Three steps to start digitizing film negatives with a camera: prepare your setup, frame each shot and convert it to a positive image. Explore curated 35mmc reading below.
Use a camera, close-focusing lens, even light source and stable stand. A film holder keeps 35mm or 120 negatives flat while you capture each frame.
Explore scanning equipment →Select your camera, lens and film format in ForScan to estimate magnification and sensor coverage. Optical distances are theoretical, so verify them on your actual setup.
Plan with ForScan →After capturing or scanning your negative, convert it to a positive image. For color film, sample an image area for color balance, then crop and download the result.
Try the negative converter →These articles are written by contributors at 35mmc. Forest Lab provides reading suggestions and related tools, without republishing the articles.
Start here to compare scanners and camera scanning before choosing equipment. Once you have a camera and lens in mind, use ForScan to plan frame coverage and magnification.
Plan your scan with ForScan →Read this for context on camera scanning and its supporting equipment. If you are building a setup, compare the roles of a copy stand and a film holder in the Forest Lab catalogue.
Explore film scanning equipment →Use this account to explore the conversion stage after scanning. You can also try a negative-to-positive conversion in your browser with Forest Lab's free tool.
Try the negative converter →