Professional 35mm Negative Scanning Services
Professional digitization of unmounted color or black & white 35mm negative film. 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 1000-4000ppi and a wide range of processing options, including free digital ICE.
Each negative 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 for the first frame. 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. All this is done for every frame!
We use Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED professional film scanners with the SA-21 adapter to scan your negative film strips one at a time by hand. Yes, we scan your film strips one at a time BY HAND!
In order for us to scan your 35mm negatives your film strips must be 2-6 frames in length. Strips longer than 6 frames must be cut in order to be scanned. We scan all the frames you send to us containing image data.
Negatives can be sent in protective sleeves, envelopes, or archival storage sheets. If your negatives have a protective film (see picture, right) on them it must be removed before we can scan your film. We will remove it for you but it will not be replaced or returned. 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.
