Digital Negative Scanning Service

Save your fragile negatives from the ravages of age by taking advantage our expert negative hand scanning service and new, lower prices.

All Scanning done in USA | Over 1 Billion Memories Preserved

Preserve Your Legacy with our Digital Negative Scanning Services

We offer medium or high resolution scans for your film negatives. For 35mm and APS film, you may choose 2,000 or 4,000 dpi JPEG scans; for 120mm, you may choose 1,000 or 2,000 dpi JPEG scans.

QUICK TIP 2,000 dpi is best if you want to print slides as photos; you can print up to 8 x 10” photos, and in some cases, 11 x 14” photos. For a true archival digital image – or to print posters from your images – choose 4,000 dpi.

Check this item off your to-do list, and send us your photos today!

Lowest Rate
21¢ per Scan
(quantity pricing)

All Orders are
Scanned in USA
Since 1990

Delicately Digitized
By Hand
One Frame at a Time

What is a Digital Negative Scanning Service?

The 35mm digital negative scanning service at ScanMyPhotos.com provides the highest quality of color, clarity, and protection at resolutions up to 4,000 dpi for preserving your precious memories. It's easy as 1-2-3!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What format are my negatives scanned at?

All scanned negatives are in a 24-bit JPEG format.

Q. What resolutions do you scan at?

We offer two different resolutions. Our standard service is 2,000 DPI, which is equivalent to a 6 megapixel file. We also offer 4,000 DPI scans, the equivalent of a 16 megapixel file, at a higher rate.

Q. How large of a print can I make from the scanned images?

We recommend up to an 8"x10" print from 2,000 DPI scans, however you can go larger, just be aware there may be some pixelization when printed larger. 4,000 DPI scans can produce clear 20"x30" poster sized prints.

Q. Can you scan single cut 35mm negatives?

No, unfortunately our equipment requires negative strips to contain at least 2 frames, preferably 3.

Q. Are my negatives returned to me?

Yes, we return all your negatives to you along with the DVD data disc with your scanned images.

Slide Scanning

Q. Can you scan 126mm or 110 negatives?

No, we only offer 35mm scanning.

Q. Where are my negatives scanned?

All orders negative scanning orders are processed at our Irvine, CA headquarters, founded in 1990. At no point do your negatives get shipped out of the country or to any other company for scanning.

Q. Can you custom name my files or put my images into separate folders on the DVD?

Due to the high number of slides that are scanned in an average order and our daily scan totals, we cannot offer to custom name your scanned images.

Typically we will separate your carousels or sleeves into separate folders starting with folder 01, then 02, etc. You can easily rename your files after you receive the DVD back. We recommend that you use any number of free file renaming software that is available that will automatically rename your files once copied to your hard drive. You can find quite a few at VersionTracker.com by searching for "file rename ".

Q. What is the best way to clean negatives?

While Digital ICE does help remove unwanted dust and scratches, it is only designed to remove a moderate amout. If your slides are very dirty or dusty, it is in your best interest to clean them prior to sending them in to be scanned. Here are some recommended tips:

Purchase a soft, anti-static cleaning cloth. Microfiber cloths, like those used for cleaning lenses, work the best.
Gently wipe the film negative from one side to the other. Watch for abrasive material, like sand, which should be gently blown off the negative before wiping with the dust cloth. For slides, remove the film from its plastic or cardboard casing before wiping to avoid just brushing dust to the edges of the slide.
FOR ADVANCED USERS: Find an alcohol-based film cleaner and compressed photographic gas at a photography store or online. The film cleaner should have a neutral pH and not contain any water. Cotton pads can be purchased at any drugstore. Pour the film cleaner on a cotton pad and spread it on the negative. A light touch and a steady hand will help preserve your film and prevent scratching. Use the compressed gas to blow off cotton fibers and dry the film cleaner. The negative should now be free from non-water-based stains.

Q. Will I be able to download the returned disc to color correct the scanned photos?

Yes, the images are not copy protected in any way and are yours to do with as you please. You can create a slide show, edit the images, reorganize or rename the files.

Q. I've downloaded my files onto my hard drive but it says they are locked. How do I unlock them?

Once on your hard drive, on a PC, simply select all, right-click on any highlighted file and select Properties. In the Attributes, simply make sure the Read-Only is unchecked.

With a Mac, select all the files and press Command-Option-I. In the Ownership & Permission, change from Read Only, to Read & Write.

Q. Can I use the newly scanned digital DVD to view my photos on the TV with my DVD player?

The DVD we provide you with is not a video DVD.

It is only a DVD with your JPEG files on it.

There are a number of slide show creation software products available that would allow you to create a movie for your DVD player to watch on a TV. Some examples are: Nero PhotoShow ®.

However, some newer model DVD players do have a slide show feature but most limit the number of photos that can be loaded. In our experience, most DVD players will not load more than 200 images.

Q. What are your limits of liability?

IMPORTANT

Before ordering any of our products or services, you must first agree to read and agree to our terms, including the limit of liability and copyright agreement. You can read our limit of liability here along with the copyright agreement.

Q. My question is not answered here. Where can I obtain more information?

You may use our Live Support (banner above our service menu to the left) to instant message with an online support technician, call us at 949-474-7654 during normal business hours or email us at [email protected].