A 35mm film scanner is a device that scans 35mm film negatives and slides and converts them into a digital or JPEG image that can be transferred to your computer’s hard drive or stored on a CD.  Many people have boxes and boxes worth of old family photos on slides and negatives that they would like to preserve and have in digital form.  That is where a film scanner comes into play.

The way these machines work is you plug them into either an AC outlet or USB port, place your negative or slide into a holder on the machine, and then push a button.  The machine then scans the negative or slide and converts it into a digital image.  Film scanners also come with imaging software which you can use to adjust the images as well as re-size and crop them.

There are a wide variety of 35mm film scanners available today in the marketplace.  They range from very inexpensive models costing anywhere from $100-$150, all the way up to high end machines designed for professional photographers and those serious about the image quality of the scans.  These can cost over $1000.

When it comes to choosing the best 35mm film scanner for you, there are several factors you will need to take into account.  One of them is your budget.  Obviously there is only so much money you can afford to spend on one item, and that includes a scanner.  If you are very particular about the image quality of the scans, you will need to be willing to invest in a more expensive scanner like the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED which retails at $1199.  If you are more budget conscious and willing to make adjustments to your photos with software such as Photoshop, there are models such as the Wolverine F2D and VuPoint FS-C1-VP, which are more in the $100-$150 range.

Another thing to consider is the type of computer and operating system you have.  Some film scanners are only compatible with the Windows operating systems XP and Vista, while other scanners can be used with a Mac as well.  You will also want to look at the various options and features and compare several film scanners to find out which one suits your needs the best.

A 35mm film scanner can transform your old negatives and slides into beautiful digital images that are easy to store, edit and share with other family members and friends.  It’s a great way to preserve all of those wonderful memories and can be done fairly easily and economically as well.

VuPoint FS-C1-VP Features

* Scan images to a quality of 5.0 mega pixel
* Automatic exposure control and color balance
* 10 bit color channels
* Built-in back light
* Scans 35mm slides as well as color or black and white negatives
* 2.0 USB cable to connect to your personal computer
* Mounting trays for slides and negatives
* Photo editing software- Photo Impression 6
* Cleaning brush

This VuPoint 35mm film scanner is a Windows only product and requires Windows XP or Vista. It is not compatible with 64-bit versions of Vista.

At $99, the FS-C1-VP, is an economical choice when it comes to a 35mm film scanner. Just insert your negatives or slides into the tray, push a button on the scanner or click an icon on your computer screen, and the image is converted to a 5.0 mega pixel JPEG in just seconds. This is perfect for people who have tons of old negatives or slides that they want to convert, without paying for expensive photography equipment. This scanner is also well built and is very sturdy and light weight.

However, some users have had difficulty with this scanner. The most common complaint is the image quality. Some customers find that the images are too grainy and blurry and that some detail may be lost. Others say they are satisfied, particularly for the price they paid for the scanner. Images can be cleaned up using Photoshop or another photo editor software program. However, if high quality images is what you are after, you may need to invest in a higher quality machine.

Some people have reported having problems installing the drivers and software, while others have found it easy to set up and use. Others do not like the auto adjustment features and want to be able to set their own parameters.

Overall, this VuPoint 35mm film scanner is a good value at $99. If you are looking for high quality images, you may need to invest in a more expensive scanner, but if you have stacks and stacks of 35mm slides or negatives that you want to convert to digital inexpensive and easily, the VuPoint FS-C1-VP is a 35mm film scanner that you will want to consider.

The film scanners that are out on the market today can help you with even the oldest negative in being developed. Slide show films, too, can be turned into photographs so you don’t need the normal “view master” type of device to have a look. (Just make sure that you buy a scanner that can convert 35mm slides.)  As well, since many people are getting into creating “scrap books”, this handy kind of machine with special software hooks up to your computer via a USB port, and can more than handle creating the rest of your photographic memories, and can also save you time and money, if not ruined film, due to the fact that you can do this from the comfort of your own home.

Of course, one of the major factors that come into play, in order for this to happen, will be whether or not your current PC or laptop computer will be able to handle the software. Compatibility is the main issue, after all, so when you are looking for scanning software, please bear that in mind. For example, if you are running a PC with Windows XP Professional on it, then the scanning software must be able to work on Windows XP Professional, or you will not be able to use it.  Most scanning software types will be able to work on any version of Windows or Mac operating systems, for the most part. You can try to find the compatibility by merely going to the website of the company that makes the scanner/scanning software and clicking appropriate links that will show you what you need to know.

Some of these scanners cost very low-priced. You can get an inexpensive film scanner for just over $100.  There are also some really fancy ones that can be purchase for well over $1,000.  Bear in mind what you want to pay for one then take it from there.  You should be able to find one that you can afford, that will take also care of obtaining your images from the memories of yesteryear, so that you and your family can enjoy them.  You can start by looking online, or calling distributors of computer-related digital imaging products, more than likely found in your local telephone book, close by you.

Once you have your new imaging device, it’s fairly easy to hook them up, as all you need to do is find the power cord and attach it to an outlet, then hook up the USB cord to a similar one on your computer. You will probably need to install the software before you do this, so please read directions. Soon, you’ll have your memories transferred to a media you can appreciate for years to come.