APS Negative (Film) Scanning

APS Films

Advanced Photo System (APS) films were introduced in the 1990's, mainly in "point and shoot" cameras. Kodak calls this film "Advantix". Initially, slide (transparency) and B&W film was available, but was mostly discontinued soon after introduction; hence color negative film is by far the most common form for APS film. APS films are compact, cartridge-based, 24mm wide films allowing for three image formats, including a panoramic format. Though the film format offers a number of advantages over 35mm, it never caught on with professional or advanced amateur photographers, primarily because the small film area (roughly 50% of 35mm film) does not allow for large, detailed prints.

Every roll of APS film has a 6 digit identifying number stamped on the cartridge; generally, prints from the APS cartridge will include this number printed on the back, along with date and time information from the image (which is recorded on the film). The negatives for this film are returned in the original cartridge after processing/printing. Hence, most people never see the actual negatives. The photos below show an APS cartridge and a portion of an APS negative.

APS Negative Cartridge	APS Negative Strip removed from cartridge Normal frame size is 16.7mm x 25.1mm (you will not normally see the film this way)

Our APS Negative Film Scanning Process

When you send us your APS films for scanning to CD or DVD, we handle them with all the care and experience that we apply in our 35mm scanning, but with key additions that make all the difference when scanning these small negatives.

Since the film is stored in the original container and not exposed to dust there is normally no need to clean the film in any way. We load the film cartridges into specially equipped Nikon 5000ED dedicated film scanners for scanning. Though there should not be significant dust or scratches on the film, there still may be small amounts accumulated during use in the camera or in processing. For this reason, we employ dust and scratch removal technologies (with a very light application) during scanning to make the digital images shine.

When we have finished scanning your APS negatives, each image is examined and optimized by a skilled Photoshop technician. Our goal in post-processing is to assure that the resulting image reflects the true content of the negative and gives you the ability to make use of the scanned image without any additional work required. This post-scan processing includes cropping, color correction and exposure correction. For some images, we selectively apply grain and/or noise reduction in cases where it will improve the resulting digital image; some of the faster (e.g. 400 ASA) films benefit from this treatment since they may become quite grainy in underexposed images. Generally speaking, scans of APS films result in good quality digital images that are appropriate for smaller prints (just like the original films) and sharing.

Following post-scan processing, we place preview versions of the images online for you to view. After you have had a chance to preview the scanned images online, we return the digital images to you on archival quality DVDs or CDs (along with the original APS film cartridges) using a reliable, trackable carrier. Your APS film is treated with utmost care while it is in our hands.

APS / Advantix Negative Film Scanning Prices

Given the small size of the APS negatives, we suggest scanning APS film at 4000PPI. Though some images do not benefit greatly from the increased resolution (because they were taken on inexpensive cameras), scanning the negatives at 4000 PPI assures us that we have captured all the detail present on these small negatives.

	2000 PPI	4000 PPI
APS Negative Frame scan	$0.49	$0.69
We are happy to selectively scan individual frames from each APS film roll. However, please note that we charge for a minimum of 1/2 of the frames on each APS film roll that we process.

Media costs (How many CDs/DVDs will my order need?)
First CD each order	$4.99
Each additional CD	$3.49
First DVD each order	$4.99
Each additional DVD	$3.49

Return Shipping (via UPS with insurance and signature required)
Ground	$11 + $1/lb over 3 lbs
3 Day	$18 + $2/lb over 3 lbs
Overnight	$44 + $3.50/lb over 1 lb

Get started with 15 free APS or 35mm slide or negative scans!