filmskanner

Filmskanners, also called film scanners, are devices designed to convert photographic film into digital images by illuminating the film and capturing the transmitted light with an image sensor. They are used to digitize both black-and-white and color negatives and positives, enabling archival storage, editing, and sharing. They support formats such as 35mm, 110, 126, and medium format 120/220, with some models handling large format via specialized carriers.

There are two broad categories: dedicated film scanners, which offer film-specific transport and illumination, and flatbed scanners equipped with film holders. High-end options include drum scanners, which use a rotating drum to achieve extremely high dynamic range and resolution, primarily for professional archives.

Key specifications include optical resolution (measured in dpi), often in the range of several thousand dpi for 35mm, 4000–9600 dpi or more for enthusiasts, and up to higher grades on professional devices. Color depth is typically 12–16 bits per channel, and dynamic range determines how well detail is preserved in shadows and highlights. Scanners may use CCD or CIS sensors and may employ infrared channels for dust and scratch removal. Transparency scanning requires a strong backlight to illuminate the film.

Output is commonly stored as TIFF or PNG, with optional JPEG for web use; negatives are usually inverted during processing, and color correction or ICC color profiles are applied. Typical workflows involve calibration, dust removal, and careful handling of negatives to prevent damage.

Historically, film scanners evolved from specialized drum and desktop devices to consumer flatbeds, revolutionizing archival digitization and film restoration, though the best results still require careful technique and post-processing.