Analog photography is very much alive due to the level of intimacy that the camera provides. Timeless classic cameras like the Minolta XD, PENTAX LX still being highly sought after proves its affinity in real passionate artists. Photographers can solely focus on the craftsmanship of the art and not setting the parameter right.
To many analog photographers, it’s the price that attracts them. Analog cameras are cheap as chips. Medium format cameras on the digital world sit above two grants, but on the analog world you can get it for free. It’s a huge selling point for this genre.
But it’s the processing which is the thorn in this fish. Very complicated requires attention and a specific environment all need to come together for the films to be processed into pictures. The best 35mm film scanner can take care of your landscape and portrait shots perfectly without any compromise.
Some Best 35mm Film Scanner up Till Now
Comparing hundreds of items of different manufacturers is so time-consuming and tiresome. To help you out, we have sorted out some best scanners in this section.
1. KODAK SCANZA Digital Film and Slide Scanner
Highlights
KODAK manufacturer offers a powerful film scanner that can convert old 35mm and other types of negatives and slides to JPEG digital files. The integrated interpolation setting enhances images up to 22 megapixels. This device is super easy to operate with the one-touch buttons.
For image viewing, a high definition built-in color display is equipped with this scanner. You can adjust brightness and tilt the display for easy operation. The instructions on the screen help you to choose the correct adapter for your films. For continuous scanning, this device comes with speed load adapters.
With the provided cables you can connect the tool with your Mac, PC for quick exporting, editing, and printing. You can browse the gallery and edit the resolution also. This device supports memory cards up to 128GB. Along with the adapters and cables, you will get a cleaning brush to clean the device and the films.
Shortcomings
- It is not built for a high-quality scan and can’t scan photos.
- You won’t get any warranty or support from this manufacturer.
- It can’t develop or scan raw film.
2. Magnasonic High-Resolution Film Scanner
Highlights
Magnasonic producer offers a high-resolution scanner that has 128MB built-in memory. It also provides another scanner that comes with a 32GB SD card. These scanners can convert your negative films into premium 22MP digital photo JPEG files. You don’t even need any complicated software to scan the films.
A built-in color LCD screen on this device lets you view photos instantly after a 5-second scan. You can also connect the scanner with your television or computer with the provided cable to see the pictures on a bigger screen or editing. The included fast-loading film trays help to scan all your films continuously.
You don’t need to pre-cut your films into strips and painfully lineup correctly because of the different types of slide holders. Up to 100 images can be saved directly onto this device without needing any external storage.
Which makes it the best 35mm slide and negative film scanner is the easy using option. You can even edit the photos without needing other expensive editing software.
The device can be powered by your computer or any other USB port. You will get an easy instruction book to know how to operate this scanner. It is also very easy to store and move. To clean the interior of the device, a brush comes with this item.
Shortcomings
- The small screen produces a different view of the photo.
3. KODAK Mobile Film Scanner
Highlights
The KODAK manufacturer boons you with another film scanner that is super easy to operate. This is the best dedicated 35mm film scanner in 2020.
You just need your smartphone and this tabletop device to scan any kind of film, slides, and negatives within seconds. Just install the dedicated app to scan, edit and share to any social media at the
After inserting the films in the tray, you need to turn on the LED backlight and place the camera lens over the hole and capture instantly. You don’t even need an adapter to scan those films and slides. It is also the cheapest 35mm film scanner on our list.
You can fold out the platform and tray into the size of a small box for easy storage and travelling. An easy instruction to assemble and disassemble is included with this scanner. The dedicated app of this device can be used with both Android and IOS phones.
Shortcomings
- The price is higher comparatively
- You must have a high megapixel camera on your phone for the best result.
- The product is not super durable as it is made of cardboard.
4. Wolverine Titan Film to Digital Converter
Highlights
Wolverine company boons you with a high-resolution film to digital converter to convert your old films and slides within seconds. It can convert 35mm and some other types of films, slides, and negatives into digital files with 3 seconds. As it got unique speed-load adapters, you can load the slides and films faster.
You can connect this device with your TV since it has HDMI to-out jack. You can also connect it to your PC as it is compatible with the both Windows and Mac operating system. This device has a color screen so that you can see the images after scanning and before saving or editing.
No extra computer or software is needed to scan with this device. All you need is to plug the device into an AC outlet or USB port. Then scan the films and save them into 20 megapixels images in its internal memory or direct to an optional memory card. It supports a memory card up to 32GB.
Shortcomings
- The HDMI cable isn’t included
- Digitized images are not of high quality like DSLR.
- Expensive than other scanners of the same quality.
5. DIGITNOW Film & Slide Scanner
Highlights
DIGITNOW producer offers an amazing portable film and slide scanner at a very low price. You don’t even need any computer to operate this device. This device can convert 35mm and some other films, slides, and negatives into digital JPEG format within 2 seconds.
You can view the images and adjust them with the integrated LCD screen. Digitized photo quality will be up to 22 megapixels with software interpolation. You can save the photos in the internal storage or SD card easily. This device is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Along with the main scanner, you will get a complete kit of power adapters, slide adapters, cleaning brash, and some other components. The provided user manual is easy to understand as well the device is easy to operate. As the weight is less than one pound, you can take it to any place and store easily.
Shortcomings
- Image quality isn’t high enough
- The screen color is off, so the images look faded and blurry.
- No info about the product information is provided
6. Plustek Film & Slide Scanner
Highlights
Plustek manufacturer boons you with a film and slide scanner that has many incredible features. This scanner has a strong sensor to scan old films and slides and captures all the details from the original film. The negatives will be converted into excellent 69MP images with fewer image noises.
