How to Scan Film Negatives

A complete guide to digitizing your film photographs, from choosing a scanner to optimizing your scans for the best results.

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Choosing a Scanner

  • Flatbed with film holder (Epson V600, V850)
  • Dedicated film scanner (Plustek 8200i)
  • DSLR scanning setup
  • Lab scanning services

Resolution Guidelines

For 35mm: 2400-4000 DPI for prints up to 12x18. For medium format: 1200-2400 DPI. Higher isn't always better - it captures more grain but increases file sizes.

Color Negative Inversion

Color negatives have an orange mask that must be accounted for. Software like Negative Lab Pro or Grain2Pixel can help with accurate inversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use the scanner's software or third-party?

Third-party software like SilverFast or VueScan often provides better control and results than bundled scanner software.

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