How can I play my 8mm video tapes through my VCR?

Question

I have some small "8" video tapes from 14 years ago that I cannot play because the only way I was able to watch them was through the actual camcorder that I hooked up to the TV/VCR. The electronics stores tell me that my small videotapes don't fit inside any of the plastic "converters" box that can be used like a full sized videotape. Is there anything that I can purchase that will accomodate my 8mm videotapes so that I can watch them in my VCR. My friend has a plastic case in which he fits his small tapes into to view in the VCR, but my tapes will not fit. Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

I'd say look around on ebay ,craigslist and the electronic surplus sites for 8mm adapters/converters and players. it's probably your best bet.  I found an 8 track player for my dad on ebay when his burned out.

Answer 2

The tapes that fit in that "converter" your friend has are VHS-C (Compact VHS) tapes.

8mm use a different method of storing the video on the tape and will not work in a VHS player.

You have two options:

1) get an 8mm camcorder that you will use onlyfor playback of these tapes - you will connect the camcorder to a TV (or computer analog/digital bridge) with the AV cables made for that camcorder - just like you used to. 8mm camcorders are not made anymore, so a used one is your only option.

2) Find a local AV service that will convert the tapes to another format (uncompressed video on an external hard drive, miniDV tape or whatever)...

Answer 3

Have you considered having the tapes transferred to either DVD or to regular videotape?  There are businesses that will do this.  They may have the equipment needed and you'll end up with storage media that you can play and enjoy.  I just looked in my local Yellow Pages and found 7 possible businesses.  The YP subject is "DVD, Video Tapes, etc. - Duplication Service"