FAQ

The dokko scanner is able to scan up to 40'000 ppi. However, such an extreme resolutions run into diminishing returns since the final image quality doesn’t improve a lot but it is very time-intensive (and therefore costly) to scan. In practice, the sweet spot for extremely large prints is around 11'000-20'000 ppi for 35mm, and 8'000-14'000 ppi for medium format and large format film.

There is no simple digital resolution equivalent to analog film. Film has an irregular image structure being defined by grain rather than pixels, and the details in the image are largely dependent on film choice, lens quality and technique. With fine-grain films shot on excellent lenses, we can see real image detail above 10'000 ppi, and resolution over 20'000 ppi can be achieved with ultra-fine grain films. Coarser-grain films or older lenses resolve less, but scanning at high resolution still preserves the organic grain structure that would otherwise be lost to the pixel grid, avoiding a digital feel.

With the dokko system’s high resolution, the limit is no longer the scan but the quality of the original film and your desired look. The largest scan I’ve made to date was a 45 GB file from an 8×10" slide that was printed 25 meters wide.

With modern scanners and workflows, low-resolution scanning no longer makes sense. The bulk of time and resources is no longer spent on dealing with large amounts of data, but rather in careful handling of the film and manual post-processing of each individual image. It’s far more efficient to perform the initial scan at high quality so you won’t need to rescan later for a larger print. This also protects your originals by minimizing handling.
Additionally, dokko’s philosophy is that every scan should be archival-grade, reducing worry about loss or damage to the originals.
Of course, I can supply additional downsampled or compressed files as needed (e.g., for web use)

Film scanning is a two-step process: first, the film is captured with no adjustments, then the final colors are computed from that data. Traditional scanning software usually discards the first-step data to save space. dokko’s approach is to always preserve the unedited RAW scans, enabling full re-edits later, without rescanning. This this allows for full re-edits if a different look is needed later on

Yes. RAW scans are standard 16-bit TIFF files that open in all mainstream editors. Slide films and black-and-white films are relatively straightforward to edit. Color negatives require complex color transformations due to the orange mask, differences in dye sets, and processing variables, so getting perfect results needs specialized software and experience.
I’ve spent a lot of time calibrating my scanner to different films. If you plan to edit yourself, please send a reference image and request a low-contrast conversion. You’ll benefit from my color science while retaining full shadow and highlight detail for your own tweaks.
If you prefer to handle inversion yourself, tools like Grain2Pixel, SilverFast, Negative Lab Pro, SmartConvert, ColorNeg, etc., can yield reasonable results.

RAW scans up to 4 GB are delivered as uncompressed 16-bit TIFF files in the ProPhoto color space for maximum quality, wide gamut, and archival security. TIFF’s open, well-documented specification ensures excellent long-term compatibility and is widely used by leading archives.
Since Leviathan scans usually exceed TIFF’s 4 GB limit, those are provided as PSB or OpenEXR files according to your preference.

Up to 4 GB, final scans are delivered as uncompressed TIFF files. Defaults are:

• Elephant scans: 8-bit, Adobe RGB (1998)
• Mammoth and Leviathan: 16-bit, ProPhoto
  For files larger than 4 GB, delivery is PSB or OpenEXR, per your preference.

Yes, I can scan with borders and even with perforations. The scanned area increases while the file size stays the same, so effective image ppi is adjusted proportionally. If perforations are included, you may see a slight edge contrast drop from the bright perforation holes.

The dokko scanner can scan all film formats - from miniature formats (like Minox, 110 and APS), to 135 film (including panorama), medium format (6x45, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x9, 6x17) up to large format (4x5" 5x7" and 8x10"). Exotic formats like Super8 Film, 4x4 etc are also possible.

Based on extensive testing, wet-mounting does not improve scan quality and can harm the original. Fluids soften the emulsion, increasing the risk of scratches, residue, and hard-to-remove dust. To keep originals pristine, I generally do not wet-mount. The dokko scanner uses a large diffuse light source that reduces the visibility of defects while preserving maximum image detail.

A close collaboration is the key to ensure that the result matches your vision. Please get in touch before sending any film so we can choose the best approach for your project.

Yes, in-person delivery and pickup in Berlin is not only possible but preferred, as we can discuss details on the spot. Please get in touch.

Yes, I ship worldwide.

Scans are delivered through a download link of your choice (Dropbox, Google Drive, dokko file server), with password protection or encryption for sensitive files. If you prefer physical media, sending an USB flash drive is also possible.

Typical turnaround is 5–7 business days after receiving your originals, depending on size and quantity. For urgent projects, a 24 h or 48 h rush service is available (see the Prices page for details).

Unfortunately, no. It’s a custom-built machine, and parts costs are extremely high. Considering development, machining, software, and support, selling the system wouldn’t be economical. If you have a large archive, contact me so we can discuss on-site scanning options.

Color-negative conversions are highly variable and depend on individual judgment and taste. I’ve invested substantial time and research calibrating my conversion engine to reproduce each film’s intended look and feel.
Historically, some preferred printing Kodak on Fuji paper (and vice versa) or used cross-processing for a particular aesthetic. Send me reference images, and I can make customized adjustments.
RAW scans always contain all original information, allowing countless conversion variations, so different versions can be produced without rescanning.