Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

A digital camera with an interchangeable lens system.
A macro lens.
For negative films a RAW image processing software and a conversion software to invert the negative. For positives (slides) a RAW image processing software is sufficient.

Every digital camera that enables you to mount a true macro lens works.

Yes, while technically you could still scan your film without a macro lens, the results will suffer. We recommend using a true macro lens (not a zoom with macro function!) to allow for a 1:1 or 1:2 coverage. Macro lenses are intended for close focusing and have a high optical performance.

Camera scanning means photographing your film with your digital camera. It’s an intuitive process that originates in reproduction of photographic film.

Camera scanning is approachable from all levels as it’s a very simple process. We recommend using the easy35 or easy120 as these units are both beginner friendly yet equally deliver high end results.

VALOI Products

Choose the holder that fits your film format. Simply match the film format to the holders format. For example, 35mm film can be scanned with a 35mm holder or a 35mm sprocket holder. For medium format the 6x9 holder will accept all film frame sizes from 6x4.5 to 6x9, but we recommend the appropriate size.

The VALOI easy35 is a closed construction unit that attaches directly to your macro lens. The VALOI 360 is an open construction that’s fully modular — the camera is mounted on a copy stand and the film is placed in a film holder underneath a light source beneath it. This allows for fine-tuning and enables alternative scanning methods like working with larger than 6x9 formats.

The VALOI advancer improves scanning smoothness by enabling the user to safely advance the film without having to touch the emulsion.

Yes, VALOI easy120 and 360 both support medium format film up to 6x9. Larger formats like 6x12 or 6x17 will work but will need to be stitched digitally for the final image.

It’s possible to scan mounted slides up to 4mm thickness, each system has a holder for scanning mounted slides. Scanning strips or rolls of slide film is no different from scanning negatives.

VALOI products have optimal performance with dedicated parts. While other brands could work in specific configurations, we do not recommend it.

Scanning Quality

The resolution of the scan depends on the digital camera you use.

Newton rings occur when the film is fully pressed between two glass or plastic surfaces. Since the the film floats freely, newton rings are not a problem.
All VALOI systems are only in contact with the film borders and do not touch the emulsion, this enables safe and smooth scanning.
To avoid dust we recommend carefully wiping the film with an anti-static cloth and installing a duster unit to safely remove dust in the scanning process.

Make sure your focus is correct. If available: Use the magnification tool on your digital camera to zoom into your image. Advanced tools like focusing peaking help too. Focus so the grain is visible and sharp. Focus with the widest aperture then once focus is set make sure you use an aperture between f/5.6-f/11 for scanning.

Always shoot in RAW. If your film is shot in a consistent light environment, you can use a set white balance. But if your frames vary (day, night, indoor, different light temperatures) we recommend using Auto White Balance.

Our film holders S-curve system keeps film flat in our scanning units.

Make sure you’ve inserted the film correctly so it fits snug into the holder. If the problem persists please contact our customer support.

Make sure you use an aperture of f/5.6-f/11. Most lenses will have visible vignetting at wide apertures like f/2.0 — we do not recommend you scan wide open.
If the problem consists, please contact our customer support.

Software & Workflow

A RAW image processor like paid programs such as Adobe Lightroom, Capture One or free software like Affinity, for simple conversions. For automated conversions: standalone software like SmartConvert and FilmLab, or a plug-in like Negative Lab Pro (needs Adobe Lightroom).

Yes, Adobe Lightroom enables manual conversion by inverting the gradient curves. Adobe Lightroom Classic works with the Negative Lab Pro plug-in to automatically convert your images.

For visible sprocket holes you’ll need the 35mm sprocket holder. Note: the sprocket holder does not show the entire rebate of the film! As the film still needs to be guided through the holder, a small portion of the sprocket holes will remain invisible in the scan.
For black borders, align the lens so that the border of the film is visible in the frame.

Film Scanning with Sprocket Holder

Compatibility & Setup

All our systems come with CRI 95+ light sources that have been optimized for our products.

For the easy120 and easy35 minimal space is needed: some space on your desk will do, as the units are fully mobile. The VALOI 360 needs a dedicated and sturdy working space as the camera will be mounted on a copy-stand.

For very basic previews yes, but we don’t recommend it.

Yes! At the moment our 360 and easy35 systems carry holders for more special formats such as 110, APS and more.

Film can curl due to various reasons but our S-curve holders are designed to keep film flat while it’s being threaded through our systems. Storing your film as straight as possible or careful attempts on flattening the film in prior to scanning can help with the curving.

Before you attach your easy35/120 or mount your camera on the copy-stand, switch on your camera and do a hand-held exposure to test the approximate distance needed to fill the frame. Once the distance is established, use the appropriate amount of distancing tubes for the easy35/120. For fine tuning we recommend our helicoid adapter. For the VALOI 360, adjust the height of the camera on the copy-stand accordingly.

Purchasing & Support

VALOI products ship from Tampere, Finland.

Please contact our customer service for spare parts or replacements.

All VALOI products have parts available for user repairs, minimum 5 years after the sale. If a replacement part cannot be produced, a replacement product is provided. In the case of malfunction or safety concerns, please report to the company immediately with your complaint or concern.

You can reach out to us at hello@valoi.co, we aim to reply within 24hrs on business days. You can also reach out us in social media or webshop chat during working hours. If you have issues regarding products, any photos or videos showcasing the problem are welcome.

Would help to direct the VAT ID customers to customer support right away rather than have them place orders and having to do refunds and invoice edits afterwards.