Best 35mm Film Scanner: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

If you are into photography, or if you are just getting started in this amazing art form, chances are you have heard about film scanners and may even own one. But what is the best 35mm film scanner for your needs? In this comprehensive blog post, we will answer that question and more! We will also provide reviews of some popular models as well as a buying guide to help you choose the perfect scanner for your needs. So whether you're a pro or just starting out, read on to find out everything you need to know about 35mm film scanners!

Editor's Recommendation: Top 35mm Film Scanner in 2023

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  Preview
  Product
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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  2PX2255 - Plustek OpticFilm 8100 Film Scanner
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, 35mm Film & Slide Scanner. 7200 dpi / 48-bit Output....
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI - 35mm Film & Slides Scanner. IT 8 Calibration Target +...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  OpticFilm 8200i Ai Scanner
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Plustek - 783064365338 - opticfilm 8200i ai clr slide7200dpi 64bit 36.8x25.
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  Pacific Image PowerFilm 135 Film Scanner. Auto Batch scan Negative/Positive Filmstrips....
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• Bestseller No. 10
  
  Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3"...
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• Bestseller No. 11
  
  Reflecta Film Scanner, Super 8/Normal 8, Black
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Top 5 Best 35mm Film Scanner Reviews 2023

KODAK Slide N SCAN Film and Slide Scanner with Large 5" LCD Screen, Convert Color & B&W Negatives & Slides 35mm - Link

The Kodak Slide N Scan is a great choice for those looking to convert their old 35mm film and slides into digital format. It produces high quality results and is very easy to use, even for beginners. However, it is important to keep in mind that this scanner is not compatible with all types of film and slides, and it is also a bit on the expensive side. If you are willing to pay the price and don't mind the potential compatibility issues, then the Kodak Slide N Scan is a great choice for preserving your memories in digital form.

Pros

• The Kodak Slide N Scan is a great choice for converting your old 35mm film and slides into digital format.
• The large 5" LCD screen makes it easy to view your images as you scan them.
• This scanner can convert both color and black and white negatives and slides.
• The Kodak Slide N Scan is very easy to use, even for beginners.
• This scanner produces high quality results, allowing you to preserve your memories in digital form for years to come.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the Kodak Slide N Scan is not compatible with all types of film and slides.
• This scanner is not able to scan slides or negatives that are larger than 35mm.
• The Kodak Slide N Scan is a bit on the expensive side, though it is still cheaper than some other scanners on the market.
• This scanner does not come with any software for editing or enhancing your scanned images.
• Some users have found the Kodak Slide N Scan to be somewhat slow, though this will likely vary depending on your computer's specs.

Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner, Converts 35mm/126KPK/110/Super 8 Films, Slides - Link

There are several things to consider when purchasing a film scanner, and the Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner is no exception. Here is a list of pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros:

• The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner can convert 35mm, 126KPK, 110, and Super 8 films into digital files.
• This film scanner has a high resolution of 22 megapixels, so your scanned images will be clear and sharp.
• The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner comes with an easy-to-use software interface that makes scanning your films a breeze.
• This film scanner is very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Cons:

• The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner is not compatible with Mac computers.
• This film scanner does not come with an SD card, so you will need to purchase one separately in order to save your scanned images.
• The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take some time to get the hang of using it.

The Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner is a great option for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use film scanner. While it does have a few drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for anyone in the market for a new film scanner.

DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner, Converts 35mm 135 110 126 and Super 8 Films/Slides/Negatives to Digital JPG Photos - Link

The DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner is a great choice for those who want an easy and affordable way to digitize their old film and slides. While it does have some minor drawbacks, its many positive features far outweigh them.

