This is an overview of the options available for digitizing photographic film and slides. It covers scanning 35mm and 120 format film and slides. This presentation also compares scanning yourself vs using a lab. Detailed information on Plustek's new OpticFilm 120 film scanner is also included.

1. Alternatives for
Scanning Film
Negatives & Slides
Mark Druziak
Plustek Director of Marketing
562-650-3900
markdruziak@plustek.com
March 2013

2. Agenda
• Planning your film scanning projects
• Film scanning alternatives
• Film scanners vs flatbed vs camera based
scanners
• Hardware alternatives
• Software alternatives
• Lab Scanning Services
• Plustek OpticFilm Scanners

3. Planning your scanning project
Scanning film & slides is an art!
• Still shooting film?
– Color? B/W? both?
– What format?
• Converting old stuff?
– How many slides or negatives?
• Really? Edit Edit Edit!
– Shoebox of prints –
• we’ll talk about this in a second
• What is your final output?
– Scan it ONCE!
• Web
• Print

4. Planning your scanning project
Scanning film & slides is an art!
• Budgeting your time
– Need to learn scanner and software
– Editing, selecting and organizing film
and slides
– Develop a workflow that works for
you
• Assume 2 – 10 minutes per image
– Plus post scan editing

5. Scanning Workflows
• Bach scan then post scan edit
– Risky because re-scans can take a lot of time.
– Not possible with manual feed scanner
• Scan single image and edit immediately
– Edit image while the next image is being scanned
• Scan all images in film holder and then edit
– Good compromise
– Works well with Lightroom Auto Import

6. Scanning Prints
Shoeboxes Full Of Prints
– Scanner with automatic feeder
• Load up feeder with up to 30 photos
• Good enough quality for web and photo
books
• Not for gallery prints
– Flatbed
• Look for CCD based scanner for best quality
• Might only be able to scan one image at a
time.

7. Film Scanner Alternatives
•
•
•
•
Camera based “film scanner”
Flatbed scanner with transparency adapter
Dedicated film scanner
Drum scanner

8. Film Scanner Choices
Camera Based Scanner
• Pros
– Low price ($99 or less)
– Simple
• Cons
– Low resolution
– Low dynamic range
– Web sharing only

9. Film Scanner Choices
Flatbed with Transparency Adapter
Pros
– Some offer very good quality
• Higher $ = Higher Quality
– Easy batch scanning
– Supports multiple formats
• Some even support large format negatives
• Better for MF and LF than 35mm
Cons
– Some not any better than camera based devices
– Lower resolution
– Lower dynamic range

10. Film Scanner Choices
Dedicated Film Scanner
Pros
–
–
–
–
Higher resolution than a flatbed
Higher dynamic range than a flatbed
Color Consistency and Accuracy
Better overall image quality
• Web to Gallery Prints possible
Cons
– Can only scan one or two different formats

11. Film Scanner Choices
Dedicated Film Scanner
• Higher resolution and dynamic range than flatbed

12. Film Scanner Choices
Drum Scanner
Pros
– Best image quality possible
– Highest dynamic range possible
Cons
– Slow
– Cost
• Prices start at $12,000!

13. Dust and Scratch Removal
Alternatives
•
IR based system
– IR image only show dust and scratches
– Automatically removed by software
– Requires and extra scanner pass
• Longer scan times
– Does not work with silver halide based B/W film
•
Software based
– Softens image
•
Wet Mount
– Tedious
– Dangerous chemicals
– Works well!
•
Healing tools in Photoshop
– Tedious
– Need to buy software

14. ScanningSoftware Alternatives
• Software is important to image quality
– Scanning software works with “raw” pixels
– Adjust with scanning to get the best possible image
• But don’t kill yourself!
• Post scan processing is almost always needed
– Burn/’Dodge, dust clean up etc
– Color negative to positive conversion important
• Built in film profiles
• Create your own profiles

