All our scanning services are done in-house and we utilise three methods – virtual drum scanner, flatbed and digital capture. Whatever your needs are we can find a way to digitise your piece/s.
Download our latest services price list here
FILM / NEGATIVES
Our film scanning process uses a virtual drum scanner, a Flextight 949. This process does not involve a liquid application to the film; we use pressurised air to clear dust from the surface of the film and we handle your originals with gloves. The film is placed in a magnetic holder which is then passed through a vertical optical system to allow a downward-facing CCD to capture the image without the obstruction of glass. The resulting high-quality files are suitable for archiving, fine art and exhibition prints, with excellent sensitivity for capturing fine shadow and highlight detail.
What’s the highest resolution you can scan to?
Depending on the film format we can go to a maximum of 8000ppi.
What size film can you scan?
We are able to scan up to 5x4 films on the Flextight, anything over that we would use the flatbed scanner (details below).
How does pricing work?
Pricing is based on the output size you need. So for example, if you are scanning for an A4 print you will likely need about 25MB, if you are scanning purely for a website gallery you would only need around 5-10MB. It all depends on the destination of your file; you can always contact us if you need help deciding your output size.
What can I expect from my finished scan?
We scan film "flat" to open out dark areas and hold any details present in highlights thereby providing the best raw file to work from. Any dynamic detail lost/not captured during scanning cannot be retrieved later. The retoucher can then make the best creative decisions using all of the information that was available in the original film to produce the final file.
Can you clean and grade the scan?
We offer cleaning and grading for £7 per scan. If you have a contact sheet or target file to match then please make us aware of it so we can produce the most accurate results possible.
Can you include the frame rebate?
This is possible in most cases, do let us know if the film rebate is to be used in the final image.
My film is in a slide mount, can you scan it in the mount?
We have to remove the film from the slide mount. Afterwards, if the slide mount cannot be reused we will replace it with a new one and return the empty holder to you.
How do I get the finished file?
We use a digital upload/download service via WeTransfer. You will get an email with a link to download your files. Alternatively, if you are coming in to collect your originals and would prefer them on a hard drive or USB, please bring one in. There is a £10 charge if you request your files on a DVD.
I’m not based in London; can I use your scanning service remotely?
We do offer a remote scanning service, simply send us your film in the post or using a courier with written instructions, or call us with instructions, and we can do the job, email you the files and then send back your originals safely using our couriers (shipping charges apply).
FLATBED / ARTWORK / PHOTOS
We use an Epson A3 flatbed scanner for all scanning jobs that are able to lay flat, such as a page in a book, a watercolour painting, an old photograph, a newspaper cutting. The original is placed onto the scanner’s glass and the CCD travels underneath the glass to capture your image. The process does not involve any liquid and all originals are handled carefully, with white cotton gloves when needed. The resulting files are suitable for archiving, and the highest quality fine art and exhibition printing.
What size can you scan?
By using multiple captures stitched together to create the final piece, we have scanned pieces around 1 metre square. If you think your work is not straightforward, please get in touch to discuss how we can help.
My original is quite damaged; can you do anything with it?
We are able to restore old photos that have been degraded, discoloured or damaged over time. We have digitally repaired many old photos to bring them back to life. We have also handled valuable originals and can safely capture older, more delicate pieces with great care.
My original is in a frame, can you still scan it?
We aren’t able to scan through the glass. If your frame is bespoke we would ask you to take it to a framer so the artwork can be removed safely. However, if the frame is ready-made/shop-bought and there is a visible way to get into the back of the frame (such as clips) then we are happy to open the frame here.
Can you match my original artwork?
We can confidently match most scan files to their original when it comes to sharpness, colour accuracy, shadow depth, etc. However, there are some mediums that are difficult for us to capture; reflective elements such as gold paint or metallic embellishments, or particularly thin paper with something on its underside like an old newspaper cutting, are examples of items that can be challenging to replicate due to the way the light is used in capturing the image. We can always help manage your expectations if you are concerned with how your output may look, just call for a chat.
