Let me introduce you to the Filmkorn Raw Scanner: a kit that lets you convert a film projector into a 4K frame scanner with 12-bit Raw CinemaDNG output.
Another DIY film scanner?
Yes, but this one is different: The Filmkorn Raw Scanner is an open-source project that enables the digitization of small format film in breathtaking quality at a very affordable price. The project began in 2020 following a bet on the German Filmvorführerforum, when the infamous, but similarly expensive “Wolverine” film scanner from China (aka Somikon, aka Winait, aka Kodak, aka Hammacher-Schlemmer) proved to be a hopeless disaster that scratched the films: Is it even possible to build a truly high-quality scanner for under €500?
Yes, it is. Now anyone can build a scanner that gently digitizes their films with fantastic quality.
Introductory video
Links
- You can find comprehensive documentation in the project wiki (in English and German)
- Example of a Super 8 scan result (YouTube-compressed)
- Shop 🛒 to purchase a fully assembled controller PCB and, optionally, some special accessories
- The latest image for the Raspberry Pi
Have you gotten your scanner yet? Getting Started
Special Offer: Send me detailed photos and a description of the modification of another projector (Bauer, Eumig, or any other brand) for publication on this site, and I’ll reimburse you for the cost of the scan controller if you’d like!
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