Drum Scanning

---

The highest-fidelity method available for analog film.

A drum scanner holds film in direct contact with a photomultiplier tube, reading the actual density of the image rather than reflecting light off its surface. The result captures shadow detail, highlight separation, and tonal range that flatbed and DSLR-copy methods routinely miss.

Every scan is delivered as a high-resolution archival TIFF with an embedded ICC profile. What you receive is a primary source document that stable, accurate, and ready to be edited for exhibition printing, publication, or long-term preservation.

---

What We Accept

---

Equipment

Scanner:     Aztek HiResolve 8000
- 8,000 dpi true optical resolution
- 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion
- 3.2 micron minimum aperture

Monitors:    Calibrated displays, profiled to scanning workflow
Chemicals:   Aztek mounting fluids and drum care products

The HiResolve 8000 is a professional photomultiplier tube drum scanner capable of true optical resolution to 8,000 dpi with 16-bit capture from the analog converter through to the final file. The entire setup — scanner, chemistry, and displays — is sourced and maintained within the Aztek ecosystem, ensuring a consistent, calibrated workflow from film to delivered file.

---

Pricing & Turnaround

Pricing is per scan and varies by format and resolution. Turnaround is typically 5–10 business days depending on project volume. Rush turnaround available by arrangement.

Format                  Per Scan

35mm                       $30
120 (all ratios)        $40
4×5 sheet film        $60
5×7 sheet film        $90
8×10 sheet film     $120

* Scan resolution determined per project and is based on intended output size and use. Maximum optical resolution 8,000 dpi.

Archive and legacy projects are priced by total project scope. Contact us with your materials and we’ll provide a quote before any work begins.

---

What Is Included In A Scan?

Each scan is a linear capture. The scanner reads the film as accurately as possible and delivers that information as a file. What you receive is a direct digital record of what’s on the film, with the full tonal range intact and nothing added or removed.

This is the appropriate starting point for any serious archival or production workflow. A linear scan preserves maximum flexibility for downstream work; whether that’s color grading, retouching, pre-press preparation, or printing.

Color correction, retouching, and pre-press file preparation are available as separate services.

Color correction, retouching, and pre-press preparation are billed at
$100 per hour with 1 hour minimum. Most single-image corrections take less than an hour.

Multi-image and book projects are estimated in advance. Contact us with your project details and we'll provide a clear scope and time estimate before any work begins.

These services are available as a follow-on to drum scanning or as standalone work on files you already have. Either way, nothing begins without an agreed estimate.