Skier Sunray Copy Box
Introduction
The Skier Sunray Box is intended for camera scanning and combines multi-format negative holders with a powerful light source.
It is also known as the Skier Pro System Copy Box.
Skier Copy Box, 35mm (mounted) and 120 negative holder
Review
Specifications & Build Quality
Film sizes: 35mm, mounted 35mm slides and 120 (up to 6x12)
Note: a 4x5 negative holder is available
Dimensions 230 x 145 x 60mm
Weight ~800g
Power AC 100-240V; US plug
Color temperature 5600°K (according to the manufacturer)
2800 Lumen (according to the manufacturer)
CRI 96 (according to the manufacturer)
The box itself is handcrafted out of bamboo. The negative holders are made out of metal and well-built.
The LED-panel inside of the box is glued in place (unfortunately). I did not try to remove it, but I suspect it is possible to do so without destroying the bamboo hull in case the panel needs to be replaced.
All in all, there is nothing to complain about in terms of build quality. It is a solid product.
Skier Copy Box - front view
Light Source
Skier Copy Box on-off switch
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 96, the Sunray Box is up to the task. I tested the device with colour film and got accurate and reproducible results.
While often overlooked, 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. The Sunray Box truly lives up to its name: it is a very bright light source. When scanning 35mm film, I can set the camera to ISO 100, f/8 & 1/250.
Despite being an LED, the device produces a lot of heat. While this does not damage the components or the film, it heats up the latter. If you leave the film in for too long it sometimes “plops”, leading to out-of-focus images if you don’t re-focus.
Note: The LED can be set to different intensities. Turning it on brings you the brightest setting. Flicking it off and quickly back on will set it to medium. Doing this one more time brings it to the dimmest setting.
Skier Copy Box acrylic diffuser
Negative Holder
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 Sunray Box uses a glass-free construction, which guides the film along its edges. When scanning, the film is advanced by hand. The construction works equally well with short negative strips and with an uncut roll.
The negative holder for 35mm film can be reversed for digitizing mounted slides. The carriers can be easily exchange by simply lifting them off.
Due to its clever design, the image area is never in contact with any metal parts and the film can be cleaned with a blower before scanning. I’d say it is therefore impossible to damage the film when using this device.
Skier 35mm film holder
Skier Copy Box reversed 35mm film holder for slide scanning
The film is held in place by its outer edges - which works reasonably well. The negative is not as flat and tight as it would be in a high-end negative carrier found in an enlarger, but it is perfectly sufficient for camera scanning.
So to conclude, the holders offer a great compromise between easy film advance and flatness.
Stray light is effectively masked off and not an issue.
Skier Copy Box 120 film holder
Conclusion
The temperature-bulge issue is not a huge deal. Everyone working in the darkroom from time to time knows that it can’t be avoided when using glassless negative carriers. When you don’t leave the light on for too long and you check the focus from time to time, it is not a detriment to high quality results. Quite the contrary: The lack of glass makes it easier to remove dust and reduces the overall number of surfaces that have to be kept clean.
If you are starting out with camera scanning and want a proper all-in-one solution offering functional product design, you won’t be disappointed with the Skier Sunray Box (aka Copy Box).
Pricing & Availability
The device retails for about 240 USD (+ import fees) and is sold by Cinestill and directly by Skier Pro System. Both ship worldwide.
