Drum scanning negatives
Drum scanning captures fine detail from film at up to 8,000 dpi. It is the route to take when a negative is going to become a large, sharp print.
What a drum scanner does.
Your film is fixed to a clear cylinder, which spins at speed while a focused light reads the image a point at a time. The process is slower and more involved than a desktop scan, and the benefit shows when an image is enlarged.
Is it worth it for your negative?
| Your plan | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Large exhibition or fine art print | Drum scan |
| Important image for sale as an edition | Drum scan |
| Dense or contrasty film with shadow detail | Drum scan is worth discussing |
| Family snaps for sharing online | A simpler scan is usually plenty |
| Quick reference copies | A simpler scan is usually plenty |
What a good scan cannot do
A scan records what is on the film, including grain, dust and any scratches. A sharper scan makes these more obvious, not less. Damaged negatives can be improved with retouching, but they need to be assessed first.
Getting your film ready
- Handle film by its edges only, ideally with cotton gloves
- Leave it in clean sleeves until it is needed
- Do not try to clean it with household products
- Mark which frames you want scanned
- Send the original, not a print or a copy
Tell us the end use
The best scan settings depend on the output. Saying "for a 40in x 30in print on canvas" is far more useful than asking for the highest resolution possible, and it avoids huge files you do not need. If you have an output in mind, we can also take the job through to a finished photo print or fine art print.
Scanning prices
Prices are per scan and are set by the size of the original, for photographs and transparencies. For negatives, tell us the film format and we will confirm the price.
| Original size | Price |
|---|---|
| A7 (74mm x 105mm) | £12.00 |
| A6 (105mm x 148mm) | £15.00 |
| A5 (148mm x 210mm) | £20.00 |
| A4 (210mm x 297mm) | £25.00 |
| A3 (297mm x 420mm) | £30.00 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Larger originals can also be scanned at up to 8,000 dpi. Please call us for a price.
Inside the scanning process.
Your questions.
Can you scan slides too?
Yes. We scan negatives, slides, transparencies and photographs.
Can you scan black and white negatives?
Tell us what you have. Let us know the film type when you enquire, and we will confirm the best approach.
Is it safe to send my only copy?
Originals are precious, so plan delivery carefully. Talk to us before sending anything irreplaceable, so we can agree the safest way to get it here.