Best 120 Film Scanner 2023

We all love shooting films, but it is usually the latter part of filming that puts us off, scanning the film. But, without this step you cannot enjoy the beautiful pictures you took with so much effort, making this worth your time.

This is where the scanner comes in. Which one you go for matters a lot. Because your final outcome will only be as good as your scanner.

The 120 film format is still widely used today by professionals as well as for personal use, meaning you can easily get scanners for this.

If you are finding yourself in a pickle finding the best 120 film scanner , you have come to the right place. Since we know how hard it can get, we have prepared a collection of scanners for you to check out.

The guide also come with technical details and comparisons, all working together so you can make a good choice.

Editor's Recommendation: Top 120 Film Scanner 2023

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Bestseller No. 1
2PX2255 - Plustek OpticFilm 8100 Film Scanner
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Bestseller No. 2
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE , 35mm Film & Slide Scanner. 7200 dpi / 48-bit Output....
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Bestseller No. 3
Plustek Technology - 783064365345 - Plustek OpticFilm 8200i SE Film Scanner - 7200 dpi...
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Bestseller No. 4
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i AI - 35mm Film & Slides Scanner. IT 8 Calibration Target +...
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Bestseller No. 5
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film & Slide Scanner Converter + 35mm Mounted Slide Holders...
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Bestseller No. 6
Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner
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Bestseller No. 7
Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner
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Contents

List of Top 10 120 Film Scanners
Comparison Table For Top 10 120 Film Scanners
Best 120 Film Scanner Reviews
120 Film Scanner Buying Guide
1. Format
2. Resolution
3. Color
4. Dmax and Dmin
How do I scan 120 film at home?
120 Film Format and Frame Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Word
Recommended Article To Read
Related posts

List of Top 10 120 Film Scanners

1. Epson Perfection V550 Scanner

Comparison Table For Top 10 120 Film Scanners

Image	Name	Resolution	Special Features
	Epson Perfection V550 Scanner	6400 DPI	Scan multiple photos simultaneously
	Epson Perfection V600 Scanner	6400 DPI	3.4 Dmax Digital ICE
OUT	Epson B11B207221 Perfection V370 Scanner	4800 x 9600 DPI	Scan 3D objects
	Canon 2168B002 CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner	4800 x 9600 DPI	48 bit color depth
	Epson Perfection V800 Photo scanner	6400 DPI	4.0 Dmax
	Wolverine F2D Scanner	20 megapixels	HDMI jack
	KODAK Mini Digital Film & Slide Scanner	14 /22 megapixels	Color Correction
	Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner	6400 DPI	4.0 Dmax
	KODAK SCANZA Digital Film & Slide Scanner	14/22 megapixel	Multiple adapters
	DIGITNOW 22MP All-in-1 Film & Slide Scanner	22/16 megapixels	128 MB internal memory

Best 120 Film Scanner Reviews

1. Epson Perfection V550 Scanner - Cheapest 120 Film Scanner

Epson is undoubtedly one of the top brands when it comes to scanners. So it is no surprise that we have a product from here. The Epson Perfection V550 Scanner is loved by its customers for numerous reasons, and savings is one of them.

2. Epson Perfection V600 Scanner - Best Medium Format Film Scanner

Another model from Epson, this Epson Perfection V600 Scanner is an ideal choice if you seek a complete photo restoration solution from your scanner. An upgrade from the previous model, this is for professionals who require more features from their scanner.

First of all, the resolution is extraordinary on this scanner with a 6400 dpi. The 3.4 Dmax works great for pictures with high contrast and brings them to life with its acute details. The 48 bit depth lets you have amazing color and clarity. All together these features work for the superb picture results.

Also Read: Best Large Format Scanner 2023

The scanner sports comprehensive scanning. Because even though it scans your films, negatives, and medium-format panoramic films up to 6 x 22 cm, it does more. This scanner can also be used to scan your everyday documents, be it books, files or magazines, making it a good investment.

Digital ICE is one of the key features of this scanner. First of all there is the Digital ICE for films. This lets you remove dust and scratches from your negatives and films, giving you clear and clean photos. Besides this, you also get a Digital ICE for prints.

This lets you do a similar job, but to photos instead. You can remove creases, tears and other small damages as such from old photos. You could do this from a store, but it would cost you a lot.

Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner

Highlighted Features

Comes with built-in transparency unit
ReadyScan LED Light Source helps you save energy
Includes various software for photo restoration
Comes with automatic scanning

3. Epson Perfection V370 Scanner

One of Epson's best-selling scanners, the Epson Perfection V370 is a powerful tool to add to your arsenal. This scanner comes with a heap of features, all designed to make film scanning easier and simpler.

