How to digitise larger coils with the Reflecta Super 8 Normal 8 scanner

The Reflecta Super 8 Normal 8 Scanner can be used to digitise coils with a maximum diameter of 12.5 cm. Following this tutorial for the Reflecta Super 8 Normal 8 Scanner, Wolverine Scanner and Somikon Film Scanner you'll be able to scan larger coils pretty easily. Note that you will need at least two empty coils of 12.5 cm (60 meters film) in diameter (an empty one is always included in our package). If you do not have any additional reels, we can send them to you for free if you rent the scanner via our website. Simply note this request in the notification window while ordering. You can also order empty reels after you received the scanner but you need to take care of the shipping costs for that.

Step 1: Preparation

Connect the device to a power source, insert the SD card and turn on the device. Then place an empty 60 meter film spool (diameter 12.5 cm) on the right side of the device (see fig. 1).

fig 1: prepared Super 8 Normal 8 scanner

​Step 2: Transfering the film onto the empty coil
Pick up your large coil and put the film onto the empty coil ( fig. 2). Take a fitting pen and insert it into the hole in the middle of your large film coil. During rewinding, you have to hold the coil above the device to allow the film to transfer properly. If you have an old projector you can also use it for rewinding as it is more convenient.

fig. 2: transfering the film onto the small empty coil

​Step 3: Start rewinding
Firstly click on the "Menu" button and then click "Down" until you see "Rewind (More)" (see Figure 3). Secondly double press "Enter". The scanner will start rewinding (see short video below). After the coil on the right hand side is full, stop rewinding by pressing "Enter" again.

fig. 3: menu

fig. 4: Rewinding

Step 4 (optional): Cutting the film

When your large coil is full, it is necessary to spread it over several small ones. For example, a full 120 meter coil (diameter 17.5 cm) fits on two 60 meter coils (diameter 12.5 cm). So, you need to cut the film. We would recommend leaving the second half of your footage on the larger coil so you can repeat this tutorial with the remaining film later.
 
Step 5: Second rewind
You now have the film backwards on the small coil. To put the film in the right order again you'll have to place the full small coil on the left side of the device and place another empty small coil on the right side of the device (see fig. 5).

fig. 5: rewinding a second time

Step 6: Start scanning

Now that all the preparations have been completed and you can digitize the film like normal by placing the full coil on the left side and passing the film on it through the device along the white line.

Step 7: Rewind the film on the big coil

Once you've completely digitised the movie, you can rewind the movie back to your big coil. Put the film onto your big spool. Slide it back onto a pen and place the small full coil on the scanner (similar to fig. 2).
Since electronic rewinding on a large spool isn't possible with this scanner, you'll need to turn the large coil by hand. In case you had to cut the film (step 4), remember to return the second half of the movie first to the big spool and then the first half. Both parts of the film can be easily glued together with a small piece of tape. You can also buy special film tapes here.


It is also possible to digitise large Super 8 coils directly with our large Reflecta Super 8 scanner. The differences between those two devices can be found on our comparison page.