Scanning

We utilize Nikon Super CoolScan 4000 ED and 8000 ED scanners for all scans from film sizes 6 x 9 cm and smaller, and an Agfa DuoScan (for film sizes larger than 6 x 9 cm up through 8 x 10") or an Epson Expression 836XL (for sizes up to 11 x 16"). The DuoScan or Expression 836XL are also used for all reflective scans up to a maximum size of 12 x 17". Scans of reflective material larger than this require either multiple scans with subsequent reassembly of the image, or a digital camera scan utilizing our BetterLight digital scanning camera back to provide a high-resolution image.

Please refer to the chart below to estimate the cost of your scan under normal service times. All film scans are made in ColorMatch RGB. Scan file sizes are determined by your needs (i.e., the scan or final resolution you need, the image size you need, and any cropping of the original image), and by the maximum scanning resolution of the particular scanner. We do not interpolate scans to achieve higher res, although we may res down to achieve a customer specific res or file size.

A comment on scans: It has been our experience that too often clients have requested scans made at too low a resolution because the immediate intended use for the scans was a specific low-res application, as in webpage or PowerPoint development. However, many times these same scans are later used for applications where a higher res scan would have presented a better image, as in print or posters, etc. If there is any remote chance that you will possibly use the image at a later date for a purpose needing a high-res scan, scan it high-res now. The realization of the need for a better scan always seems to come at the eleventh hour when nobody knows where the original is or it can't be obtained in time.

To aid our clients in determining what size scan is needed for their output requirements, click on the following link to load an interactive Excel spreadsheet that will provide you with the necessary information.

Scanner	Max. Resolution (optical)	Max Film Size	Max. Reflective Scan	Min. Scan Charge (24-bit RGB)¹	Min. Scan File Size	Price per MB over Min. Charge	Max. Scan File Size	Max. Scan Charge (24-bit RGB)¹
Nikon Super CoolScan 4000 ED & 8000 ED Scanners	4000 ppi	6 x 9 cm	N/A	$ 10.00	up to 10 MB	$ 1.00		$ 75.00¹
AGFA DuoScan	2000 ppi	8 x 10 in.	8 x 14 in.²	10.00	up to 10 MB	1.00		75.00¹
Epson Expression 836XL	800 ppi	11 x 16 in.	12 x 17 in.²	10.00	up to 10 MB	1.00		75.00¹
Better Light Super 8K-HS Scanning Camera Back	300 ppi	N/A	40 X 60 in.³	50.00	up to 50 MB	1.00	up to 549 MB¹	200.00¹
1 = 24-bit scans (for 48 bit scans, prices double) 2 = Larger sizes available in sections 3 = Originals larger than 24 x 30", add 50% to prices.

Service	Nikon & Agfa Film Scans Better Light Scanning Back Scans
Normal	24 - 48 Hours
Rush	6 - 8 Working Hours	+100% Surcharge
Super Rush	ASAP	+200% Surcharge

If you have reached this page through a search engine, you probably are unable to access the entire website.