15. Software Alternatives
Basic Software Provided with
Scanner
Pros
– Easy to use
– No additional cost
Cons
– Typically doesn’t provide the best image quality
– Does not provide as much control as third party
scanning software

16. Software Alternatives
SilverFast and ViewScan
•
SilverFast
–
–
–
–
–
•
Bundled with all Plustek Scanners
Very comprehensive
Learning curve
IR Dust and scratch removal
Multiple Exposure to increase dynamic range
VueScan
–
–
–
–
–
–
Inexpensive
Works with just about every scanner
Easy to use
DNG output
IR Dust and Scratch
Multiple Exposure

17. Alternative to scanning yourself
Lab Scans
• Scanning film & slides is an art!
• Image quality is only as good as the scan operator.
• Know where your film is going!
– Some low cost services ship your film and slides off shore
• Can be very expensive
– $1 to $25 per image
• If you choose to use a lab:
– Send at least two different test batches at different times
• Judge quality and repeatability

18. OpticFilm Scanner Models
Plustek OpticFilm Scanners:
35mm:
– OpticFilm 8100
– OpticFilm 8200i Ai
35mm and 120 Format:
– OpticFilm 120

19. Scanning is FUN!
Mark Druziak
markdruziak@plustek.com
562-650-3900

20. OpticFilm 8XXX Quick Facts:
•
•
7200 dpi 35mm film and slide scanner
3 different models:
– Entry
– Intermediate
– Pro
•
•
•
•
•
LED illumination
SilverFast SE or Ai included
IR dust and scratch removal on “i” models.
Professional image quality.
Many excellent independent reviews on internet

21. OpticFilm Scanner Models
• All three models are basically the same hardware.
• EXCEPT:
– 8200i models add infrared dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8100 and 8200i SE
– Both ship with Lasersoft SilverFast SE
– 8200i SE adds IR dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8200i Ai
– Ships with SilverFast Ai
– IT8 Calibration Slide

22. OpticFilm Features
• LED Illumination
– Long life
– Consistent output
• SilverFast SE or Ai
• Multi-Sampling
– Noise reduction
• Multi-Exposure
– Increased Dmax – up to 3.6
• Automatic dust removal
– SRD software based on 8100
– iSRD IR based on 8200i models
• iSRD does not work with silver halide based B/W film
• iSRD does work with chromogenic B/W film (C-41 process)

23. OpticFilm Features - continued
• Film tray
• Slide tray
• Quick Scan
– Create a JPG at the touch of a button
• Carrying bag
• Quick start guide

24. OpticFilm - Model Positioning
• OpticFilm 8100
– Easy to use
– Amateur photographer or film scanner
– Customer that is more interested in “Auto” mode
rather than ultimate control over the scanning
process.
– Customer that will ONLY scan B/W film and is price
sensitive.

25. OpticFilm - Model Positioning
• OpticFilm 8200i SE
– Advanced amateur
– Customer concerned with dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8200i Ai
– Professional or advanced amateur wanting complete
control over the scanning process.
– Customer that requires IT8 calibration and/or color
managed workflow.

26. Lasersoft SilverFast SE vs Ai
• Lasersoft SilverFast is defacto standard for film
scanning software.
• What’s the difference?
– Both 8200i models support iSRD.
– 8100 model supports SRD only.
– Think of the difference between Photoshop Elements
and Photoshop CS5.
– SE is (relatively) easy to use.
– Ai offers complete control.
– Ai includes IT8 calibration slide

27. Reviews
• Shutterbug Magazine 9/2010 Issue
http://shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/scanners_printers/0910plustek/
• Shutterbug Magzaine 10/2013 issue – OpticFilm 120
Review
• TrustedReviews 3/8/2010
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2010/03/08/Plustek-OpticFilm8200i-SE-Film-Scanner/p1
• Luminous Landscape 7/2010
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/scanners/plustek.shtml
• Rangefinderforum.com
• Leica forum – i-camera-forum.com
• Flickr.com – Opticfilm groups and user images

28. Resources
• Plustek OpticFilm Website
http://plustek.com/usa/products/opticfilm-series/
–
–
–
–
–
–
Detailed Features
OpticFilm 8100 vs 8200i
OpticFilm 8200i SE vs 8200i Ai
Specifications
Downloads
Customer Testimonials (NEW!)

