Professional 126 Film Scanning Services
Professional digitization of unmounted color or black & white 126 film, true full-frame scans. The scans are saved as TIFF files, JPEG files, or both and burned to CD or DVD. We then ship you back your film and the CD's/DVD's containing the scans. We will save you the time, hassle, and headache of the scanning process. We offer scan resolutions of 2000-4000ppi and a wide range of processing options, including free digital ICE.
Each 126 filmstrip we scan starts out on a light box for evaluation. Next, it is carefully cleaned with a film cloth and/or any dust is blown off using compressed air. It is then inserted into the scanner adapter and a preview is done. We then load the scan settings you choose on the quote request form. After that initial adjustments are made (if needed) and once everything is set we scan. After all the frames on the strip have been scanned the strip is removed. With negatives we have no way of telling how the frames are supposed to look and so any color corrections we do are what we feel looks good. Most of the time this is simply removing any obvious color casts and restoring fading. Finally, the scan is saved numerically and the process repeats.
We use Nikon Super Coolscan 9000 ED professional film scanners with a special adapter to scan your 126 filmstrips one at a time by hand.
In order for us to scan your 126 film, the filmstrips must be 2-8 frames in length. Strips longer than that must be cut in order to be scanned. The filmstrips cannot contain stickers or tape from development, if they do these pieces will be cut off. Do not cut your film yourself; when you send us your film we will make the cuts if they are needed. Single/individually cut frames can also be scanned; this does not include filmstrips that are at least 2 frames in length but only have one frame with image data. Selective frame scanning is available if you follow our marking requirements.
Below is an example of what a typical 126 filmstrip looks like. The film is 35mm wide with pre-printed 28mm x 28mm frames and a single perforation at the bottom of the frame with the frame number. 126 cartridge film was introduced in 1963 designed for "Instamatic" 126 cameras. This film format was popular for decades. 126 film was made in negative, positive, and black & white.
You can send your 126 film to us in protective sleeves, envelopes, or archival storage sheets. Remember that film is extremely delicate, so make sure to avoid getting fingerprints on it or bending it. It should be handled by the edges with cotton gloves on. We strongly recommend reinforcing the film with cardboard to avoid any bending during shipment, even if you are shipping it in a box. You will definitely want to reinforce your film if you are mailing it in an envelope. Basically, make sure the film is packaged appropriately and securely for shipping.