Technology integrated, you can use this scanner through your phone. The document capture software lets you scan pictures and automatically store them in cloud. This eliminates the need to do this in multiple steps, saving you time.

Besides scanning your films, you can also scan other documents using this scanner. Large pages, art work, documents, will all fit into this device. The high rise lid, that goes 180 degrees, lets you scan not just paper, but 3D objects too.

You can also scan and email the scanned copies directly, or make pdfs from your scans, all at the touch of a button. Besides this you also get fast scanning, meaning there is no warm up time. Simply press and scan.

After scanning old films, the next concern becomes restoration. Once again, Epson is one step ahead of you. With the Easy Photo Fix, it lets you restore color form faded photos. And the advanced Digital Dust correction allows you to remove the dust that appears on scans. Using these features together will result in flawless and natural photos, that won't look a day old.

Highlighted Features

Comes with built-in transparency unit
Document capture software allows to scan to cloud
No warm up time before scanning
Has a resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi

4. Canon 2168B002 CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner

Canon is another popular name that pops up when thinking about scanners. Likewise, the CanoScan 8800F is a multipurpose scanner that lets you do more. You can definitely scan films with this, but you can also scan photos and documents.

This scanner loves being efficient, as it can easily scan, copy, create PDFs and email you scans all by itself. All you need to do is command it to do so by the use of a button. This saves a lot of steps, hence a lot of time.

Batch scan is an option you receive with this product. With this you can put in a maximum of 4 slides together, bringing down scanning time by a lot. Users really appreciate this because individually scanning slides can be very time consuming with all the changing of slides.

You also get brilliant colors form this, thanks to the 48 bit color depth that gives you a possibility of 281 trillion colors. Now you might not be having so many colors, but that is beyond the point. What you get is exceptional color clarity, and that is what really matters.

Dust and scratches are a given with old films. You can get these removed or corrected from a store, but they tend to be very expensive. This canon scanner lets you do this at home and saves your time and money.

Canon 2168B002 CanoScan 8800F Color Image Scanner, Gray/Black

Highlighted Features

Comes with built-in retouch technology
Features batch scan which saves time
Automatic scanning process enabled through large function buttons
Has a resolution of 4800 by 9600 dpi

5. Epson Perfection V800 Photo Scanner

The Epson Perfection V800 promises to give you precise color and detail with every scan. And it lives up to what its promises due to all the amazing features it packs.

Scanning black and white films with this scanner is like a dream. The 4.0 Dmax lets you experience smooth graduations and a sharp contrast and shadow detail. This really helps enhance your photos for a real-life like feel.

This scanner comes with a set of film holders. They are all designed to hold different formats. Height adjustable and can hold up to 12 35mm mounted slides, one medium format strip, three 35mm film strips, and lastly one 4x5inch frame.

The dual lens system lets you scan at a high resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi, alongside a super resolution lens of 6400 x 9600 dpi. With this, the scanner will automatically work to put the optimum lens in the optical path. This will depend on which media you are scanning and the resolution you selected.

Highlighted Features

4.0 Dmax allows for great color clarity
Dual lens system allows for optimum photo results
Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems
Has a resolution of 6400 dpi

120 Film Scanner Buying Guide

Format

Since you want the best scanner for 120 film, you must make sure the scanner you are buying will support this format. If you do not pay attention to this factor, you might end up buying a different format which will not support this film size.

Even if the scanner can work with multiple formats, you should take good care to see that it will be able to handle Medium format (120) as well.

Resolution

Resolution is scanners is measured by Dots Per Inch or DPI. Obviously the higher the DPI the more resolution you get. You should always opt for a high DPI, or as high your budget will allow.

We are all very accustomed to seeing HD pictures in screens today, so a low resolution on print might not impress you or your audience.

Color

The depth of color you get from your scanner can be a make it or break it factor. And this is not only applicable for color scans, but the black and white too. Even if a black and white scan you would not want it to be dull, since you can actually understand the depth of colors in greyscale.

This depth is measured in bits and will determine how your scanner can capture the different shades from your negative. 24 bits is considered sufficient. Any below this and the color transitions will not be as smooth as you will want. They will not look life like, and will result in "banding".

However modern scanners can go higher up to 48 bits and will undoubtedly give you better scans. If your budget allows you to, try to go for the 48 bits for the finest results.

Dmax and Dmin

Dmax determines how well your scanner can capture details of dark areas in the negative. This is important if you want to scan pictures with high contrast. Since you will not always know which picture will be of what contrast, it is ideal to opt for a scanner with a high Dmax value.

Dmin determines how well details come out in the highlights. The lower the Dmin value, the more details you get. Once again, since you cannot predict what you will be scanning, it is good to go for a low Dmin.