The built-in infrared channel of this device can detect dust and scratches on the film surface and automatically removes them without retouching. To do this, this device scans your images two times, so you won’t lose any important detail. You can increase the dynamic range of any photo to see details.
You will get professional-grade software to scan and get brilliant results and it is compatible with both Mac & Windows operating systems. This device can support 64bit hardware & software and it also includes a native Adobe Photoshop plug-in. You can download the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Shortcomings
- Included Silverfast software is complicated to use.
- This device is technically outdated and only compatible with the old Mac.
- You have to insert films and slides manually every time.
Large Format Negative Scanner
7. Epson Perfection Scanner
Highlights
Epson manufacturer offers a digital scanner that can scan not only the old films and slides but can also scan images, documents, and even 3D objects of outstanding quality! You can even create extraordinary enlargement from the films. You can edit and enhance your images to the next level with the included editing software.
Any kind of scratches and dust will be automatically removed while scanning by this device. It can also remove the tears and creases from photos. So, you can easily restore your old photos and turn them into brand new photos and save you from costly photo retouching services.
You can also convert any scanned documents into editable texts with this gadget within seconds. As it is energy efficient, it consumes less power. The included LED technology is better for the environment. All these additional features offer more productivity and exceptional versatility for your home, office, or studio.
Shortcomings
- Not convenient to carry
- It is not so compatible with the Mac operating system and so lags in a scan.
Journey to Find the Best 35mm Film Scanner
You must look into some particular specs of your product for the best buying experience. This section covers the info you need to know about the best scanners.
Working Capability
Though most of the film scanners can scan 35mm films, some can’t scan other types of films and slides. But some scanners can scan all kinds of films along with photos, documents, and even 3D objects! You may not need every format but you should definitely push yourself for more unless your budget cuts you off.
Image Quality
A decent scanner can set about a 7200 x 7200 dpi photo from a regular 35mm negative. But don’t worry if the numbers tweak less on one side and more on the other unless the megapixels value is far less than 69.
But scanning photos larger than negatives, like the regular family photos, should be taken to a simple multiple of 300 PPI. The higher the enlargements get the higher should be the dpi rating. Obviously, texts and documents do not ask for too high resolution and otherwise would take up unnecessary space.
Compatibility
Not all the film scanner is compatible with the both Windows and Mac operating system of your computer. And some of them aren’t compatible with all the versions. Windows 10 usability should cover a larger mass. Linux users may be mostly discriminated against but online and offline converters will do the job.
LCD Screen
Some of the scanners on the market have a small LCD screen on them. After scanning the films, the output images are shown in that display instantly. You can also browse and edit on that screen without needing any computer. It’s a better choice to have them if you want a scanner for random usage anytime, anywhere.
Dust & Scratch Removal
Even if you handle and store your films and slides correctly, they always have dust particles and little scratches on them. And when you scan those films, the produced photos got marks on them too, ruining the picture. But some scanners have got features to scan through the dust and produce perfect photos without marks.
Portability
The lighter the gadget is, the more convenient it is to take it anywhere. But a number of features require physical components to be installed and adds to the weight. Again rugged textured outer construction may increase the bulkiness too. All you need is a bit of balance.
Power Supply
Some scanners need a constant power supply from the AC port, while some can be recharged or have a USB port to get power from anywhere. Some of the portable ones need batteries and they are better when you don’t have any constant power supply.
LED light sources are usually the least of the power consumers. Keep an eye out for this especially if you’re using an AC power scanner.
Memory & Storage Capacity
Almost all of the scanners have internal storage and support external memory cards. But the size of the internal memory differs from scanners to scanners. While some can support up to 120GB external memory but some can support only 32GB. It’s better to get the one that has more internal memory and storage capacity.
Adapters
For scanners, you need two types of adapter, power adapter, and film & slide adapters. Without them, you may not be able to scan all kinds of films or won’t be able to start the device!
Power Adapters
Usually, 3 different types of current ports are widely used around the globe. The scanner may have the power cable that can not be connected to ports in your room. That’s why many companies include power adapters to protect you from this drag.
Film & Slide Adapters
Film and slide adapters are provided to help you scan any other type of film, negatives, and slides, without needing a different scanner. Try to buy the device that offers more film adapters than others, so that you can scan any kinda film without a hassle.
User Manual
For film scanners, graphic and well-labeled instruction is not trivial at all. For ones that feature 3D scanning, it’s more or less a must. Even if you are a pro, read the manual as soon as you have your hands on a new one.
Warranty
Getting a film scanner with a lifetime warranty is ideal, but not found in practice. All you can hope for is a 2 years warranty. One with free services for a device like this is often a gimmick.
FAQs
Q: Can scanners scan shrunken films?
Ans: Yes. But for scanning your shrunken films, you need to have the scanner that has the feature to be able to go through the shrunken slides and produce the real image.
Q: What films can be scanned better, positives or negatives?
Ans: For negative films, your scanner needs to correct it to inverse and produce the image. But for positive films, they just need normal scans. So positive films are better and easier to scan.
Final Statements
After reading all of these sections above, then you should know which scanner suits you best regardless of being a newbie. But if you don’t have much time in your hand to read everything or are still confused, then buckle up. We are ready to help you find the best 35mm film scanner.
First of all, we recommend you buy the scanner from the Epson manufacturer. This device offers more features than others on this list. Along with the films, you can even scan docs and 3D objects! And it offers to automatically remove marks and tears while scanning. This is the best choice for your home, office, and studio.
Aside from that one, we recommend you buy the scanner from the Plustek company. This device is good for professionals and it offers high-resolution images. For home and rare usage, go for the scanner from the Magnasonic. This device is portable, easy to use, and has a screen to view images instantly.
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