Many people videotaped their life events in decades past. Weddings, birthday parties, holidays, and more were enshrined onto VHS, beta, 8mm or other video forms so you can revisit them later.

However, many people also have their childhood memories stored on old tapes. Childhood memories shouldn’t be lost — they should be preserved and passed on to future generations.

However, these older forms of video were not meant to last forever. VHS tapes and other films can degrade over time, lose their quality, or even be lost forever. Does that mean your childhood memories are lost forever?

This blog will dive into how you can make your childhood memories come alive again by transferring them to digital.

Is It Possible To Make Your Childhood Memories Alive Again?

Absolutely!

If you have childhood memories living on old VHS tapes and are worried you won’t be able to watch them again (they’re not making VHS players anymore!), then you’ll want to convert them to digital.

Converting your videos to digital forms such as DVDs or viewing them online means you can watch your old childhood memories forever, share them easily with friends and family, and store them without taking up space.

Ways You Can Bring Back Childhood Memories Confined in Old Films

Here are the top ways to convert your childhood memories from an obsolete format into a more permanent one.

Using a Compact Film Scanner

Using a compact film scanner to transfer old films to digital is an easy process that can be done by anyone, even those with limited technical knowledge.

The first step is purchasing a compact film scanner to transfer film to digital. Once you have your scanner, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that all components are securely fastened and connected correctly. 

Once the scanner has been assembled, load your film into the scanner using its designated slots. Position each film strip carefully, so it lines up perfectly with the scan window, and then check your work using a magnifying glass or loupe. Start the scan process when you’re satisfied that everything is lined up correctly.

Using a Smartphone

Transferring old films to digital with a smartphone can be done relatively quickly, requiring minimal effort.

  • Make sure that the original film is free of dust and debris, as this will affect the image you create.
  • Use an inexpensive scanning kit with a backlight and a place to rest your phone for more stability when taking the photo. Options like Kodak’s Mobile Film Scanner Kit are ideal for this purpose and come with the free Kodak Mobile Scanner app, compatible with Android and iOS devices.
  • Place the slide or negative on the battery-powered LED backlight, then hold your phone directly above it to focus on it correctly before snapping your photo.
  • Depending on each user’s phone model, you’ll need to adjust the distance between the lens and the object for optimal results.

Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you need to take several photos before finding one that is crisp and clear.

Using a Video Transfer Service

Transferring old films to digital using a professional service is an easy and convenient way to preserve your memories. When searching for a professional service, it’s important to remember the type of tape or film that needs transferring.

Prices can vary depending on the amount of material being converted, so ask potential providers about their rates. It’s also worth taking some time to find out what kind of quality assurance processes they have in place and any guarantees they offer if you’re not satisfied with the results. 

Conclusion

Transforming old films into digital copies protects them from degradation. It allows individuals of all skill levels to access photos they never thought they would see again due to lost negatives or expired film stocks.

Transferring old films to digital can seem daunting, but thankfully there are plenty of professional video transfer services, such as Capture, that can help make it a stress-free and efficient process. By doing your research beforehand and providing clear information regarding the material being converted, you can ensure that your precious memories are preserved crystal-clear for years to come.