Scanning Your 35mm Slides Or Negatives

Prices shown are for each contiguous frame. Files will be numbered in the order in which they are scanned.
We do not arrange files on storage disks or create slide shows.

For printing: Includes return of your originals packaged with your print(s) Digital files are not normally returned.
For our printing purposes scans are done at highest resolution and bit depth.

For archival storage: Disk shipping includes return postage for originals. (may be shipped separately from disks)
We will store your files in your choice of uncompressed TIF or JPG format (highest quality compression mode).
TIF's may be saved at your choice of either 8 or 16 bit depth.
We do not charge extra for16 bit file output, but keep in mind 16 bit fles are twice the size on disk as 8 bit files.
We do not charge extra for inclusion of both JPG and TIF formats if requested, provided all frames are treated the same. Again this will result in increased disk space requirements.

Unless specified otherwise scans will include the use of automated IR dust and scratch removal
(Digital ICE) and automated film grain management (Digital GEM) as we see fit.
(IR filtering is not effective on Kodachrome and B&W film and will not be used on these)
We do not charge extra for the use of multipass scanning where we see fit for random noise reduction.
If you specify the number of scan passes as a requirement for all frames in your order add 15%
With the exception of cropping when requested (all images the same), manual editing is not included
(See prices page for our customary editing charges).
Some digital files produced will likely require touch up on your part, as not all minor imperfections can be automatically corrected.
Color being very subjective is not routinely adjusted during scanning.
Do not expect scans to precisely match the colors in existing smaller prints. The color prints produced by mini-labs are adjusted during processing and do not necessarily accurately reflect what is stored on your film.

When scanning for print we can normally get good results color matching using an existing smaller print or digital file you provide. There is no additional charge for this service on individual scans for print. There is also no guarantee.
Time based editing will apply to orders consisting of scanning services only.

It is best to send only the frames you want scanned. Editing time will apply if we are asked to pick and choose individual frames from numerous film strips. We will not be responsible for scanning the wrong frames under such circumstances.

Negatives should be supplied with 6 or fewer frames per strip as we can only load six frames at a time.
Longer strips or rolls will be cut.
Ripped, bent or very dirty negatives will be refused. Badly warped film can cause odd color shifts and focal anomalies for which we offer little or no correction. We do not offer solvent cleaning for dirty negatives.

If you would like 8.5"x11" index sheets to be printed add 10% to scan total.
You will need to specify this request in the comments area on the order form.
Please see shipping notes regarding orders containing index sheets below.
Index .jpg's for each strip or group of slides scanned are included with the larger files on each disk for your own use.

Burning Your Files To Optical Disk

The number of disks required will depend on the number and size of the files you order.
The file size depends on file format, scan resolution, and bit depth chosen.
Where large numbers of large files are ordered DVD's would be the economical choice
as they hold about 6x the data.
Disks are very inexpensive today, prices represent system time rather than materials.

See our file size chart for help estimating your disk requirements

Disk Shipping
USPS Priority Mail
(Effective 1/8/06)

Single disk orders are shipped w/ jewel case in individual disk shippers.
2 or more disks will be shipped together in individual plastic jewel cases in a larger box.

If index sheets are requested, originals will be returned with 1 disk and corresponding index in a
8.5"x11" CD literature mailer at the single disk rate regardless of the number of disks in your order.
This method can also be requested if you just want originals to ship in the same package with your disk(s).
A signature may be required for packages containing originals.

Because digital files supplied on optical disks can be easily copied for future use, our return and exchange policy is as follows:

If the individual disk packaging remains intact we will accept returned disks for a full refund.

If the individual disk packaging is broken we can only accept returned disks for exact replacement.

All returns must be made within 30 days of invoice.

We will make no exceptions.

All disks are checked for readability after recording.
Our higher resolution digital image files are extremely large and taxing on lesser systems.
We do not guarantee these large image files can be opened or manipulated on systems lacking sufficient processing and/or memory capacity.

We record DVD disks using DVD + R media which is compatible with roughly 90% of readers in use today. If you know this format is unreadable on your equipment, you must request the alternative DVD - R media at time of order.
Disk and shipping charges will apply to any returns involving exchange for an alternative media.

We do not offer free sample scans.
If you are anticipating placing a large order, it is recommended that a smaller initial order be placed to determine suitability for your intended purpose.
If you decide to place the larger order within 30 days we will credit the difference to provide the same volume pricing on your initial order, including shipping and disk pricing if applicable.

Get our printable film and slide scan order form here

It is highly recommended that you choose a carrier and level of service that permits delivery confirmation or package tracking when sending us your originals. Insurance is optional, but worth considering where large numbers or particularly valuable originals are involved.

We are not responsible for any loss or damage to originals while in transit to our location.
Please package your originals securely using suitable protective materials when sending them to us.
Sturdy boxes rather than envelopes, will provide much greater protection.