to play captured footage. In the player that opens up select "Preview Speed" and set the speed according to the type of film captured. Typically 18 fps for Super 8mm and 15/16 for Regular 8mm. The player has basic key functions, including the option to capture images.
Due to the nature of the projection and capture system, the digitized film is saved upside-down and runs at a much faster playing speed. In order to permanently save the film at the correct playing speed and to turn the film right side up select "Speed Change" then "Multiple Files." Next, drag the captured movie file and drop it over the appropriate film speed.
Double click the film speed file to open category characteristics. Then select the film speed. Choose from the options a compression codec.
Under image flip, click on vertical flip and select "Accept."
Last, choose "Process Now" to implement the conversion.
Once completed open the file and preview the movie.
To rewind, pass the film across the projector to the right spool and insert the film end into the slot. Turn the control selector to the up or rewind position. Push the power button and lightly place your hand on the left reel to ensure that there is an even tension on the film. This will produce a snug and even rewind. When the entire film has reached the other spool, turn off the power and remove the spool.
To begin, insert the power cable from the control box to the camera. Next, plug the yellow video cable to the video/out on the camera. Insert the other end into the video in on the AD converter. Attach the long white cable to the synch mouse and insert the other end to the cable coming out of the projector.
Plug the other cable from the projector into the back of the control box. Insert the mini end of the FireWire cable into the AD converter. And last, plug the USB cord from the synch mouse and the FireWire cable from the converter into the back of the computer.
If when loading the projector the film will not pass through the film path, gently remove the guide cover by pressing down on the tab and pulling outward, top first. Then, remove the film and manually feed it through the proper channel and up onto the take-up reel.
When replacing the cover ensure that the film does not become bound or improperly seated. Using the tabs, insert the bottom end of the cover in first and then secure the top. Then, ensure that the film pulls
through freely.
If the timing wheel is out of synch, the captured images will exhibit pulldown blur. To remedy this, unplug the power to the unit and remove the panel on the back of the projector. With the use of an Allen wrench loosen the screw on the timing wheel and turn it incrementally to the left or right. Then, re-secure the screw, replace the back cover and run a section of test film through the projector.
If there continues to be pulldown blur, repeat the process until the blur is no longer visible.
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