Pros:

• The DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner can quickly and easily scan 35mm 135 110 126 and Super 8 films/slides/negatives and convert them into high-quality digital JPEG photos.
• This scanner produces very clear and sharp images, thanks to its high resolution of 22 megapixels.
• It is very easy to use, even for beginners. Simply insert your film or slide into the scanner, select the desired scanning mode, and start scanning!
• This scanner is very fast, with a scanning speed of up to 30 frames per minute in High Resolution mode.
• The built-in LCD display allows you to preview your scanned images immediately.
• This scanner comes with a 2GB SD card, which is large enough to store up to 600 high-resolution digital photos.
• The DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner is very affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the colors of the scanned images are not always accurate.
• There is no way to save scanned images in RAW format; only JPEG format is supported.
• The included 2GB SD card may not be large enough for some users who want to scan hundreds or even thousands of photos.
• This scanner is not compatible with Mac computers; it can only be used with Windows PCs.
• Some users have reported that the DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner is somewhat slow when scanning larger batches of photos.

135 Film Scanner High Resolution Slide Viewer,Convert 35mm Film,Negative &Slide to Digital JPEG Save into SD Card - Link

135 Film Scanner High Resolution Slide Viewer, Convert 35mm Film, Negative & Slide to Digital JPEG Save into SD Card, with Slideshow Function is a great tool for those who want to scan their old film and negative collection into digital files. The scanner is easy to use and comes with its own editing software. The compact size of the scanner makes it easy to take with you on the go. However, the scanner does not have a built-in memory and is not compatible with Mac computers. Additionally, the price of the scanner may be out of reach for some people.

Pros:

• The 135 film scanner is a high resolution slide viewer that can convert 35mm film, negatives, and slides into digital JPEG files that can be saved onto an SD card.
• It has a slideshow function that allows you to view your converted images in a slide show format.
• The scanner is easy to use and does not require any computer software or drivers to be installed. Simply insert your film or negative into the scanner and press the "scan" button.
• The scanner comes with its own editing software so you can crop, rotate, or adjust the brightness and contrast of your scanned images.
• The scanner is very compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.

Cons:

• The scanner does not have a built-in memory so you will need to have an SD card in order to save your scanned images.
• The scanner is not compatible with Mac computers.
• The scanner does not come with a negative holder, so you will need to purchase one separately if you want to scan negatives.
• The price of the scanner may be out of reach for some people.
• The scanner is not available in stores and must be ordered online.

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, 35mm Film & Slide Scanner. 7200 dpi / 48-bit Output. Integrated Infrared Dust/Scratch Removal - Link

135 Film Scanner High Resolution Slide Viewer,Convert 35mm Film,Negative &Slide to Digital JPEG Save into SD Card, with Slideshow Function.Convenient Film Loading System--Quickly Load your Films and slides.

Pros:

• The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a high-resolution scanner, with the ability to produce 7200 dpi scans.
• It comes with an integrated infrared dust/scratch removal system, which can be handy in restoring old or damaged slides and film negatives.
• The unit has a built-in film loading system, which makes it quick and easy to load your films and slides.
• This scanner also features a slideshow function, allowing you to view your scanned images on a television or monitor.
• The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is a budget-friendly option for those looking to convert their 35mm film and slides to digital format.

Cons:

• The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE is not the fastest scanner on the market, with a scanning speed of 3 minutes per frame.
• It does not come with an LCD screen, so you will need to view your scanned images on a computer monitor or television.
• This scanner is not compatible with Mac computers.
• The Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE does not come with any editing software, so you will need to purchase or download separate software in order to edit your scanned images.

Buying Guide for the Best 35mm Film Scanner

When shopping for a 35mm film scanner, there are several important features to keep in mind.

The Resolution

First, consider the resolution. This is the number of pixels that the scanner can capture, and it will directly impact the quality of your final scanned images. Higher resolutions will allow you to make larger prints, or crop your images more without losing quality.

The Scan Speed

Next, think about the scan speed. This is how long it takes for the scanner to capture an image, and it can be important if you have a lot of film or slides to scan. Faster scanners will obviously be more convenient to use, but they also tend to be more expensive.

The Software

Finally, take a look at the software that comes with the scanner. The software is what you'll use to actually scan your images, and it can make a big difference in terms of ease of use. Some software is more user-friendly than others, so it's worth taking some time to read reviews before making your final decision.

Benefits of Using a 35mm Film Scanner

Using a 35mm film scanner has several benefits.

