Have you heard about Camera Scanning?

Film photography has made a big comeback — but what about scanning your negatives? Many photographers still rely on outdated flatbed scanners or pricey lab services to digitise their film. Camera scanning changes this completely.
Here’s why more and more people are swapping the flatbed for a camera rig — and never looking back.

What is Camera Scanning?

Camera scanning works by attaching a macro lens to your digital camera and directly photographing your film. This is actually a method that was used to duplicate negatives, in this case, you're making a digital copy of your film. It's as simple as that. VALOI offers two systems for camera scanning, a closed system, where the film holder is directly attached to the macro lens and a closed system, where the camera is mounted on a copystand and the film holder is not in direct contact with the lens. The latter allows for more flexibility but needs more time setting up. Once you're done shooting your film you simply edit it in your post-processing software of choice. 

Camera Scanning is Faster and Yields Better Results

Flatbed scanning is notoriously slow. Each frame needs careful cleaning, positioning, and scanning — one by one. An entire roll can take over an hour. Labs are faster per scan, but you still have to wait days to get your files back — or pay extra for express.
Camera scanning flips this. With a dedicated camera scanning setup, you can digitise a whole roll of 35mm film in just a few minutes. It’s as quick as taking photos — because that’s exactly what it is.

Better Quality, More Control

Modern digital cameras have incredible resolution and dynamic range — easily outclassing most flatbeds. Shooting in RAW means you’ll have plenty of latitude for editing.
Unlike a lab scan, you’re in charge: exposure, colour, contrast — you decide how your scans look. No generic preset or dusty lab file — just your film, your way. Especially with new emulsions like Harmans Phoenix film — you’ll definitely want to invest into a set up that’ll give you access to making the film look better. Trust me, I’ve worked in a photo lab before and all the Nortitsus and Fuji Frontiers really don’t like films that don’t have a standard base.

Sustainable and Affordable: The Circular Economy Advantage 

One of the best parts? You don’t need to buy brand-new gear. Chances are, you already have a digital camera — and adapting a macro lens is easy and affordable. Plus, Kamerastore’s whole mission is built around giving used cameras and lenses a second life.
Digital cameras also depreciate fast — but that’s good news for you. A five or ten-year-old DSLR or mirrorless body can deliver outstanding results for scanning film, at a fraction of its original price. Combine that with a well-cared-for vintage macro lens, and you’ve got a top-notch scanning rig that keeps quality gear in use and out of the landfill.
By scanning your film yourself, you’re also cutting down on shipping back and forth to labs — it’s a small but meaningful way to keep your workflow local and sustainable.

Portrable & Flexible

Flatbed scanners are bulky. Labs tie you to turnaround times and opening hours. A camera scanning rig? It fits in your bag. You can scan at home, on location, in your studio — anywhere you can set up a camera and light.

Less Dust, Less Fuss

The arch-nemesis: Dust. It’s finally defeated! Flatbeds sandwich your film between glass and holders that attract dust like magnets. Even with anti-static wipes, you end up spending a lifetime spot-healing in post.
Closed camera scanning systems keep your film protected in a clean, contained path — so you spend less time cleaning files and more time enjoying them.

Bring Scanning Back Into Your Hands

For active film photographers or anyone who wants to digitise their archives, camera scanning is the next step in taking control of the entire process — from shooting to finished digital file. It’s faster, cleaner, sharper, more affordable over time, and it fits perfectly with keeping gear in use longer. 
Ready to ditch the slow scans and lab waits? Take a look at Kamerastore’s certified used cameras and lenses and our VALOI camera scanning kits — and see how easy it is to get started.
Got questions? We love helping photographers find the right tools for the job — and the right gear to reuse. Drop us a message or check out our full guide to camera scanning to learn more.