Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I've been scanning and/or printing film for over 20 years now. I also workded for Noritsu for 5 years as a service technician and instructor. DSLR scanning is advancing rapidly and the results you are getting are absolutely stunning, and in my opinion are way better than the Noritsu scans. From what I see online these days, Noritsu scans have an overall red/magenta color cast to the scans. I use a Fuji SP2000 and SP3000 scanner at the lab I run. I prefer the scans from the Fuji over the Noritsu, but no matter what scanner is being used your film is still in the hands of a film lab technician that has the final say on how your film scans look. If the person scanning your film doesn't have a really firm understading of film characteristics and color theory then you will not get good scans. The bottom line is the person scanning the film is as important as the scanner being used. With all of that said, the DSLR scans you did in this video look stunning and do look better than the Noritsu scans that were probably done in about 2-3 minutes time for the entire roll. Unfortunately, the Noritsu and Fuji scanners only let you export the scans as JPEG's or TIFF's. RAW is not an option from what I know, but I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am. With all that said, I'm looking to add film scanning with film sprockets included so I would love to test out Film Lab 3 once I get the Negative Supply film holder and light source. Keep up the great work with improving your software.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'd love to chat more about your workflow and the possibility of using FilmLab at your lab. You can email me directly at abe@developandfix.com
Hi, I just watched few of your last videos, tried v3 beta, and I am very impressed. Your goal and philosophy for this software precisely aligns with my vision from user perspective. Standalone app, fast processing, simple quick workflow with real nondestructive approach. Love the fact that conversions are saved, no need to repeat the whole process again after closing the app, if I want higher quality export in the future, for example. Love the catalog view. And absolutely admire your approach to color science behind the inversion. I am VFX artist. ACES, color management, understanding color transformations, ... is on my daily list. I studied photography and filmmaking, and I am shooting on film and printing in darkroom to this day, and i also worked in LAB equipped with Frontier scanner, as my first student job :D Your approach is like made for me. I hope you will succeed with v3. Right now I am combining manual approach with use of my knowledge about film emulsions and digital image processing, for my large format work, and using NLP for 35mm and medium format. I like the ability to control a lot of things when needed, but I don't enjoy the workflow - need to control lot of things a most of times. I was thinking about solution by Filmomat. My "Frontier memory" was happy about that workflow, but I want a bit more control, and also the ability to just convert and do not have to export / export just preview quality. But have it ready for HQ print export when I will need it. I have a few questions: My workflow is not a typical "DSLR" scan process. I am using Nikon Super Coolscan 4000. I like the "condenser enlarger" look and ability to just stick a film in it and let it do the whole role. I tested my scans in your beta trial. It worked quite nicely, but I want to ask what are intended settings for a scanner like this? Standard Camera + try to google / eyeball the light source? List of supported film stock is quite low right now. Do you plan to expand it? Also interesting idea would be to have custom setting with some exposed parameters for non-listed films - film mask compensation, maybe some other color balance to set its "film color space"...anything your algo need. I was able to hagle my way even with stocks like Orwo NC500, with its greenish color mask. But results weren't consistent. In one lighting situation: Fuji Superia 200 + standard Camera + NS CRI95 given me adjustable base. In others, Kodak Portra 400 + Nikon Camera + D65, because the last ones created base image with colors too of to be balanced buy "Adjustments" in the app. Do you plan to add a Saturation slider? I understand that this slider is maybe not very "true" to C41 + RA4 printing, but it would be nice :) Thank you very much, and sorry for the long message. I understand you don't have a huge team just for communication :) I am really thinking about buying a perpetual version of your software. That's why I am trying to find out answers :)
Looking at negative managers right now and definitely will look at this since it is not a “plug in”. You should also comment on the B&W negative conversions.
Gotta be honest, I used to think your software was bad, now the colors are killing it. Looks brilliant!! Gonna try and compare results with nlp. Looks like I'm switching to yours 🙌
What would you recommend for film stocks that aren't available like Pro400H, Lomo Purple or even something like Lomo 800? Same question when using the CS-Lite in its blue mode to cancel out the orange mask. Do you have a recommendation for Lightsource?
@filmlab I have been wondering this as well. I use the CineStill CS-Lite (using the cool light mode) and sometimes scan films that don’t have built-in profiles like Cinestill 400d and Portra 800
@@lukerand I have been using the Incandescent 6500K option, for negatives. And then just guessing the closest stock, like Portra 400 for 800, etc. But certainly not ideal.
@user-vp5yo5ys5r @lukerand We've been working on filling out our profiles to include all common film stocks and light sources, including the CS-Lite. These will be coming in one of the next beta releases. Thanks for your patience!
Hello there, thank you for the video. May I ask? Why is it even possible to choose the film stock? For a more accurate subtraction of the orange mask? Isn't this something that you can just adjust with the white balance sliders? Or does it somehow affect the shades that cannot be adjusted using white balance?
I wish there was a Capture One integration, but I think I’ll have to give film lab a serious look. I’m getting into film more and so far my negative conversion methods are… imperfect. 😅
It just keeps getting better and better. I have been using FilmLab since version 2 and you guys have made massive improvements to each iteration. Is there any chance that you might get Olympus profiles as an option as that is what I use for all of my macro and film scanning projects?
