Photo Negative Scanning Service Explained: What We Do and Why It Matters

Nowadays, most of our memories live in the cloud, on hard drives or smartphones. But many of us also still have special moments trapped in old shoeboxes full of 35mm negatives. These are often a treasure trove from history, but are rarely looked at. 

Whether they’re of your grandparents’ wedding or childhood holidays, these film strips hold irreplaceable snapshots of your life.

At Mr Scan, our scanning services include those for photo negatives—specifically 35mm negative transfers—to bring your analogue memories into the digital age. Here’s exactly what that involves, how we do it, and why choosing a professional scanning service can make all the difference.

More About Photo Negative Scanning 

A photo negative scanning service converts traditional film negatives—most commonly 35mm—into digital image files. Using high-end studio equipment, each negative frame is scanned, corrected and saved in formats for use on modern devices.

Proper scanning is a tricky process.  It involves such processes as colour correction, dust removal, and sometimes image restoration. At Mr Scan, we take this process seriously, offering professional-quality results using industry-leading scanners. 

What Types of Negatives Can Be Scanned?

We primarily work with 35mm negatives, but we can also handle:

• Colour negatives (standard C-41 film)
• Monochrome (black and white) negatives
• Positive processed film (colour positives/reversal film)
• APS film rolls
• Infrared (IR) negatives

Whether it’s a full roll, a cut strip or even a single frame, we’ll scan it. However, the pricing and equipment may differ for smaller orders or single-cut images.

How the Process Works

1. You send us your negatives

Simply post your negatives to our studio. Make sure they are at least two frames in length (if possible), sleeved or packed securely. We don’t recommend cutting strips too short, as this limits how they can be scanned.

2. We scan every image

We use professional-grade scanners optimised for 35mm film. Every image is scanned individually, even if it’s part of a long strip. Our system scans the full strip but crops and saves each frame as a standalone digital image. 

3. High-resolution image capture

Our standard resolution is more than enough for everyday use: great for prints, sharing or archiving. If you require a specific resolution or file size, simply let us know in advance and we’ll accommodate where possible.

4. Removing dust and scratches

All film attracts dust over time. We use a combination of digital ICE technology, high-end air compressors, and software to minimise any surface flaws. However, no method is 100% effective unless the film is liquid cleaned (which can cause damage, which is why we don’t offer it).

5. Colour correction and enhancements

Using our in-house Loupe Desk Photoshop Suite, we correct faded colours, especially on older negatives where dyes have degraded. Kodak negatives, for example, tend to hold colour better than other brands—something we’ve learned through years of experience!

6. Solutions in your preferred format

You choose how to receive your images: USB stick, DVD, CD or direct digital download. Every image is saved with an automatic filename and placed into folders to make them easy to organise. We also label your envelopes so they match the digital folder numbers.

Why Not Just Do It Yourself?

Many are tempted to scan their own photos or negatives using a cheap scanner or smartphone app. However, here’s why that’s often disappointing:

• Image quality: Regular, non-professional scanners lack the sharpness and dynamic range of expert studio equipment.
• Dust and scratches. Without proper digital ICE systems and air cleaning tools, your images will likely show marks.
• Time and effort: Scanning negatives properly is a lengthy process, and it’s even slower if you want decent results.
• Organisation. Our scanners automatically crop, align and organise the images to ensure each one is properly saved.

By the time you’ve bought the equipment, cleaned your films, scanned each frame, and edited them, you may wish you’d gone with the pros.

Common Questions

Can I request just a few images from each strip?

Sorry, no- we scan every image on the strip. That’s because partial scans aren’t possible on our bulk scanners.

Do you return my originals?

Yes, always! Your negatives are returned along with your digital images.

Remember, a professional photo negative scanning service isn’t just convenient: it’s vital if you care about preserving your memories to the finest standards. Whether you’ve got a drawer full of holiday snaps, old rolls from a wedding photographer, or a single cherished strip from a family reunion, we’ll ensure it’s passed on for future generations. 

Ready to unlock your memories?

Let Mr Scan turn your forgotten negatives into sharp, beautiful digital images. Because your history deserves to be seen.

If you’re seeking photo scanning services, don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.