Overall Score: 8.7/10
Key Takeaways
- They use custom-built equipment to get the best results without needing digital edits afterward.
- Very low transfer prices
- Experts in the field of film conversion
- Fast turnaround time
Downsides
- They don't do any digital enhancements after converting the film
Transforming your old 8mm and Super 8 films into digital content is much easier than you might think. With today's online conversion services, you can preserve your old films and save them from deteriorating without doing it yourself.
Here's how Just8mm compares to iMemories service, as one of the best and most popular choice among customers.
Just8mm | iMemories | |
 |  | |
Website Link | ||
Shipping kit (box) | No | Yes |
Free repairs (splicing) | n/a | Yes |
Average turnaround time | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
Expedited turnaround time | No | n/a |
Reviews Across Multiple Websites | Trustpilot: n/a | Trustpilot: out of 5 |
WHAT FORMATS THEY CONVERT | ||
Video Conversion | Hi8, Digital8, VHS, Beta and MiniDV | Betamax, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, MicroMini, DVDs, MiniDVDs |
Film Conversion | 8mm, Super 8 and 16mm | 8mm, 16mm, Super 8 |
Photo Conversion | No | Yes |
Slide Conversion | No | Yes |
Negative Conversion | No | Yes |
PRICING | ||
Video Conversion Price | $19.99 per tape | $14.99 per tape |
Film Conversion Price | Starting at $0.26 per foot | $14.99 per 50ft. |
Photo Conversion Price | - | $0.49 per photo |
Slide Conversion Price | - | $0.49 per slide |
Negative Conversion Price | - | $0.49 per negative |
What is Just8mm
Just8mm is a digitization company specializing in 8mm and Super 8 film transfer to digital format. As the company name suggests, they accept and convert 8mm, Super 8, and even 16mm films. Also, they accept videotapes such as VHS, Hi8, Digital8, Beta, and MiniDV.
They preserve your films by converting them to a digital format and transferring them onto a DVD. They also have an option of transferring to a USB drive.
How Does Just8mm Service Works
Like most mail-in transfer services, Just8mm is also a simple service to work with. Therefore, we will explain the whole process in short steps so you can better understand it. We will also emphasize what you must pay attention to.
Mailing Your Films to Service
Firstly you need to gather all the film reels you want to convert. This step seems simple, but this is the step where people make mistakes. For example, one of the common problems people do is that they don't find all films at first, and then they send them afterward to the service, creating huge problems for the staff and the process itself after they've already started converting the first batch. To prevent this problem, take your time and find all films and send them in one order.
Also, what is important is that you count your film reels because you need to fill in the number of reels you have when you make the order.
When you complete the first step, it's time to make an order on the website. When you open the order page, you will see the order form you need to fill in with your contact info, the number of reels, and which digital copy format you want. After you fill out the order form, then hit the submit button. Print out the order form and include it in the box with the media. Above the order form, you will find the service shipping address.
Note: Just8mm doesn't offer shipping kits, so they recommend using a sturdy box for packaging reels, not the padded mailer and envelopes. You are responsible for packaging your films, so take your time and do it as best as possible. Also, use a post carrier with a tracking number to track your shipment to the service.
Service Order Handling
When your media arrives at the service facility, they unbox it, and all content is transferred into waterproof bins.
We did not find anywhere on their site about information for notifying you when films arrive at the service facility or during any other process step. Other services inform you when the order arrives, and some services go a step further and inform you about each step via email or website account.
After that, they will review the details of your order form, label the media with a barcode, and prepare it for transferring them to digital format.
Transfer Process
At this point, their experts will convert your films to digital format and transfer them to the media of your choice, such as a DVD or USB drive. For the process, they use the accurate method of replication of the film's motion, color, and clarity. The process is done frame-by-frame using custom-built equipment.
Just8mm says that with their film transfer process, you would get 8mm film without distortion, hotspots, halos, and screen texture (don't use them because of resolution reduction). Also, their equipment uses film guides instead of film gates which don't block parts of the film. Simply put, you will get 10-15% more of the film image than if you use the projector.
Whether transferring 16 mm or 8mm film, they use top-of-the-line professional equipment to ensure the best possible footage with perfect color balance and clarity. Interestingly, all film transfer and enhancement work is done during the conversion process and doesn't involve digital editing afterward.
Unlike other services, Just8mm offers 2K high-definition film transfers (with additional cost), including capturing sound if reels contain it and film repairs for moldy or damaged reels.
Backup Options
You can choose from a DVD or USB drive for digital backup of film footage. You can also get additional copies in the format you prefer.
Some users have asked what if they lose their DVDs or files after completing the order. Luckily the service archives all footage for a minimum of 6 months with no extra charge, so you are covered in case of loss. Furthermore, you can purchase a copy of files on DVD or USB during this time.
Turnaround Time
From the time they receive your order and ship it back to you, it usually takes about 7-14 business days which is pretty fast. But due to the current state, Just8mm may extend the time. Also, it says on the website that they complete 70% of the project within one month. So if you're in a hurry, you can get it done faster for $25. They guarantee that the order will be finished and returned within 14 days (currently turnaround times are extended), and you will receive a digital download link via email.
Upon completion of the order, they will send your originals back alongside your chosen digital copy. Also, they will notify you via email about the return shipment and tracking number.
Price
Just8mm has one of the lowest film transfer prices in the industry.
For example, for 50 feet of 3-inch reels, the price is $0.26 per foot or $12.99 per reel. Also, volume discounts are applied.
Prices for other service add-ons are:
- Upgrade to 2K resolution is $5-10 per reel
- Upgrade to archival grade DVD is $10 per DVD
- Custom labeling is $10 per order
- Extra DVDs are $10 per 1000 feet
- For extra USBs, the price starts at $19.99
Return shipping is $18 or free if the order is over $500.
Customer Reviews
We checked all famous review sites, such as Trustpilot, Yelp, and Sitejabber, and we also checked Google reviews. Unfortunately, we have yet to find a single review except on Google, where they have four stars but from only four people.
Final Words
Despite the lack of online reviews, this company is worth considering because they focus only on film transfers and offer very low transfer prices.
Also, what makes them unique is custom equipment that captures film footage in the best quality it can get without the need for digital enhancements.
Furthermore, we found that the company has great customer service and a lot of experience in digitization with a fast turnaround time. So, if you're looking for a reputable company to convert your old films into digital files, it's worth considering.
Abdo is a Zoopy writer who loves spending his free time outdoors, camping, and enjoying the peace that nature brings. He also enjoys fixing things - he's particularly good with electronics. His favorite movie is I Am Legend, and he's fascinated by survival gear and safety.