Author
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Topic: Somikon HD-XL Film Scanner & Digitizer (Super) 8mm - EU market
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Barbara Strohl
Film Handler
Posts: 44
From: Hamilton, NJ, USA
Registered: Jan 2016
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posted May 25, 2017 10:53 AM
I think the main point that must be kept in mind is that this is being designed and marketed to home users with home/family films.
First off, the average person will only have 3" reels. Maybe a few 5". 7" reels for home movies are very rare.
Secondly, the quality of most of these movies are poor. Lenses were dirty, lighting was bad, kids fought over the camera, someone who new nothing would get stuck holding it,it got turned on and off at the wrong times, film ran out in the middle of things. Yet we still managed to capture memories.
Finally they do need to keep it cheap. Probably by making sacrifices. These are going out to people who don't have the funds to buy a better machine or send 50 reels to a service. Those options have been around but average people can't justify the cost.
My complaint is that the final MP4s are the wrong speed. I realize that they have tried to make this simple eough for anyone and they have come close.
A non-tech friend on a tight budget was thrilled with the film after I reset the FPS. If the FPS was right, she could borrow my machine and do her own films. If her husband found a job, they could get their own machine.
I still think there is a place for machines like this but it isn't for everyone. Decide your own needs.
-------------------- Barb
I'm an amateur noob. Please be gentle.
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Roy Woodward
Junior
Posts: 2
From: Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK
Registered: Jul 2017
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posted July 21, 2017 02:48 AM
Hi Peter Scott. I'm another person interested in this type of product in the UK.
My father passed away earlier this year, and he was an avid cine enthusiast in his younger days. So I have dozens of reels of 8mm and Super 8 I'd like to digitise.
Here in the UK we are in the unfortunate position where no UK supplier seems to sell these products. The Wolverine is only available in the USA. There is an identical machine (from the original Chinese manufacturer I think) called a Winait which is for sale at UK£299.99, but from the delivery info will be shipped from China, and therefore subject to import duties.
My preference would be for the Somikon HD XL, with the 1080p scanning, 400ft capacity, and later design. In Europe this seems to be sold exclusively by Pearl, in France and Germany. I've contacted Pearl.de, and they have confirmed they will export to the UK. There the scanner is €399.99, and Pearl have confirmed a shipping cost of €19.99 to the UK. This total converts to about UK£365, so probably not much more expensive than the Winait.
I hope that info is of some help. Finally, has anyone else taken the plunge and had experience with the Somikon, and how is Berend's replacement unit performing?
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Peter Scott
Film Handler
Posts: 58
From: Norfolk, UK
Registered: Nov 2014
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posted July 27, 2017 07:17 AM
Sorry for the delay in getting back, I have just received my Somikon and first thoughts are its far superior than the Wolverine, the capacity to transfer 400ft reels is a big bonus plus as well in high def. Getting the Wolverine you have to remember the added fees (VAT, Import Duty, Handling) this all adds up and increases the price, plus the quality is not soo good, my first Wolverine packed up, it cost me money to send it back to Wolverine then they said it was my fault and would not replace it, so I had to buy a new one from them, admitted they reduced the price but then again I had to pay the fees to get the replacement into the UK. I would definite go for the Somikon rather than the Wolverine
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