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Scanning film at home - B&H channel

4 min read

Scanning film at home - B&H channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKH8p678Kfk Here is a guide to scanning film at home, based on the video tutorial by Lotta Milde from B&H Photo.

How to Scan Your Film at Home

Scanning film at home is a valuable skill that can save money on lab costs and give you greater control over your images. While there are two main methods—using a flatbed scanner (easier/cheaper) or using a digital camera (higher quality)—this guide focuses on the Camera Scanning method.

The Gear You Need

To achieve high-quality scans, you need a specific set of equipment:

  • Digital Camera: A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a high megapixel count and manual settings.
  • Lens: A macro lens is essential. Alternatively, you can use a macro lens adapter.
    • Video Example: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens.
  • Light Source: A high-quality light table or light box (CRI 95+ recommended).
    • Video Example: Negative Supply 4x5 Light Source.
  • Film Holder: Keeps your film flat and elevated above the light.
    • Video Example: Negative Supply Basic Film Carrier (35mm and 120).
  • Tripod: A sturdy tripod that allows the center column to be inverted or angled to shoot straight down.
    • Video Example: Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod.
  • Shutter Release: To trigger the camera without touching it (avoids shake).
    • Video Example: Vello Shutter Release.
  • Computer & Software: A computer with editing software (like Adobe Lightroom) and a tethering cable.
    • Video Example: Tether Tools USB-C Cable.
  • Cleaning Tools: Compressed air or a blower brush to remove dust.
    • Video Example: Sensei Hurricane Blower.

Step 1: The Setup

  1. Position the Light: Place your light source on a flat, stable surface.
  2. Mount the Camera: Set up your tripod so the camera is facing straight down over the light source. Ensure the tripod is sturdy; use the hook on the center column to add weight if necessary.
  3. Prepare the Film: Cut your negatives into manageable strips (4 to 6 frames). Gently clean them with a blower to remove dust. Always handle film by the edges.
  4. Load the Film: Place the film into the carrier and position the carrier on top of the light source.

Step 2: Camera Settings

Switch your camera to Manual Mode (M) to take full control:

  • ISO: Set to the lowest possible native ISO (e.g., 100 or 200) to minimize digital noise.
  • Aperture: Set between f/8 and f/11. This ensures a wide depth of field so the entire negative is sharp.
  • Shutter Speed: Adjust based on your light source to get a proper exposure. Use your histogram to ensure you aren’t clipping highlights or crushing shadows.
  • File Format: Always shoot in RAW. This is crucial for fixing white balance and colors later.
  • Focus: Use Manual Focus. Turn on Live View and zoom in digitally on the screen. You want to focus until the film grain is sharp. Focus Peaking can also help here.
  • Framing: Fill the frame with the negative as much as possible. Ensure the camera is perfectly parallel to the film to avoid distortion.
  • Triggering: Use a remote shutter release or the camera’s self-timer (2 or 5 seconds) to prevent camera shake.

Step 3: Post-Processing (Lightroom)

Once you have captured the RAW images, import them into your editing software (e.g., Lightroom). Since you photographed a negative, the image will look inverted.

  1. Invert the Image:
    • Go to the Tone Curve panel.
    • Take the point at the bottom-left and drag it to the top-left.
    • Take the point at the top-right and drag it to the bottom-right.
    • The image is now a positive.
  2. White Balance: Use the White Balance eyedropper tool and click on the unexposed border of the film (the film base). This removes the orange color cast.
  3. Adjustments: Tweak exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows as you normally would.
  4. Crop: Crop out the film borders and sprockets.
  5. Sync: If you scanned a whole roll, you can copy these settings and paste them onto the rest of your images to speed up the workflow.

Tips for Better Results

  • Scan in the Dark: Turn off the room lights or close the blinds. Ambient light can reflect off the film or the front element of your lens, causing glare and reduced contrast.
  • Mask the Light: Use cardboard or a dedicated mask to cover the excess light coming from the light table around the film holder. This prevents flare from entering the lens.

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