What is a Simple Scan?  What is a Pro Scan?

Simple scans are our most popular service.  We process and scan the film to your specification, but no post-production edits are applied.  At base level this provides a file that can be printed up to about 8-10” in the long dimension.  We also have various modifiers that provide higher resolution, TIFFs, and (for 35mm) a mask that will scan out beyond the image edge.

Pro scans are by default scanned at the scanners highest resolution, and add post production edits.  These include rotation, color correction, and consistency management.  For B&W film, the frames will be dusted up to 60% magnification in Photoshop.

Should I order Pro or Simple Scans?

Simple scans are the best choice for most users.  Pro scans offer busy or professional photographers the added value of time.  We work with our Pro Scan clients to establish a general color palette and aesthetic base.  The files you receive should be fully client deliverable, or as close as that as possible.  That being said, at the scanner stage, there is no difference in the way we approach file creation.  A “Pro Res” Simple Scan is the same as a Pro Scan, just without adjustments in LR or PS.

What Scanners do you use?

Fuji Frontier SP3000:  These are the scanners we use to create all “full border” scans.  Some photographers prefer the color palette of the Fuji Frontier as it provides distinct tones and contrast.  It has limited controls versus a Noritsu however and is slower to operate.  Only Pro Scan clients can opt to have 120 film scanned on the Frontier by choice, and there is an additional charge for it.

Noritsu HS1800: This scanner is newer than the Frontier and has additional image creation controls.  Pro Res files from this scanner are larger and suitable for high enlargement factors.  It also has extensive control over contrast and sharpening.  By default 120 film, chromes, and most B&W film will go through the Noritsu.  It produces superior results in most cases.

“Pro Res” is when a Simple Scan is performed at the highest scanner resolution.  This is only available for 35mm because all 120 film is scanned at the highest resolution by default.  See chart below for pixel dimension.

Creo Eversmart Supreme II:  We are extremely lucky to have purchased a fully refurbished and tested Eversmart Supreme II.  This scanner is a “Pro Flatbed”.  If you’re thinking Epson, stop.  Pro flatbeds were designed to compete with and in many cases match or exceed the output of drum scanners.  The Eversmart Supreme II was the most advanced version of this class of scanners.  It uses a Rodenstock taking lens and an actively cooled CCD, which reduces noise and allows for a true optical scan at 5600 pixels per inch.  It has a 12x17” bed so it can accommodate either high numbers of roll film frames, or sheets as large as 11x14 (In theory larger formats could be scanned in sections).  We use this scanner to produce our digital contact sheets, Large Format Dev/Scans, and Advanced Scans.

Lab Scanner Resolutions:

Frontier Pro:

135: 3647x5444 - Aprx 19 megapixels

645:  3647x4847 - Aprx 17 megapixels

6x6 / 6x7: 3636x3635 / 3647x4547 - Aprx 13 / 16 megapixels

Simple Scan:

135:  3130x2075 - Aprx 6.5 megapixels

Noritsu Pro::

35mm Pro: 4492x6774 - Aprx 30 megapixels

645:  3647x4847 - Aprx 17 megapixels

66: 4760x4760 - Aprx 23 megapixels

6x7: 4815x5902 - Aprx 28 megapixels

6x9: 4903x7139 - Aprx 35 megapixels

35mm Pano: 3989x10920 Aprx 43 megapixels

What are Advanced Scans?

When the highest quality is needed we can provide it.  Using the Eversmart Supreme II we can create files suitable for essentially any enlargement factor.  These are always delivered in 16bit TIFF format.  We can provide basic color and tone correction or provide true “flat” scans for later editing.  Film for Advanced Scans can either be dry or fluid mounted.  For the highest resolution scans, we strongly recommend a fluid mount, as this greatly reduces the need to edit out dust and scratches.  We dust these files to 60% prior to delivery.  For a full list of resolutions and formats, see our online order entry page.

What is the Large Format Dev/Scan?

We designed a service to facilitate the active large format photographer!  You send in your quantity of sheets, we will process the film and scan it at a “proof” resolution, suitable for a 14” print.  All sheets are scanned fully edge to edge, revealing all border information.  Because we use the Eversmart Supreme II, only pre-scan dusting is performed.

When I’m sending in B&W, What is 510-Pyro and why should I choose it over XTol?

510-Pyro is a staining developer that we offer as an alternative to the industry standard, Kodak XTol B&W film developer.  I encourage you to read about the merits of a staining developer here.  In short, it will provide finer grain, and slightly improved tonality over XTol.

510-Pyro is the best choice for fine art B&W imagery when you have taken the time to carefully expose your film and want the best possible image quality.  It is not the best choice for pushing film, or under exposed negatives in general.  Pyro developed film will have a slightly yellow green color which is normal, and negatives have the same archival status as those developed with XTol.

For the home darkroom user, 510-Pryo is an ideal choice as it’s stock solution lasts for  many years, and each processing run only requires a few milliliters of developer to water.  We sell it in our online store!