HDR Drum scans
Drum scanning is unquestionably the very best way to digitize film if you want to hold onto all the information your film holds, or if you need to make large high-quality reproductions. It is the finest quality, highest resolution method to scan your negative film and transparencies.
We use one of the best scanners ever made, the Heidelberg Tango.
The first step in the drum-scanning process is to examine the film and clean it with a film-cleaning fluid before it is being blown off with anti-static compressed air.
Film is then mounted onto an acrylic drum under a thin Mylar cover sheet using a specially designed liquid, possessing superior optical qualities.
The cover sheet is then securely fastened to the drum with tape.
After placing the drum into the scanner, pre-scans are made to set parameters such as size and resolution. After analyzing every single frame, disregarding film borders, highlights and shadows are set.
Finally, the Heidelberg Tango drum scanner is set to make the final scan.
Drum-scanning offers:
Great detail retention from the brightest highlight to the deepest shadow with very smooth tonal gradations.
Exceptional sharpness.
Less need for blemish and dust removal. The mounting fluid eliminates and suppresses a majority of the minuscule scratches and dust particles.
High contrast edges. There is no bleeding of light from highlights into shadows.
Scans without any sharpening.
The best possible starting point for fine art printmaking.
For more technical information check this film scanning fact sheet.