You wouldn’t think that a how-to for rigging up a 5D mk II to an old 8mm projector would stand much of an artistic treatment, but James Miller’s little piece has charm to spare. By switching out the projection lens for an element of a Canon 35mm photographic lens (as well as some other stuff, obviously), he’s made a real-time capture tool for 8mm film using common photographer’s tools and a little elbow grease.
And of course it’s a joy to watch. You can see some of the conversions he’s done with this setup over at Miller’s Vimeo page.
The music is Ennio Morricone’s theme to “Cinema Paradiso,” if you’re wondering.