How do I scan 120 film at home?

Scanning 120 film at home can be fun and rewarding, but with a little preparation and dedication it can also be easy too. There are many different methods that can help you get started with film scanning at home. Below you will find out the best methods so that you don't have to spend your time experimenting on film plating and developing techniques.

Step 1: Prepare the 120 film scanner

When you first receive your film scanner, make sure that all the necessary pieces are present. If they are not, contact the manufacturer immediately to resolve the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. It would also be wise to read the manual to check if there were any specific instructions for scanning 120 film at home.

With your film scanner ready, let's look at how we can easily scan 12-exposure rolls of 120 film in no time with no hassles.

Step 2: Prepare 120 film for scanning

You can either cut down 120 film rolls horizontally or vertically, depending on the type of scanner you are using and if the pictures are intended for a digital or print medium. A professional film scanner will have two slots for 1 x 120 or 2 x 120 film strips; so for those that do not have the right setup, it is easier to cut down the side of a vertical roll to fit it into one slot than to try and place a horizontally cut roll into your scanner.

Once you have your film strip ready in your hand, look at how fresh the emulsion side of the film looks. If there are any yellow stains then this will surely show up in your pictures.

The emulsion side should look as clear as the other side. If this is not the case, then you need to have the film strip processed before you scan it. This happens when light hits the film which causes a transference of silver particles to the emulsion. If this happens, your photos will look muddy and faded; therefore, it is important to have all your 120 rolls processed before scanning them.

Step 3: Scanning

Place your roll of 120 film in front of your scanner with emulsion side down and cover the front ring so that light cannot escape from underneath. Position your film scanner on a stable surface and scan as many images as you possibly can. You should scan five to six pictures per roll.

Step 4: Post processing

You will need a film scanner that can process 120 film that has been shot vertical instead of horizontal so that you can stand the emulsion side up in order to scan it. This makes processing the film much easier as there is no need for an orthochromatic filter since there are no photos on this side of the film (as the emulsion is down). You will also need a special light-proof sheet or lid to give you some extra protection in case you accidentally expose your new photo, and then once you have scanned them, get them printed on a professional print shop.

120 Film Format and Frame Sizes

Every film format has its own size. That's why it's important to know which frame size best fits your project. You can come up with several image formats using a 120 film. The most common of these formats is known as 6 x 6 or a 56 x 56mm square.

Name		actual size	shots per roll
cm	in	mm	on 120	on 220
6 × 4.5		56 × 44	15 or 16	32
6 × 6	2¼ × 2¼	56 × 56	12	25
6 × 7		56 × 70	10	20
6 × 8		56 × 75	9	19
6 × 9	2¼ × 3¼	56 × 84	8	17
6 × 10		56 × 93	7	15
6 × 12		56 x 112	6	12
6 x 17		56 x 168	4	8
6 x 24		56 x 224	3	6

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why 120 Film Is Called?

The 120 film is called so in light of the fact that it was the 20^th daylight loading roll film on flanged spools created by Kodak. This film was first introduced for Brownie number 2 by Eastman Kodak in the year 1901.

It's basically a numbering standard, which started with 101, then proceeded until the film passed the test. It did so at the number 120; hence the 120 films were introduced.

2. How Do I Scan 120 Films With Borders?

The 120 films have a nice black border that surrounds the image; most scanners will scan borderless by default.

You won't be able to scan 120 films with borders using a film scanner since it is impossible to crop the pictures outside using these scanners. However, if you have a flatbed scanner, you will be able to scan 120 films with borders in different methods.

The most effective way to scan films with borders is using anti-newton ring glass. You will just have to place the glass above the film in the flatbed scanner, and your scanned films will have borders.

3. Where Can I Develop 120mm Film?

You can develop 120mm in a lab that specializes in developing 120, 220, and 620 films. One such lab is the Darkroom Photo Lab. It fine-tunes the contrast, color, and density for every frame of the 120mm film.

4. Do They Still Make 120 Films?

Yes, numerous photo labs across the globe still make 120 films. It recently became more popular after the relaunch of the Holga camera.

With the recent evolution of machinery, the production cost of this film has gone down drastically, which has made creating the 120 films more convenient. So, companies are still making it, and buyers are purchasing it at a lower price than earlier.

Final Word

We know you have done an in-depth analysis of which scanner to buy and why. But we still urge you to take a quick look at this article featuring some of the best 120 film scanners .

Given the various types and models available, that too of such different price ranges, you would want all the information you can get before a final buy. We hope our article will help you out in finding the right scanner for your needs.

To know which one is well suited, go through the specifications and brands, see what sets them apart, and you will exactly which to get!