HIGH-END DRUM SCANNING
The centrepiece of our studio is the Howtek 4500 drum scanner. Unlike consumer flatbeds or virtual-drum scanners that rely on CCD sensors, it uses three photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). These convert the transmitted light into an electrical signal, which is then processed by an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) to generate each pixel with highly precise tonal values from the film.
This is the best option for scanning photographic film for production, archiving and preservation. We work in accordance with ISO/TR 19263-1:2017 and ISO 19264-1:2021.
FormatBasic ScanNeutral ColorDust RemovalPost-ProductionRush>20 images
13512€/frame+ 12€+ 6€+ 35€/hour+ 50%- 20%
12018€/frame+ 12€+ 12€+ 35€/hour+ 50%- 20%
4X5 5X736€/plate+ 12€+ 24€+ 35€/hour+ 50%- 20%
8X1048€/plate+ 12€+ 48€+ 35€/hour+ 50%- 20%
Basic Scan
Neutral Color InterpretationPost-Production
Alfonso Almendros. My mother’s wedding glassware II
Our workflow is modular. This not only allows us to balance the time and cost of each project, but also to work on images in a non-destructive way.
The first step is a precise digitisation of the selected frame, achieving accurately reproduced colour—returning the film “as we see it”. At this stage, you can perform the negative inversion yourself or leave it to us.
In our neutral colour interpretation, we mimic the RA4 chromogenic prints, which we consider an excellent starting point for post-production.
Felipe Romero Beltrán. Bravo (RA-4 Test Prints)
Felipe Romero Beltrán. Bravo (Neutral Color Interpretation)
The post-production phase can be handled externally or continued in our studio. If it’s not possible to be in Madrid, we recommend remote online sessions with our team, as key decisions are made at this stage and must be executed with skill and technical rigour; these decisions directly affect the production values of the final image.
Pablo María García. La ultima camisa no tiene bolsillo (Post-Production)
Drum-scanner digitisation offers numerous advantages. These machines not only provide very high optical resolution, but are also capable of capturing all the information available in any film stock.
Applying meticulous care to the scanning process makes it possible to recover areas that were excessively overexposed at capture, or to achieve appropriate contrast in very low-density (thin) negatives.
Original Transparency Strip Basic ScanPost-Production
Emilio Azevedo. Rondônia
FormatImage SizeResolutionEquivalent @ 300 dpiEquivalent mp.File Size
1355.550 X 3.700 px4.000 dpi45 X 30 cm20,54 mp120 mb
6x68.500 X 8.500 px4.000 dpi70 X 70 cm72’25 mp430 mb
6x912.750 X 8.500 px4.000 dpi105 X 70 cm108’38 mp650 mb
4X518.500 X 14.800 px4.000 dpi155 X 124 cm273’8 mp1’6 gb
8X1038.000 X 30.400 px4.000 dpi320 X 256 cm1.160 mp6’8 gb
Yun Ping Li. Be water, my friend
Yun Ping Li. Be water, my friend (Detail)
· Our standard deliverable is a flattened 16-bit TIFF in Adobe RGB (1998). Layered files can be supplied on request.
· We run a strict production schedule. Typical turnaround is one week; our guaranteed turnaround is two weeks. For urgent jobs (delivery in under one week), a 50% rush fee applies, subject to availability.
· Drum mounting may require cutting longer negative strips. We’ll contact you for permission if needed. If you prefer not to cut the negatives, a 20% handling surcharge per frame applies due to extended mounting time so we can maintain timelines for all clients.
· Orders of 20+ images receive a 20% discount. For these orders, a 50% deposit is required.
· Prices exclude taxes.