Frequently Asked Questions
Where is your home office located ?
We are located at 10 N. Martingale Road Suite 400 Schaumburg IL 60173.
What type of payments do you accept ?
Paypal Venmo and Zelle with all major Credit Cards.
Why should i transfer my Home Movies to DVD or Flash Drive ?
Why risk losing your precious memories to a natural disaster or heat and moisture related issues. Chicago transfer services offers 2 ways to keep your footage safe.
- First by transferring the footage to high-quality DVDs and
- Secondly by transferring your MP4 files to flash drive.
Is my film and tapes safe to send through the mail ?
We do not recommend mailing any of your valuable tapes or films. Chicago Transfer Services has 50 offices in the Chicagoland area to serve you. We recommend dropping them off to keep them safe. Set up an appointment today!
How many feet of film fit onto a DVD and Flash Drive ?
16mm film 4000ft – 8mm film 2000ft per DVD. On a flash drive no limit.
Can you repair/splice old film ?
Yes, we repair it to be processed for your conversion.
What if my film is damaged ?
We try to transfer any film, but if the sprocket holes are damaged, it may not be possible.
What type of film transfer system do you use ?
For 16mm 8mm and Super 8mm film we use The Elmo TRV system with upgraded sentech CCD cameras. All film is direct to digital transfers with no box or filming off the wall. All film is output in 1080p.
Do you clean the film ?
Yes, if needed, we will clean and dust off any particles that may be on your film.
If film is too dark or too light, can you do anything to fix that ?
We do try to brighten up the image, or lower the brightness if possible to make a better image.
Can you fix any film that has double exposure or is out of focus ?
No, there is no way to fix either of these issues.
Do you offer color correction ?
Yes, all of our films are run through a color correcting process for the best possible image.
Does my film have sound ?
There was sound available only on 16mm or Super 8mm film and the way to determine if your film does have sound is to look for a thin gold strip along the side of the film, which indicates an audio track.
Do you edit the film ?
Yes, we edit out any blank spots where there is no image and of course the white leader is not converted.
Where is the conversion process performed ?
We convert your film in our secure studio, located in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Can I get my film done in a certain order ?
In order to convert the film in a specific order, you would need to number each box or reel in the order you would like them to be converted.
Do i get my film and tapes back ?
Yes, all of your film and tapes are returned to you, intact, when you come back to the office to pick up your order.
How many DVD's does a VHS, Beta or Digital 8mm tape require ?
A standard DVD will hold up to 2hrs of footage. If your VHS was recorded using the LP or SLP mode, you may need up to 3 DVDs for that media.
If my tape is broken, can you fix it ?
Yes, we have a tape repair service to fix most forms of media. Please call for a quote.
I have a tape from Europe can you convert it to DVD ?
Yes, we can convert from anywhere in the world.
I have a SD card in my camera can you convert it to DVD ?
Yes, we can convert SD camera data to DVD. Please call Chicago Transfer Services on 630-539-8000 for a quote.
How much does it cost to have 8mm tapes transferred to DVD?
Hi8mm and Digital 8mm tape to DVD cost $25 per tape for up to 2hrs.
How much does it cost to scan 16mm film?
A 16mm film high-resolution scan is 50 cents per foot which includes editing and enhancement of the film.
Who can transfer 8mm to DVD?
A professional Film Transfer Service like Chicago Transfer Services.
Can you use 16mm film in an 8mm camera?
No, 16mm and 8mm are two different formats.
How much does it cost to transfer 16mm film to DVD?
A 16mm film in the high-resolution transfer is 50 cents per foot including editing and enhancement of the film.
How can I watch my 8mm videos without the video camera?
You can watch 8mm videos without a video camera by getting them transferred to a DVD or Flash Drive.
How do you digitize a 16mm film?
We use the ELMO TRV system with a Sentech high-resolution CCD camera built-in.
How much does it cost to digitize film?
It costs 30 to 50 cents per foot depending on the type of film.
What is the best way to convert 8mm to digital?
Use a professional transfer service like Chicago Transfer Services.
Is 16mm film still used?
Rarely, but 16mm film is still out there, developing the film is the issue.
What's the difference between 8mm and 16mm film?
16mm film is superior to 8mm film it is a wider film strip and has much better quality
Is 35mm better than 16mm?
Yes, 35 mm is better than 16 mm.
Can you play Super 8 film on an 8mm projector?
Yes, it must be a dual 8mm projector.
Do they still make 8mm film?
No, they don’t make 8 mm film anymore.
Call us at:
We service the following areas: Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Downers Grove, Itasca, Elk Grove, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Barrington, Norridge, Chicago.
Our Office Hours
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM