Slides & Negatives

Convert film to digital at home

Film needs light from behind and careful dust control. This hub explains simple setups—from a phone + light panel to flatbeds—and the settings that produce faithful colours after inversion.

Quick gear checklist

  • Diffuse backlight (tablet or LED panel)
  • Holder to keep film flat and square
  • Burst of air + microfiber to remove dust before capture

Once captured, use gentle denoise and a curves‑based inversion for natural shadows. For bulk projects, compare options in ourbest scanners guide.

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Slides & negatives FAQ

What resolution should I target?

For 35mm film, 2400–3200 DPI resolves most detail. Higher settings add time and noise without real‑world gains for home archives.

How do I tame colour casts?

Ageing film drifts. After inversion, adjust white balance using neutrals (clothing, clouds) and correct cross‑curves sparingly.

Can I use my phone only?

Yes—pair with a backlight and a stable holder. It’s fast for sharing copies. For exhibition prints, consider a dedicated scanner.