Filmskannere

Filmskannere are devices that convert photographic film into digital images, enabling preservation, editing, and sharing of negatives and positives. They are used by photographers, archives, libraries, and museums to digitize film collections.

There are two main categories: dedicated film scanners and flatbed scanners with transparency units. Dedicated film scanners position film frames under an integrated light source and sensor for high optical resolution and precise frame alignment. Flatbed scanners offer versatility by scanning film on a glass bed, often with a transparency unit, but typically provide lower native resolution for film than dedicated units. In professional settings, drum scanners offer the highest dynamic range and detail.

Key specifications include optical resolution (dpi), color depth (commonly 12–16 bits per color channel), and dynamic range (Dmax). They support formats such as 35mm and 120 film for both negative and positive originals and may include infrared channels for dust and scratch removal. Outputs are typically TIFF or high-quality JPEG, with some systems offering RAW-like capture.

Workflow and maintenance: careful handling and cleaning to remove dust, plus calibration with ICC profiles for accurate color management, are important. Scans produce large files that require substantial storage and backup, and post-processing is commonly used for exposure, color correction, and dust/scratch removal.

Limitations: cost, equipment availability, and the need for compatible software. Results vary with film type and device, so some projects are outsourced to specialized labs for restoration or high-volume digitization.