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Film negatives hold extraordinary detail — often far more than the prints made from them. Scan5 unlocks that detail with high-resolution negative scanning, producing digital images that can be enlarged, shared, and preserved for generations.
Scanning film negatives requires specialized film scanners with dedicated negative holders, backlighting systems, and high-resolution optics — very different from flatbed document scanners. At Scan5, we use professional-grade film scanners calibrated for accurate color inversion and dust/scratch reduction, ensuring your negatives are scanned to the highest possible quality.
We handle both color and black-and-white negatives, and our technicians perform per-image adjustments to optimize color balance, exposure, and sharpness for each scan.
We scan a wide range of film negative formats, including 35mm color and black-and-white negatives (in strips or mounted slides), 110 and 126 cartridge film, 120/medium format negatives, and large format sheet film. Both color and black-and-white negatives are supported.
Standard negatives are scanned at 2400 PPI, with 4000 PPI available for maximum detail and large-format reprints. All scans are delivered as high-quality JPEG files, with TIFF available for archival needs.
Negative scanning resolution is measured in pixels per inch (PPI). Higher resolution unlocks more detail and larger print potential.
Good for digital sharing and standard reprints. Captures the primary content of most 35mm negatives with a manageable file size.
Our standard for negative scanning. Captures fine grain and detail for quality reprints up to 8×10 and larger from 35mm film.
Maximum resolution — ideal for medium and large format negatives, or any 35mm negative you plan to enlarge significantly or archive professionally.
Film negatives are delicate — dust, scratches, and age can all affect the quality of your scan. We take precautions at every step.
We use Digital ICE™ compatible scanning technology and careful handling to minimize the impact of dust and minor scratches on your final scans.
Each negative is individually processed for accurate color inversion, exposure, and tonal balance — so your scans look as the photographer intended.
Once your negatives are scanned, choose how you'd like to store and access your digital images.
We've scanned film negatives for families, photographers, and archival institutions throughout the Chicago area.
Grandma's 35mm negatives from the 60s. Dad's slides from the 70s. We scan them all and put your family's history at your fingertips.
Large negative archives for newspapers, museums, universities, and historical societies — we provide consistent, high-quality results at volume.
We understand how personal your memories are, and we treat them with the utmost care. Your photos, tapes, and videos are always secure with us, and we never share them with third parties. Your physical items are kept safe in our climate controlled inventory room at our office building with 24/7 monitoring.
We scan 35mm color and black-and-white negatives (in strips or mounted), 110 format, 126 format, 120/medium format, and large format sheet film. Both color and black-and-white negatives are supported.
Negatives hold significantly more detail than the prints made from them. Scanning at high resolution captures all of that original information in a digital file that can be enlarged, shared, and reprinted without any generational quality loss.
2400 PPI is our standard for 35mm and captures enough detail for quality prints up to 8×10 and beyond. Choose 4000 PPI if you plan significant enlargements or want maximum archival detail.
Yes. We use dust and scratch reduction technology during scanning and handle fragile negatives with great care. Severely deteriorated film (vinegar syndrome, heavy silver mirroring) may have limitations — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Standard delivery is high-quality JPEG. TIFF (uncompressed) is available for archival or professional use — contact us for pricing.
Most projects are completed in 1–2 weeks. Rush service may be available — contact us to discuss youDrop off at our Chicago studio (4001 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 502-B), schedule a courier pickup, or ship your negatives to us with a prepaid UPS label we'll provide on request.r timeline.
Most projects are completed within a few days to two weeks depending on volume and format. Contact us for an estimate based on your collection.
Yes. Volume discounts are available. Contact us with your tape count for a custom quote.Yes. Volume discounts are available for large archives. Contact us with an estimate of your negative count and formats for a custom quote.
Unlock the full detail hidden in your negatives. Let Scan5 bring them to life in digital format.
