Archival Film Scan

Large‑format and medium‑format film scan

Archival workflow • Fluid-mount

ARCHIVAL FILM SCANNING (FLUID-MOUNT)

Large-format and medium-format film scan

This service is designed for photographers who need archival-quality digital master files, not quick lab scans. Each frame is scanned individually using a fluid mount wet scanning workflow on an archival flatbed system, prioritising maximum detail, tonal depth, and long-term usability. (colour, BW, Positive and Negative)

The process is slow by design. Turnaround is minimum 3–5 business days, allowing time for careful handling, scanning, and manual finishing.

Archival film scanning sample 1
Archival film scanning sample 2

Formats, Resolution & Pricing

Each frame is individually and carefully cleaned and scanned.

Sheet Film

5×7 — approx. 300+ megapixels
AUD 125 per sheet
4×5 — approx. 200+ megapixels
AUD 105 per sheet

120 Roll Film

6×6 — approx. 150+ megapixels
AUD 55 per frame
6×7
AUD 75 per frame
6×9
AUD 95 per frame
6×12
AUD 130 per frame
6×17, 6×21 — quoted on request

What You Receive Per Scan

For each frame or sheet, you’ll get three files:

  • RAW DNG – archival master for long-term storage and future re-interpretation.
  • Finished TIFF (16-bit Adobe RGB) – manually colour corrected and dust removed, ready for printing or exhibition
  • JPEG preview – convenient, ready-to-view file for quick reference or web.

Bit Depth:

  • Colour: 16-bit per channel (48-bit colour)
  • Black & white: 16-bit grayscale

Mail-in service

Clients across Australia are welcome. Film is sent via tracked shipping and handled carefully on arrival. Return shipping can be arranged if required.

Optional services (by assessment)

  • Restoration of aged or damaged negatives
  • Correction of colour shifts in older emulsions
  • Digitisation of vintage photographic materials
  • Custom editing for publication or exhibition use

Optional services are quoted individually depending on material condition and scope.

Why high-resolution fluid-mount scanning?

Fluid-mount scanning reduces surface artefacts, improves micro-contrast, and allows more information to be extracted from the negative. The resulting files offer:

  • Greater tonal separation
  • Improved shadow and highlight detail
  • More flexibility in the digital darkroom
  • Larger, cleaner fine-art prints
  • Robust archival digital masters

This approach sits between standard flatbed scans and drum scanning, offering exceptional quality without the cost or logistical complexity of drum workflows.

Film scanning example 1 Film scanning example 2 Film scanning example 3 Film scanning example 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a lab scan?+
No. This is a manual, frame-by-frame archival workflow, not automated or high-volume lab scanning, very close but not identical to drum scans. It is intended for photographers who need digital master files, not quick previews.
Do you include the film margins or nudge?+
Yes. We always capture a generous area around each frame, so your film nudge, frame numbers, and other info appear in the archival DNG, however for the finished TIFF and JPEG files, these margins are usually cropped for convenience, which we can include upon request.
Can I see how the scans will look before committing?+
While we cannot publicly display every scan, sample files are available on request for serious enquiries. This allows you to see the level of detail, tonal range, and file quality you can expect. The workflow used was originally developed for our founder’s own large-format workflow and has been refined over many years. Currently, for our clients, we use a special wet workflow with an Epson V850 archival flatbed system and special wet glass mount, ensuring every negative receives meticulous care and produces maximum detail.
Do you scan entire rolls?+
Yes, in short. All 120 films are scanned per individual frame. This workflow is not automated unattended roll scanning.
Do you offer 35 mm scanning?+
No. This workflow is optimised for medium and large-format film, where the benefits of fluid-mount scanning are most meaningful and worth the effort and time, however we can always accept exceptions and do your 35mm upon request.
How long does it take?+
Standard turnaround is minimum 3–5 business days from receipt of film. This is just a rough estimate and will be announced per individual order. Rush services are not offered.
How big are the files?+
Your DNG file sits somewhere around 600MB-2GB and your standard edited TIFF file 300–700 MB and your JPG web-ready and light. Let us know if you need specific file formats.
Do you offer prints?+
No. This service delivers digital files only.
Will the files be fully retouched?+
Yes, but it only applies to your TIFFS and JPGs. The original DNG is your digital negative which is raw and unedited with film margins and not reversed for negatives. Extensive restoration or retouching is available only by separate assessment.
Is this service suitable for high volumes?+
This service is best suited to small to medium projects where quality is prioritised over speed or cost. We can plan together and do your high volume in parts over time.
Can you handle valuable or irreplaceable film?+
Yes. Film is handled carefully and scanned individually. They will return to the artist exactly as they arrived. We are not responsible for damages that happened during shipping. If you have specific concerns or handling requirements, please mention them when enquiring.
Call Now Button