29. Plustek
OpticFilm 120
Product Introduction
Ver 4.0
Mark Druziak
Plustek Director of Marketing
February 2013

30. Agenda
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Why a dedicated film scanner?
OpticFilm 120 Introduction
Product Purpose
Target Audiences
OpticFilm 120 Overview
What’s in the box
Specifications
Unique Selling points
Competitor Analysis
Appendix

31. Why a dedicated film scanner?
• Higher resolution than a flatbed
• Higher dynamic range than a flatbed
• Color Consistency and Accuracy

32. OpticFilm 120 Introduction
The OpticFilm 120 delivers the professional image quality results
from 35mm film strips, slides, and 120/220 film from 6x4.5cm up to
6x12cm in sizes. It is designed for professional photographers,
advanced amateur photographers, film photo enthusiasts,
photography schools and clubs.
The OpticFilm 120 satisfies the film scanning requirements of
advanced amateurs or professionals that require the ultimate in
image quality and an ICC profiled scanning system.

33. Product Design Goals
•
Scan film and provide extremely high quality digital images for any
output including presentation quality prints.
• Provide the highest quality digital images from photographic film.
• Satisfy the film scanning needs of professional and consumer
photographers using high quality film cameras.
For example: 645 cameras: Pentax 645, Hasselblad, Mamiya 645; TLR
Cameras: Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, Yashica; 6x7 Cameras Mamiya 7, FujiFilm
670, Voigtlander Bessa 667; 35mm Cameras: Leica, Voigtlander, Nikon,
Canon etc.
•
Satisfy the film scanning needs of advanced amateurs or
professionals that require a complete ICC profiled system.
• Sharing of film photo images.

34. Target Audiences
•
•
•
•
•
•
Classic film camera owners
Film photo enthusiasts
Professional photographers
Advanced amateur photographers
Photography school and clubs
Photographers and photo labs that require an ICC
profiled scanning system
• Low volume custom photographic processing and
printing shops

35. OpticFilm 120 Overview (Front view)
LED indicator
1. Power on: blue
2. Standby: orange
1
Action button
2
Power on button
Eject button
Film holder slot

36. OpticFilm 120 Overview (Rear view)
1
2
Folding rear protection cover
3
1. Rear film holder slot
2. USB port connector
3. AC adapter connector

37. What’s in the box
Film holders
6x7 cm IT8 Target
OF120 Film scanner
Masking Sheet x2
SilverFast DVD
AC adapter ; USB cable
Plustek and SilverFast QG
SilverFast license key
Plustek CD

38. Key Features
• Extraordinary Image Quality
–
–
–
–
8-element glass lens
High sensitive color CCD
Built-in infrared channel
IT 8 target and color calibration
• Newly Designed film carriers ensure accurate imaging and
efficient workflow.
–
–
–
–
Holds medium format film flat.
Easy to load
The patent-pending adjustable pitch film holders
Efficent workflow – Motorized film transport; batch scanning capability
• Elegant and Compact Design
– Elegant appearance
– Compact Design - Smaller Footprint
– Special rubber shock isolator foot pads
• Powered by LaserSoft Imaging AG SilverFast®
– Windows/ Mac ; multi-tasking capability; lots of image tools and features for
best image quality

39. Extraordinary Image Quality
“The OpticFilm 120 reaches an image
quality level that is typically achieved by
drum scanners.”
Quote from LaserSoft Imaging

40. Glass Lens with 8-elements in 5 groups
• Sharpness and high resolution (Optical
resolution is up to 5300 dpi )
100 % crop
without post
editing
200 % crop
without post
editing
Helps to resolve every detail that is captured by the camera
and film

41. High sensitivity color CCD
• With 10,600 dpi resolution and with multi-exposure capability.
• Delivering an effective usable Dynamic Range of 4,01 (with SilverFast MultiExposure®/ according to ISO 21550:2004) and a theoretically maximum density of
4.8.
Normal scan
w/ MultiExposure
Provides accurate color and all highlight and shadow details.

