General & Getting Started
How should I ship my negatives?
Please use a rigid, protective mailer or box to prevent bending or damage. It’s highly recommended to include tracking on your package for peace of mind. The shipping address will be provided to you during the checkout process.
Can I have my negatives returned?
Yes. You can choose to have your negatives returned after scanning for an additional fee to cover shipping. They will be carefully packaged to ensure safe shipping back to you.
How will I get my scans?
Your scans are delivered via WeTransfer, sent directly to the email you used to place your order. You’ll receive a link to download your files securely.
What’s your turnaround time?
Since I’m just starting out, you can expect a very fast turnaround. Your scans will usually be delivered the same day I receive your negatives.
The Process & Technical Details
How are DSLR scans different from lab scans or TIFF scans?
Traditional lab scanners like Noritsu and Frontier often have a specific look and are limited in their dynamic range. While some labs offer high-resolution TIFFs, these files are still inverted and color-corrected by the technician. DSLR scanning provides you with a RAW digital negative, giving you complete creative control over color, tone, and the final look. This allows you to see the true characteristics of your film, which traditional methods often mask.
What equipment do you use for scanning?
I use a high-resolution Sony A7CR paired with a macro lens and a professional light source. For the scanning itself, I rely on the Negative Supply Premium Scanning Kit. This professional-grade equipment ensures precise, flat, and high-quality captures of your film, far exceeding the quality of many consumer-grade scanners.
What film formats can you scan?
I can scan 35mm (including half-frame and panoramic) and all sizes of 120/medium format.
What resolutions will my scans have?
Scan resolution depends on the size you choose during checkout:
Large (L): 9504 × 6336 pixels (~60 MP)
Medium (M): 6240 × 4160 pixels (~26 MP)
Small (S): 4752 × 3168 pixels (~15 MP)
This ensures your images have maximum detail for editing, printing, or sharing online.
What file types will I receive?
Non-Inverted Scans: You’ll receive the RAW image file straight from the camera (.ARW), which is a true digital negative packed with detail.
Inverted Scans: You’ll receive high-quality JPEGs. These files are not overly compressed, so they retain a lot of detail while being easy to share.
What do borders/sprockets tell me?
Borders and sprockets aren’t just aesthetic; they reveal exposure details:
Very dark, contrasty sprockets often indicate overexposed film.
Lighter, less contrasty sprockets can show underexposed film.
They also show the neutral character of your film before any white balance adjustments are made, which is valuable for learning and editing.
Customization & Special Requests
Can I request special instructions for my scans?
Absolutely. There’s a special request section when placing your order where you can note preferences such as including borders, specific film stock handling, or any other custom requests.
Do I have to get scans with full borders?
No. If you prefer to focus on the actual image without full borders, you can specify this in the special request section.