Can I stay with my original piece while you scan it?
We may be able to offer a wait-and-scan service for those who do not want to leave a smaller valuable original item. Larger or more complex jobs may take more time than is practical to achieve in a single session and therefore may not be possible to accommodate Please call to arrange this.
Can you scan large film on a flatbed?
We are able to scan film on this flatbed if it cannot fit into our virtual drum scanner, though the results are not as sharp as on the Flextight. We are also able to scan film rebates on the flatbed and overlay them onto scans done on the virtual drum scanner.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is based on the output size in megabytes (MB). So for example, if you are scanning for an A4 print you will likely need 25MB, if you are scanning purely for a website gallery you would usually need around 5-10MB. It all depends on the destination of your file; you can always contact us if you need help deciding your output size.
How do I get the finished file?
We use a digital upload/download service via WeTransfer. You will get an email with a link to download your files. Alternatively, if you are coming in-store to collect your originals and would prefer them on a hard drive or USB, please bring one in. There is a £10 charge if you request your files on a DVD.
I’m not based in London; can I use your scanning service remotely?
We do offer a remote scanning service, simply send us your film in the post or using a courier with written instructions, or call us with instructions, and we can do the job, email you the files and then send back your originals safely using our couriers (shipping charges apply).
LARGER ARTWORKS
This process is often referred to as digital capture; it utilises a camera taking multiple shots which are then merged to produce the final piece. This process allows for greater detail and resolution.
What size can you capture?
The largest work we can handle is around 2x1m. Feel free to call for a chat about your requirements as we will always try to accommodate your individual needs.
My piece is framed behind glass; will that be an issue?
This can be quite challenging due to the presence of reflections from lights and surroundings. It's always preferable to de-frame the piece if possible for the best results.
I have 3D elements in my work, can you capture them?
Extrusions and 3D aspects on the surface, for example, an impasto oil painting, will be revealed by the lighting, creating shadows in relief.
What size file can I get from a digital capture?
The answer to this depends on the method of capture as well as the practical resolution requirements of each use case. Please call to discuss this further.
Can you match my original artwork?
We can confidently match most scan files to their original when it comes to sharpness, colour accuracy, shadow depth, etc. However, there are some mediums that are difficult for us to capture; reflective elements such as gold paint or metallic embellishments, or particularly thin paper with something on its underside like an old newspaper cutting, these are examples of items that can be challenging to replicate due to the way the light is used in capturing the image. We can always help manage your expectations if you are concerned with how your output may look, just give us a call.
How do I get the finished file?
We use a digital upload/download service via WeTransfer. You will get an email with a link to download your files. Alternatively, if you are coming in to collect your originals and would prefer them on a hard drive or USB, please bring one in. There is a £10 charge if you request your files on a DVD.
I’m not based in London; can I use your scanning service remotely?
For a remote scanning service, simply send us your artwork in the post or using a trusted courier with written instructions, or call us with instructions, and we can do the job, email you the files and then send back your originals safely using the post or courier service (shipping charges apply).
BIT DEPTH*
(Relevant to all 3 methods of scanning)
The default bit depth for digitising work is 8-bit. At an additional cost, you can specify 16-bit for RGB scan (for grayscale format 16-bit is the default choice). The difference between the bit depths apart from 16-bit producing files double the size of 8-bit, in practice can be far more profound. An 8-bit RGB file has 256 chroma value increments per channel (2^8), so Red 256 x Green 256 x Blue 256, gives 16.7 million colours. In comparison a 16-bit file has 65,536 increments per channel (2^16), so R x G x B = 281,474,976,710,656 colours.
When heavily retouching and grading in Photoshop, files would benefit from being scanned and worked in 16-bit mode to help maintain integrity. An example of where this can make a visible difference is when altering areas with gradients that are susceptible to showing stepping or banding.
*A bit is the smallest unit of digital information and will express one of two states; 1 or 0 - on or off. So, per channel, 8 bits can express 256 combinations (2 to the power of 8) while 16-bits can express 65,536 (2 to the power of 16).