Not every negative is 35 mm. Family archives often hold older, larger film: roll film from folding cameras, sheet film from studios, and the odd glass plate. These formats carry a great deal of detail and many labs refuse them.
What I can look at
- Medium format roll film
- Sheet film and large negatives
- Old film stock in unusual sizes
- Other negatives that do not fit a standard holder
I assess each format before I quote. If I cannot scan something safely, I say so and suggest what to do instead.
How it works
- Send me a description and, if you can, a phone photo of the negatives. A ruler next to them helps.
- I tell you whether I can scan them, how I would do it and what it costs.
- Bring the negatives to Smoky Lake, arrange a pick-up, or post them with Canada Post, packed flat with soft support. Fragile glass or brittle film needs more padding. The guide to sending photos and film explains how.
- I scan them, check the files against the originals and deliver by secure download. The negatives come back to you.
Why ask first
Old film can be brittle, curled or stuck together. Handling it takes patience, and a few minutes of conversation before you send anything protects the original.
If a scan shows damage, photo restoration can repair it.
