Film Scanner Guide
Compare scanners, DSLR setups, and lab services to find the right solution for your workflow.
Common starting points
- Budget + versatility: Epson V600 handles both 35mm and 120
- 35mm quality: Plustek 8200i or DSLR scanning setups are popular
- Medium format: Epson V850 or DSLR scanning both work well
- Speed + control: DSLR scanning with Negative Lab Pro
- No equipment: Lab scanning services
Flatbed Scanners
Versatile scanners for multiple formats
Epson Perfection V600 Photo
Budget-conscious beginners, Medium format scanning
Epson Perfection V850 Pro
Serious medium and large format work, High-volume scanning
Epson Perfection V700 Photo
Medium and large format scanning, Budget alternative to V850
Canon CanoScan 9000F Mark II
Alternative to Epson flatbeds, Users preferring Canon ecosystem
Epson Perfection V550 Photo
Budget flatbed entry point, Occasional scanning
Dedicated Film Scanners
Purpose-built for film, higher quality
Plustek OpticFilm 8100
35mm shooters wanting quality on a budget, Sharper results than flatbed for 35mm
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE/Ai
Serious 35mm scanning, Dusty or scratched negatives (IR cleaning)
Pacific Image PrimeFilm XAs
High-resolution 35mm scanning, Budget alternative to Plustek
Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED / 9000 ED
Ultimate 35mm scan quality, Professional archival work
Plustek OpticFilm 120
Dedicated medium format scanning, True optical resolution vs flatbed
Reflecta RPS 10M
European market alternative, Medium format and 35mm in one unit
Kodak Pakon F135+ / F135 Plus
High-volume 35mm scanning, Quick contact-sheet style workflow
Kodak Pakon F335
High-volume scanning with better reliability, APS film scanning (rare capability)
Hasselblad (formerly Imacon) Flextight X1 / X5
Absolute best scan quality short of drum, Professional archival and reproduction
Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE
Budget entry into dedicated 35mm scanning, Users not needing IR dust removal
Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400 / 5400 II
Exceptional 35mm scan quality, Fine grain film scanning
Braun FS120
Automated medium format scanning, Batch scanning 120 film
Noritsu LS-600 / LS-1100
Lab-quality results at home, Fast scanning with auto transport
Fujifilm Frontier SP-3000
The classic lab scan look, High-volume professional scanning
Plustek OpticFilm 8300i SE/Ai
Current production 35mm dedicated scanner, Highest resolution Plustek
Wolverine/Kodak Titan 8-in-1 / Kodak Reels
Quick family archive digitisation, Users wanting standalone simplicity
DSLR/Mirrorless Scanning
Fast, flexible camera-based workflow
Lab Scanning Services
Professional scanning without equipment