8mm VCRs

[MAXZ28]

Back in the mid 90's, I recorded a ton of 8mm and Hi8 tapes of home video. After years of sitting idle, I recently decided to pull my camcorder out to transfer my vids to my DVR hard drive. The first few tape transfers went off without a hitch and then my camcorder crapped out on me.:tears:

I'm surprised at the high demand and, in turn, high prices commanded by this old media and the supporting hardware. $300 on up for a 8mm vcr. WOW!:sigh:

Does any local MN AKers have one to rent for a weekend or am I stuck going to the auctions?

[tomwil]

The 8mm VCRs were very expensive when first sold, so they did not sell many of them.

You would probably have much better luck finding a used inexpensive Hi-8 camcorder to continue your dubbing. At least that is what I did after seeing the prices of the VCRs.

[MAXZ28]

I caved and bought an 8mm VCR....should be here next week. The prices of the camcorders weren't much cheaper and frankly, I don't need another one - from what I understand the camcorders weren't really designed to be used continuously for playback. I may just resell it when I'm done with my digital transfers or keep it if the quality is above par.

[thedelihaus]

crappo- just caught this thread. I just mentioned a hi-8 in the members section that could have helped you out on the cheap...

[MAXZ28]

crappo- just caught this thread. I just mentioned a hi-8 in the members section that could have helped you out on the cheap...

Thanks, anyway...:tears:

[scootchu]

Hi-8 was a awful format to begin with. For home use it wasn't as bad, but the small nature of the tape and the delicate inner workings of the machines were a recipe for disaster. The tapes were not good for rugged editing with shuttling back and forth and their coating shed quite frequently on the heads. That is why anyone that has ever used Hi-8 in a commercial venue knows that tape head cleaning supplies are needed nearby.

You are smart in getting them all over to another format, but just remember nothing is forever and even if you dub them to DVD you may want to do it again down the road.

[MAXZ28]

You are smart in getting them all over to another format, but just remember nothing is forever and even if you dub them to DVD you may want to do it again down the road.

Absolutely without a doubt. DVD format and computer harddrive backup as well.

I ended up getting a Sony EV-S550 VCR - haven't started transferring yet, but one day when I have all my other immediate projects taken care of and fire 'er up and get it done.:thmbsp: