Kodak Portra 400 drum scan example (6×7, 120 film)
10,000px short edge. Full frame with border included. Manual Photoshop conversion and a gentle grade to keep it film-true.
Drum scan examples • real files • real film
Drum scan examples
A small library of drum scan examples and practical guides. If you want to judge scan quality fast, look for smooth gradients, clean shadow separation, and natural grain.
Scanner used: Heidelberg Tango drum scanning (wet mount, 16-bit TIFF).
Example library
Real-world drum scan samples. Open the post, zoom in, and inspect gradients, shadows, and texture.
Ilford XP2 Super 400 drum scan example (35mm, C-41 B&W)
A 35mm chromogenic B&W negative stress test: deep blacks, bright highlights, and fast action. Great for judging shadow separation and midtone smoothness.
6×17 drum scan panorama (Portra 400)
Wide format is the stress test. It reveals edge-to-edge consistency, evenness across the frame, and how the scan holds fine detail.
High-resolution drum scan sample (6×7 Portra 400)
A reference post for micro-detail, grain structure, and clean edges without “crispy” sharpening artifacts.
Negative conversion for drum scans (scan-only vs converted files)
What “scan-only” delivery means, what a converted file includes, and how conversion choices affect shadows, highlights, and skin tones.
If you’re comparing scanners or want to understand why these examples look the way they do, read the Heidelberg Tango drum scanning page first.
Heidelberg TangoGuides that help you choose the right files
If you’re ordering scans, these pages answer the questions people usually have before they hit “checkout.”
Film scan sizes (M vs L): which size should you order?
A practical explanation of file sizes, print use, cropping headroom, and when “bigger” actually matters.
Drum scanning service (how it works + what you get)
The main hub page: process overview, what makes drum scans different, and what to request if you want scan-only or finished files.
FAQ
Quick answers. If you want the longer explanation, open the linked guides above.
What should I look for in a drum scan example?
Start with smooth backgrounds (banding shows quickly), then shadows (separation), then edges (detail without halos).
What does “scan-only” mean vs “converted files”?
Scan-only is the raw scan output. Converted files include negative conversion and a finished look. The difference is explained in the linked conversion guide.
Do I always need the biggest file size?
No. If you print large, crop a lot, or want archive-grade files, it makes sense. For smaller prints and web use, a smaller size can be plenty.
Can I request neutral color instead of a “look”?
Yes. Neutral delivery is a choice. If you want a clean baseline for your own grading, request scan-only or a neutral conversion.
Tip: this hub page works best when each feature card on your drum scanning page links to a deeper explanation or a real example here.
