Introduction

The Negative Supply 35mm scanning kit consist of the Film Carrier Mk1 and the 4x5 Light Source Basic. It is a high-quality setup intended for camera scanning.

Both the film carrier Mk1 and the 4x5 Light Source Basic are either sold as a kit or separately.

Review

Specifications & Build Quality

Film size: 35mm
Power: USB-cable
95 CRI
4.5x5.5 inch light area
Light Source Dimensions LxWxH 7.5x5.5x.75 inches

The film carrier and the LED-panel are both handmade in the USA and the manufacturers ensures highest levels of quality.

The film carrier lives up that promise without doubts - it is exceptionally well made. This device was designed to last a lifetime - and will most likely last even longer.

The LED-panel is also well made, but feels a bit less premium than the film carrier. It is the most basic light source the company has to offer.

Light Source

A good light source is essential for camera scanning. Just like in the darkroom, you need bright, even and full spectrum illumination in order to ensure proper reproduction.

The full spectrum of light is especially important when scanning every nuance of colour film. WIth a CRI of 95, the 4x5 Light Source Basic is up to the task. Negative Supply tested the light source internally to guarantee the highest quality possible.

Besides the spectrum of light, the brightness of the light source is critical. A brighter light source means faster shutter speeds. And faster shutter speeds mean, that the effects of shutter / copy stand vibration are minimized.

Although being approximately 2x brighter than the Kaiser Slimlite Piano, I find it offers the bare minimum one would accept as a professional standard for camera scanning.

When scanning 35mm film, I can set the camera only to ISO 100, f/8 & 1/15. The camera-copy stand setup has to be absolutely vibration-free and super solid in order to get grain-level sharpness with this light source.

Despite being an indirect-illumination construction, the light is perfectly even and it does not heat up.

Negative Holder - Film Carrier Mk I

Camera scanning is all about a fast workflow. The design of the negative holder determines how fast you can work, while it also has to ensure negative flatness.

The Film Carrier Mk1 is without a doubt the best holder on the market for scanning 35mm film.

It ensures exceptional film flatness while also making rapid scanning of a whole roll of film possible.

When inserting a new negative strip, only about the first three frames have to advanced by hand. Then, the mechanism catches on and the film can be advanced by turning a knurled metal knob. The experience is exceptional.

Care has to be taken when turning the knob backwards. There is a very small chance of bending the film strip.

Obviously, the film carrier plays its aces with a whole roll of uncut 35mm film.

The image area is never in contact with any parts and the film can be cleaned with a blower before scanning.

Due to its weight and anti-slip pads, the film carrier is very stable on every surface.

Other

The components included in the 35mm scanning kit don’t mask the light source completely. While this can be helped with two pieces of cardboard, it is important to mention.

I did not find the stray light to be detrimental to the scan quality, especially because the light is relatively “dim”.

Conclusion

If you want the best negative holder - get the Film Carrier Mk1. It is the definitive 35mm holder for camera scanning period.

Regarding the light source, I’m a little bit undecided. It is a good, solid high-CRI light source - no doubt. Due to the somewhat lower light output, it might feel like a compromise for the demanding user.

Negative Supply ships both items with branded cotton protective bags

Pricing & Availability

The Film Carrier Mk1 is sold by Negative Supply for 329 USD, the 4x5 Light Source Basic for 99 USD. When purchased together, the combo will cost 399 USD.

As the items are handmade on order, expect long lead times.

Negative Supply 35mm Scanning Kit