FAQ
If you are unsure which scan level you need, the quickest route is still to get in touch with the film format, quantity, intended use, and deadline. The answers below cover the questions that come up most often.
Resolution
The system can scan up to 40'000 ppi, but that is only useful for very specific cases. In practice, the best balance of image quality, file size, and scanning time is usually around 11'000-20'000 ppi for 35mm and 8000-14'000 ppi for medium and large format when the goal is very large printing or preservation.
There is no exact pixel equivalent for film. The film image is defined by grain, lens performance, focus, exposure, and processing, so the useful detail varies from image to image. Fine-grain film exposed well on strong lenses can hold very high detail, while coarser films and weaker optics resolve less. High-resolution scanning is still valuable even when the image detail tops out earlier, because it preserves the natural grain structure and avoids a brittle digital look.
Print size depends less on a fixed formula than on the original film, the viewing distance, and the look you want. With dokko, the scan is no longer the limiting factor. As a reference point, Leviathan scans prepared by dokko have been used for prints of 25 metres wide.
Low-resolution scanning usually no longer makes sense with modern hardware. Most of the work lies in careful film handling and manual image processing, not in managing file size, so it is more efficient to scan once at high quality and create smaller versions later if needed. This also reduces handling of the originals and keeps the scan archival-ready. Downsampled or compressed files for web or review can of course be provided as well.
Workflow
Film scanning is always a two-step process: first, the raw image data is captured without interpretation; then the final color and tonal rendering is created from that data. Traditional scanning workflows often discard this raw stage to save storage space. dokko preserves the unedited raw scans, making it possible to produce new edits later without rescanning the original film.
Yes. The raw scans are delivered as standard 16-bit TIFF files and can be opened in all professional image editors. Slide film and black-and-white film are usually straightforward to work with, while color negatives are more demanding because inversion depends on the orange mask, film stock, processing, and interpretation.
If you plan to do the final edit yourself, it helps to mention this in advance. I can prepare the files with a low-contrast conversion and use my scanner calibration as a starting point, so you retain maximum room in the shadows and highlights for your own adjustments. If you prefer to handle inversion entirely on your side, tools such as Grain2Pixel, SilverFast, Negative Lab Pro, SmartConvert, or ColorNeg can also produce good results.
Raw scans up to 4 GB are delivered as uncompressed 16-bit TIFF files in the ProPhoto RGB color space, offering maximum image quality, a very wide gamut, and strong archival reliability. TIFF is an open, well-documented format with excellent long-term compatibility and is widely used by major archives and professional imaging institutions.
Because Leviathan scans often exceed TIFF’s 4 GB file size limit, they are usually delivered as PSB or OpenEXR files, depending on your preference and workflow requirements.
Up to 4 GB, final scans are delivered as uncompressed TIFF files. The usual defaults are:
- Elephant scans: 8-bit, Adobe RGB (1998)
- Mammoth and Leviathan: 16-bit, ProPhoto RGB
For files larger than 4 GB, delivery is arranged as PSB or OpenEXR.
Yes. Borders and even perforations can be included if that is important to the presentation or archival record. Because more of the frame area is being captured, the effective image ppi is reduced proportionally. Including perforations can also introduce a slight edge contrast drop near the bright holes.
The dokko scanner is designed to handle a very wide range of film formats: from miniature formats such as Minox, 110, and APS; to 135 film, including panoramic formats; through medium format from 6x4.5 up to 6x17; and on to large format, including 4x5", 5x7", and 8x10". Less common formats such as 4x4 or Super8 can also be accommodated on request.
No, I generally do not wet mount. In my experience it adds handling risk and can leave residue without offering enough benefit to justify that tradeoff for this workflow. The system is designed to minimise the visibility of surface defects without relying on liquids or invasive mounting.
Logistics
The best first step is to email me with the film format, quantity, intended use, deadline, and any reference images or notes about color. Once we agree on the right scan level and workflow, you can use the order form or simply continue by email, depending on the project.
Yes. In-person drop-off and pickup in Berlin are possible and often convenient, especially for valuable or time-sensitive work.
Yes, I ship worldwide.
Scans are usually delivered by download link. Password protection and encrypted delivery are possible for sensitive material. Physical delivery on a USB drive is also possible if needed.
Typical turnaround is 5-7 business days after I receive the originals, depending on size and quantity. Faster turnaround may be possible for urgent projects by prior arrangement. Larger Leviathan files and bigger institutional jobs can take longer.
Miscellaneous
No. It is a custom-built system developed for my own workflow rather than a product line.
That can be discussed and adjusted. Color negative rendering is never fully objective, so reference images and a conversation about the intended look are very helpful. Because the raw scan is preserved, alternate versions can be produced later without rescanning the film.