Convert Your Old 35mm Slides and Negatives Into Digital Format

First, it allows you to convert your old 35mm slides and negatives into digital format, which can be viewed on a computer or TV screen. This can be a great way to share memories with friends and family members who may not have access to a slide projector or negatives.

Help Preserve Your Sldies for Future Generations

Second, scanning your slides and negatives into digital format can help preserve them for future generations. If properly stored, digital files can last for many years without deteriorating, while slides and negatives are susceptible to damage over time.

The Ability to Edit the Images

Third, converting your slides and negatives into digital format gives you the ability to edit the images using software such as Photoshop. This means that you can improve the quality of the images, or even change the way they look entirely.

Create Prints of Any Size Without Losing Quality

Fourth, by scanning your slides and negatives into digital format, you can create prints of any size without losing quality. This is ideal if you want to frame and display your images, or make enlargements for scrapbooking or other projects.

Easy to Upload Your Images to Social Media

Finally, many 35mm film scanners come with built-in software that makes it easy to upload your images to social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. This can be a great way to share your memories with a wider audience.

Types of 35mm Film Scanners

There are two main types of 35mm film scanners: flatbed and handheld.

Flatbed scanners

Flatbed scanners are the more traditional type. They work by placing your film or slides onto a glass bed, and then scanning them with a CCD or CMOS sensor. Flatbed scanners are generally higher quality, and can produce better results. However, they're also usually more expensive, and can be slower to use.

Handheld scanners

Handheld scanners are a newer type of scanner that's becoming increasingly popular. They work by moving a small sensor over your film or slides. Handheld scanners are typically less expensive than flatbed scanners, and can be faster to use. However, they're not always as high quality, and can sometimes miss spots when scanning.

Expert Tips for Maintaining Your 35mm Film Scanner

To keep your 35mm film scanner in top condition, follow these expert tips:

• 1. Regularly clean the scanner's glass bed and optics. This will prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the scanner's sensors and affecting image quality.
• 2. If you use your scanner frequently, it is important to calibrate it regularly. This ensures that the scanner is able to produce accurate scans.
• 3. Store your scanner in a cool, dry place. extreme temperatures can damage the sensitive electronics inside the scanner.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your 35mm film scanner will provide years of trouble-free operation.

What Flatbed Scanner Is Best for 35mm Film ?

If you're scanning many 35mm slides or negatives, a flatbed scanner probably isn't your best option. A dedicated film scanner will be both faster and produce higher quality images. However, if you only have a few rolls of 35mm film to scan, or if you want the flexibility to scan other types of materials, a flatbed scanner is a good choice.

When choosing a flatbed scanner for scanning 35mm film, look for one with an optical resolution of at least 2400 dpi. This will ensure that your scanned images are sharp and detailed. You'll also want to make sure that the scanner includes software that makes it easy to crop and edit your scans.

Buy on Walmart, eBay, Etsy (limited quantity)

2PX2255 - Plustek OpticFilm 8100 Film Scanner - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE, 35mm Film & Slide Scanner. 7200 dpi / 48-bit Output. - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI - 35mm Film & Slides Scanner. IT 8 Calibration Target + - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

OpticFilm 8200i Ai Scanner - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Plustek - 783064365338 - opticfilm 8200i ai clr slide7200dpi 64bit 36.8x25. - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Pacific Image PowerFilm 135 Film Scanner. Auto Batch scan Negative/Positive Filmstrips. - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Magnasonic Super 8/8mm Film Scanner, Converts Film into Digital Video, Vibrant 2.3" - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Reflecta Film Scanner, Super 8/Normal 8, Black - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for 35mm Film Scanner Buyers

The right 35mm film scanner can be a great addition to your home office or studio. They offer high-quality scans of your old 35mm film, slides, and negatives. This can help you preserve your memories or create new digital art. When choosing a 35mm film scanner, it is important to consider the resolution, scanning speed, and price. Higher resolutions will result in better quality scans, but they will also take longer to scan. Faster scanning speeds will save you time, but they may also sacrifice image quality.

There are a variety of different 35mm film scanners on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect scanner for your needs.