The Best 35mm Film Scans I've EVER Seen

[@ThorsteinBerg]

Almost the same setup as mine this. I use the Nikon D800 connected to the Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG Macro. I also use the VALOI easy35 capturing the "scans" directly into Capture One as a session for each film I scan. I manually invert the RAW-files in Capture One before I export the "developed" negatives as TIFF before I convert them to DNG in Bridge and then edit the developed DNGs in Capture One and NIK Silver Efx.

[@barrymitchell4612]

This looks like a very nice system. I have thousands of 35mm slides and your video, as good as it is, like most others completely missed 35mm slides. Thank you!

[@tonym9635]

The Valoi easy35 has totally changed my film scanning process. Like you, I was initially not happy with the quality of lab scans i was getting back. I experimented with a DIY setup using a portable light table and 35mm holder, but it wasn't quite up to par. I saw the Valoi on Instagram, I was immediately drawn to its compact size and potential, i look at a few KZbin videos then pulled the trigger. I use the Valoi with my Fuji XT2 and TT Artisan 40mm Macro lens, and the results have been incredible. Scanning a roll of film takes only a few minutes, the setup is easy and simple and the portability makes it perfect for scanning 35mm film. I've had mine now for about 3 months, best investment to this already expensive hobby of shooting film (lol). Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you! Yes, it’s a game changer and makes me want to shoot 35mm again! I could even see bringing this on a long trip where I’m developing and scanning my film along the way. Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching!

[@cwantuch]

I have almost the exact same gear as you with that TT Artisan 40mm but a Fujifilm X-Pro3, until my XT5 gets fixed. However, I feel the X-Pro3 is giving me great results so not missing the extra megapixels of the XT5. Great solution. I just wish it could somehow be adapted for 120 film.

[@norwegianoutdoors4437]

I have tried Epson scanner, lab scans from different labs and dslr scanning. And actually, to me, the DSLR scans look the best. I've been using the Pentax HD FA WR 100mm macro 2.8. I guess this lens would work with the Valoi e35? Right now I'm using Lomography's digitaliza :) Wonder if this will be even easier and just as good?

[@fireice2585]

Your video makes me want to get rid of my Epson v600. I knew it was not really good for 35mm film scan when I compared it to my old photo and found that the old photo has more details. I would expect that the better v800 to give sharper results but it doesn't seem to be much better.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Yeah, the V800 can be ok for 35mm, but you have to scan at a high res, then downsample and sharpen to get good results, and I just don’t love that workflow. Camera scanning has been a game changer for me.

[@h.e.hazelhorst9838]

Nice video, thank you! I just purchased a Valoi Easy35 and intend to use it with the Sigma 70/2.8 EX-DG. I ran into a small problem: the filter thread causes friction when screwing in. You can solve this by adding a tiny bit of graphite, this lubricates the thread. Just use a soft pencil (B or 2B). I did not want to apply the graphite directly on the Sigma lens, so took a 62mm UV filter and removed the glass (it is held in place by a circular spring so you don’t have to break the glass!). The filter acts as an extra 5mm ring between the Valoi tubes and the lens. Works fine! One question: would it be better to use exposure bracketing? +1 and -1 EV.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Great tip! As for exposure bracketing, I haven't really needed to with negative film, I usually add +1 of exposure compensation and make sure the histogram isn't blowing highlights. I would recommend bracketing for slide film if the scene is particularly contrasty. I've found that some slide film (E100 and Velvia 50 in my experience) actually resolves quite a bit of dynamic range and it's helpful to have a +1/-1 capture to gather it all.

[@JaakEnnuste]

Thank you!

[@joserocha1840]

Nice video! Do you think it will work with a Tokina 100mm macro? Does it come with enough tubes for this lens?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! The Tokina (which is a lovely lens I used to own myself!) should work great on a full frame sensor and there are enough tubes to make it work. Are you shooting full frame or a crop sensor body?

[@joserocha1840]

@@MatthewArringtonphoto Yes, I'm using a full frame Nikon Df, I love to use it along with a FM2. But I'm addicted to shooting and developing film now and I'd like an easier way of scanning the negatives. Thank you for answering, I shall buy that kit now :)

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

@@joserocha1840 Wonderful, you’re going to love it!

[@andrewdodd8589]

@@MatthewArringtonphoto really helpful video. Do you think it would work with a Nikon D500 (crop sensor) and a (Zeiss) 100mm macro lens? I’m trying to get my head round how the extension tubes work.

[@Gemuesesuppen]

I love how your pictures are processed. What do you do to them?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thank you! The negative film is converted in Negative Lab Pro and I do some minimal contrast/curves adjustments in Lightroom. The slide (reversal) film goes directly into Lightroom and I do the same sort of contrast adjustments with curves and well and make minor color corrections with the temp/tint sliders to taste. Hope that’s helpful!

[@Gemuesesuppen]

@@MatthewArringtonphoto can you tell me what temperature you set in your camera? I am using the coldest light and WB is set to daylight. Do you think negative lab pro is worth it? Thanks

[@youtubeisannoying3907]

Did you ever have a problem with the vignetting with your easy35?

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Nope! If you’re experiencing vignetting, it may have more to do with the lens. I’m stopping down to f8, which eliminates any vignetting with my particular lens. Hope that’s helpful!

[@henrikdahlberg878]

You were given an easy35 to review for free, call it an unbiased review but have not a single bad or negative thing to say about the product. Is it a perfect product?

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Of course there are downsides. First you need a camera with reasonable resolution, then you need a low distortion low vignetting high resolution apochromatic macro lens, and you need to manually remove dust.

[@trulsdirio]

I looks like a good product, but for that money I might just go and get a dedicated 35mm scanner. I just don't see the value in terms of what you actually get delivered for the price you pay. The utility is totally there, but DSLR scanning to me has always been the budget alternative to getting good scans.

[@MatthewArringtonphoto]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! Having seen the results of dedicated film scanners, many of which require vuescan or much older software to get running on modern computers, as well as results from using a professional flatbed, I personally prefer the results and flexibility of DSLR scanning. I don’t see it as a budget alternative, but one with a little more flexibility and incredible quality/resolution scans for the investment. This unit is pricey, for sure, but is one option that simplifies my preferred way to digitize my film. You can DIY something for a lot less money, and that’s a great option as well. I hope you’ve found a solution you like as well!

[@flashdunston8341]

@@MatthewArringtonphoto I can second the opinion. Just scanned my whole library of 35mm film with a Sony A1 and the results are nothing less than stunning. Yes it looks a bit sketchy and it is 3D printed and it can get improved but the quality of the scans is so much better than anything I have seen so far.

[@michaeltaylor3835]

Objective tests/comparisons for your setup inform the decision. In 2025 I will test: easy120 + adapted 645 Macro eg Phase One/Mamiya + GFX100 + Capture One or LrC. 120 roll B&W people images only.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I am not aware of any dedicated 35mm scanner that works better than using a high resolution camera+a good macro lens. And yes I am including models like the Noritsu HS-1800. The only upside of using film scanners is infrared dust removal.

[@wraggal]

I was totally on board until the slide scan. Yeah I can see at 100% the amount of detail and more realistic colour rendition.. but honestly the Epson looked more "film" to me. I guess "film" just means a bit more shitty to my stupid eyes then, but the point of film is the imperfection, right? Regardless, I think digital film scan wins every time, because you get a cool digital camera out of it!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Maybe what you are truly after is the CCD look and not the film look?