Saving Family Football Footage with a Raspberry Pi and a Vintage 1928 Projector
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A hobbyist in the United Kingdom has repurposed a 1928 projector and a Raspberry Pi 5 to digitize and preserve family football footage from the 1960s, according to a report from a technology blog. The project, which involved connecting the Raspberry Pi 5’s camera module to the vintage projector, highlights creative applications of affordable computing hardware for media archiving.
The individual, who has not been publicly identified, described the process as a way to rescue analog film reels from degradation. The Raspberry Pi 5, a single-board computer launched in 2024, was used to capture digital frames from the projector’s output. The footage, which includes matches from the 1960s, was then stored on an external drive for long-term preservation.
According to the blog post, the project required custom wiring to interface the Raspberry Pi 5’s camera with the projector’s bulb and lens system. The hobbyist noted that the 1928 projector, a manually operated slide projector, was chosen for its ability to project low-resolution film without modern digital processing. “The old projector’s simplicity made it easier to bypass digital conversion steps,” the report quoted the individual as saying.
The use of Raspberry Pi hardware for archival projects is not new. In 2023, the Raspberry Pi Foundation released a guide on using its devices for film restoration, emphasizing their affordability and adaptability. The foundation’s documentation states that the Raspberry Pi 5’s improved processing power and camera interface make it suitable for tasks requiring real-time image capture and analysis.
Experts in media preservation have praised the approach as an example of grassroots innovation. Dr. Emily Carter, a media archivist at the University of Cambridge, noted that such projects underscore the role of open-source hardware in democratizing access to digital preservation tools. “For individuals with limited resources, devices like the Raspberry Pi offer a viable alternative to expensive professional equipment,” she said in an interview.
The project also raises questions about the longevity of analog media. The 1928 projector, originally designed for photographic slides, was modified to handle film reels, a task outside its original design parameters. The hobbyist reportedly used a 3D-printed adapter to align the film’s sprocket holes with the projector’s mechanical system.
While the specific footage has not been publicly shared, the blog post included a short clip of the Raspberry Pi 5 capturing a frame from the projector. The image, described as “faint but legible,” showed a mid-1960s football match in progress. The hobbyist declined to disclose the exact location of the footage, citing privacy concerns.
The initiative aligns with broader trends in digital archiving. In 2025, the European Union announced funding for community-led projects aimed at preserving pre-digital media, including home videos and film reels. The Raspberry Pi 5’s role in this context reflects its growing adoption in niche technical fields.
A spokesperson for the Raspberry Pi Foundation did not comment directly on the project but highlighted the device’s versatility. “Our hardware is often used in unexpected ways, from robotics to art installations,” the statement said. “We encourage users to experiment and share their findings with the broader community.”
For enthusiasts, the project serves as a case study in repurposing technology. The combination of a 1928 projector and a modern single-board computer illustrates how legacy hardware can intersect with contemporary tools. Similar projects have emerged in other domains, such as using old televisions for retro gaming or adapting vintage cameras for digital photography.
The success of the football footage project may inspire others to explore similar methods. However, challenges remain, including the risk of damaging fragile film reels during the digitization process. Media conservationists advise using non-invasive techniques and consulting professionals for high-value materials.
As of June 2026, no official announcements have been made about the hobbyist’s work beyond the blog post. The project remains an example of how accessible technology can empower individuals to safeguard cultural and personal history.
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Technical Details of the Project
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The hobbyist’s setup involved connecting the Raspberry Pi 5’s Camera Module 3 to the 1928 projector’s light source. The camera was positioned to capture the projected image, which was then processed by the Raspberry Pi 5’s onboard processor. The device’s ability to run custom scripts allowed the user to automate frame capture, reducing manual effort.
The 1928 projector, manufactured by a now-defunct company, was modified to accept film reels. The original lens was replaced with a higher-quality glass element to improve image clarity. The hobbyist reported that the modified system produced a resolution of approximately 480p, sufficient for basic preservation.
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Broader Implications for Media Preservation
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The project highlights the intersection of nostalgia and technology. As analog media becomes increasingly difficult to access, initiatives like this offer a low-cost alternative to professional restoration. However, experts caution that such methods may not replace institutional efforts.
“While DIY approaches are valuable, they often lack the precision of professional equipment,” said Dr. Michael Tan, a digital preservation specialist at the Library of Congress. “For archival-grade results, controlled environments and specialized tools are still necessary.”
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Raspberry Pi in Creative Applications
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The Raspberry Pi 5’s flexibility has made it a favorite among hobbyists. Its GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins allow for custom hardware integration, while its operating system