An Ambico Video Transfer Box Good? Bad? Avoid?

Ok,

I am new to all this and thinking aloud for now. Is a Video Transfer Box (the do it yourselfer) any good at all? Or is taking the film to be serviced better?

Confused. Kirk.

The trasfer units you speak of are nothing more than a small rear projection screen mounted in a box with a mirror to correct the image. The results are not very good as the grain of the screen is quite apparent and there is almost always a hot spot present. Frankly, you can get better results by just projecting your film on an 8x10 sheet of ink jet paper or other grainless smooth service and shooting it with your video camera. The Amico unit is bright enough that you probably wouldn't need to turn out the room lights like you would shooting off paper, but that's the only advantage.

Roger

Roger makes a doo-hickey device that appears to be the best of all worlds for someone wanting to transfer themselves.

You should look into that option.

-Alex

My doo-hickey is only the projector unit, not the screen/biplexor unit. But, if you're interested it's at:
http://www.afterimagephoto.tv/products.html

I think you'd be interested in the "CineMate". Just click on the picture or logo and you'll get all the info.

Roger

Thanks for all your help!
I will be considering the transfer machine. I first have to see if I can even slice up the film! :-) I've a ways to go:-)

Kirk