42. Built-in Infrared Channel
• IR Channel detects dust and scratches on non-silverhalide based films.
• Tight integration with SilverFast iSRD® for excellent dust and scratch
removal image results.
Original
IR
Mark
Correct
Removes dust and scratches without the need for additional
retouching

43. IT8 Target and color calibration
• Stable led light sources
• Medium format 6x7cm IT 8 calibration target included
• SilverFast Auto IT8 Calibration® - in just 2 mouse clicks. “Easy to
use”

44. Newly designed film carriers
ensure accurate imaging and
efficient workflow

45. Film Flatness on Medium Format
VS
Plustek OpticFilm 120 film
holders
Competitive 120 film holders

46. User-Oriented
• Plustek OpticFilm 120 users do not need to cut their 3frame 6x7 film strip into single frames.
Plustek OpticFilm 120 film
holders
3rd frame
will not fit
Competitive 120 film holders
Result is
cropped
image

47. Patent-pending adjustable pitch film
holders
1. Dedicated 120 film strip holders.
2. Specifically designed for 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8/6x9, 6x12, 35mm negative, and
35mm slide films
3. Easy to load film strip
6x7
4. Adjustable pitch maintains film flatness
5. No need to cut 3-frame 6x7 120 film strips.
6x6
6x4.5
6x8 | 6x9
Adjustable
pitch design
6x12
35mm

48. Efficient workflow
• Motorized film transport
• Automatic batch scanning capacity.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
For scanning 35mm mounted slides (max. 5 slides)
For scanning 35mm filmstrips (max. 12 frames)
For scanning 120/220 6x4.5 film strips (max. 4 frames)
For scanning 120/220 6x6 film strips (max. 3 frames)
For scanning 120/220 6x7 film strips (max. 3 frames)
For scanning 120/220 6x8/ 6x9 film strips (max. 2 frames)
For scanning 120/220 6x12 film strips (max. 1 frame)

49. Elegant and Compact Design
The OpticFilm 120 is the most compact 120
film scanner on the market.

50. Elegant Appearance
Textured metal case
LED indicator
Black mirror acrylic
front panel

51. Compact Design - Smaller Footprint
Folding rear cover

52. Competitor Analysis - 1
Plustek
OpticFilm 120
Film Type
Brand N
Brand P | Brand R
9000
PF120
| 5000
Up to
Supported
Up to
Supported
Up to
35 mm strip
v
12
v
12
v
6
35 mm framed
v
5
v
5
v
4
v
4
v
4
v
3
6 x 6 strip
120/220
Supported
6 x 4.5 strip
135
Frame size
v
3
v
3
v
2
6 x 7 strip
v
3
v
2
v
1
6 x 8 strip
v
2
v
2
v
1
6 x 9 strip
v
2
v
2
v
1
6 x 12 strip
v
1
No
-
v
1

53. Competitor Analysis - 2
Plustek
Brand N
Brand P | Brand R
OpticFilm 120
9000
PF120 | 5000
4000 dpi
3200 dpi
v
v
No
v | SilverFast iSRD
v | ICE
v | Magic Touch
Higher result than
Nikon
-
Lower result than Nikon
Automatic Feeder
v
v
No
Batch scan capability
v
v
No
210 x 374 x 189 mm
249 x 203 x 498 mm
200 x 400 x 160 mm
Optical resolution
Multi- Exposure capability
Built-in IR and solution
Dynamic Range
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Win
5300 dpi

54. Powered By LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast

55. The Plustek OpticFilm 120 is a critical element
of the film processing and printing workflow
that produces results that professionals
demand.
Perfect for scanning 35mm and 120 size films

56. Thank You!
Mark Druziak
markdruziak@plustek.com
562-650-3900