Digitize 35mm Film Easily with Valoi’s Film-Scanning Kit

The Enduring Appeal of Film Photography

Film Photography in the Digital Age

Despite the dominance of digital technology, film photography remains popular. Similar to how vinyl records have persisted through various music formats, film continues to thrive. While developing film at home is relatively straightforward, creating prints with an enlarger is a complex process that requires a dedicated space. A more practical solution is to scan your film and print it digitally.

The Cost of Professional Scanning

Professional scanning services can be costly, and high-end scanners are also expensive. A popular alternative is to photograph your negatives using a high-resolution digital camera. The resulting RAW files can then be edited and printed like any other digital image.

Introducing Valoi’s Easy35 Film-Scanning Kit

Simplifying the Scanning Process

Photographing your negatives isn’t as simple as it sounds. This is where Valoi’s Easy35 film-scanning kit comes in. It provides everything you need to “scan” your 35-mm film in one easy-to-use package. The kit is quick to set up, efficient to use, and delivers excellent results.

The Challenges of Scanning Film

Essential Requirements

Scanning film by photographing it involves several challenges. You need a reliable light source, a way to keep the film perfectly flat, and precise alignment of the camera and lens to avoid distortion.

Building a Scanning Rig

Film photographers have been creating their own scanning rigs for years. There is a wealth of advice available on Valoi’s website. For instance, Valoi recommends a budget lens for Sony full-frame cameras, and Sigma loaned a 70-mm F/2.8 macro lens, which is Valoi’s top choice for my camera.

Practical Tips for Using the Easy35

Handling and Setup

When handling your film, always wear gloves to avoid fingerprints and scratches. Use the Easy35 sprocket holder to align the film properly, even if you don’t care about showing the sprockets. This helps reduce the need for post-processing adjustments.

Addressing Common Issues

Vignetting Concerns

Some users have reported significant vignetting issues with the Easy35, which can be challenging to correct in a RAW editor. However, I did not encounter any vignetting or image issues during my scanning process. To avoid potential problems, it’s advisable to stick to the lenses recommended by Valoi.

“All that said, I encountered no vignetting, no orange haze, no image issues at all in my scanning. That’s not to say those who do are somehow wrong, just that I strongly suggest sticking to the lenses Valoi recommends if you want to avoid any issues.”

Final Thoughts

The Easy35’s Advantages

I appreciate the Easy35 for its speed and ease of use. It eliminates many of the challenges associated with custom scanning rigs and occupies much less space. When stored, it’s almost the same size as a 300-mm lens, making it compact compared to most DIY scanning setups. If you enjoy building your own tools, feel free to do so. For everyone else, the Easy35 offers a perfect balance between ease of use and affordability.