Thanks for being part of the journey with us! We’re working on getting more camera profiles, including adding model-specific profiles. Unfortunately camera manufacturers don’t share the spectral response data for their sensors so it’s going to take some work to collect this data. For the moment, you might try the Sony profile, since it’s said that Sony makes many of the sensors used in Olympus cameras
I am have just done some very brief tests with some old NEF files from a Z7 and all goes well, however when I try NEF files from my Z8 that I made from copying color negatives today they do not load. Instead of the seeing the photo I just get a block of color across the top and many fine horizontal lines across the bottom instead of the photo. Are they presently not compatible? Thanks
Not yet, but this is something we've been investigating. If you have access to a Noritsu scanner and would be willing to help us in creating a profile, email abe@filmlabapp.com and we can talk about next steps. Thanks!
Your lab scan should be be much larger. Noritsu can scan 135 to 6048x4011 (LS-600) and even larger with a HS-1800. Many labs also provide TIFs / uncompressed files.
We currently have profiles for raw files from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Pentax, and iPhone cameras, as well as a "Standard" profile that supports image files from most other cameras and from scanners
What is the process for scanning the film before using your software to process it? I have an Epson flatbed scanner with a film scanning insert… Do I scan using Epsons software and then import the files into yours? Or I can scan directly from the scanner into film lab? And how does one use Sony camera to scan film? And what makes film love different than processing with Photoshop. I’ve only attempted once to process color negatives in Photoshop and I could not for the life of me get the colors right.. and I know my way around Photoshop quite well.
Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I've been scanning and/or printing film for over 20 years now. I also workded for Noritsu for 5 years as a service technician and instructor. DSLR scanning is advancing rapidly and the results you are getting are absolutely stunning, and in my opinion are way better than the Noritsu scans. From what I see online these days, Noritsu scans have an overall red/magenta color cast to the scans. I use a Fuji SP2000 and SP3000 scanner at the lab I run. I prefer the scans from the Fuji over the Noritsu, but no matter what scanner is being used your film is still in the hands of a film lab technician that has the final say on how your film scans look. If the person scanning your film doesn't have a really firm understading of film characteristics and color theory then you will not get good scans. The bottom line is the person scanning the film is as important as the scanner being used. With all of that said, the DSLR scans you did in this video look stunning and do look better than the Noritsu scans that were probably done in about 2-3 minutes time for the entire roll.
Unfortunately, the Noritsu and Fuji scanners only let you export the scans as JPEG's or TIFF's. RAW is not an option from what I know, but I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am.
With all that said, I'm looking to add film scanning with film sprockets included so I would love to test out Film Lab 3 once I get the Negative Supply film holder and light source. Keep up the great work with improving your software.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'd love to chat more about your workflow and the possibility of using FilmLab at your lab. You can email me directly at abe@developandfix.com
What a HUGE improvement over the last few beta versions! Great job guys 👌
Thanks for the kind words, we appreciate it!
This is absolutely amazing! I'm blown away by the improvement in this version.
Thank you!
Hi, I just watched few of your last videos, tried v3 beta, and I am very impressed. Your goal and philosophy for this software precisely aligns with my vision from user perspective. Standalone app, fast processing, simple quick workflow with real nondestructive approach. Love the fact that conversions are saved, no need to repeat the whole process again after closing the app, if I want higher quality export in the future, for example. Love the catalog view. And absolutely admire your approach to color science behind the inversion.
I am VFX artist. ACES, color management, understanding color transformations, ... is on my daily list. I studied photography and filmmaking, and I am shooting on film and printing in darkroom to this day, and i also worked in LAB equipped with Frontier scanner, as my first student job :D Your approach is like made for me. I hope you will succeed with v3.
Right now I am combining manual approach with use of my knowledge about film emulsions and digital image processing, for my large format work, and using NLP for 35mm and medium format. I like the ability to control a lot of things when needed, but I don't enjoy the workflow - need to control lot of things a most of times. I was thinking about solution by Filmomat. My "Frontier memory" was happy about that workflow, but I want a bit more control, and also the ability to just convert and do not have to export / export just preview quality. But have it ready for HQ print export when I will need it.
I have a few questions:
My workflow is not a typical "DSLR" scan process. I am using Nikon Super Coolscan 4000. I like the "condenser enlarger" look and ability to just stick a film in it and let it do the whole role. I tested my scans in your beta trial. It worked quite nicely, but I want to ask what are intended settings for a scanner like this? Standard Camera + try to google / eyeball the light source?
List of supported film stock is quite low right now. Do you plan to expand it? Also interesting idea would be to have custom setting with some exposed parameters for non-listed films - film mask compensation, maybe some other color balance to set its "film color space"...anything your algo need.
I was able to hagle my way even with stocks like Orwo NC500, with its greenish color mask. But results weren't consistent. In one lighting situation: Fuji Superia 200 + standard Camera + NS CRI95 given me adjustable base. In others, Kodak Portra 400 + Nikon Camera + D65, because the last ones created base image with colors too of to be balanced buy "Adjustments" in the app.
Do you plan to add a Saturation slider? I understand that this slider is maybe not very "true" to C41 + RA4 printing, but it would be nice :)
Thank you very much, and sorry for the long message. I understand you don't have a huge team just for communication :)
I am really thinking about buying a perpetual version of your software. That's why I am trying to find out answers :)
Excellent work!!! Please add a histogram! This software is excellent thank you for giving us an alternative to NLP and Lightroom.
A second for a histogram to make micro adjustments much easier. Very solid software so far!
When is version 3 launching. It has been in beta for a long time.
Looking at negative managers right now and definitely will look at this since it is not a “plug in”. You should also comment on the B&W negative conversions.
Gotta be honest, I used to think your software was bad, now the colors are killing it. Looks brilliant!! Gonna try and compare results with nlp. Looks like I'm switching to yours 🙌
Thanks for the kind words!
The examples look wonderful.
I am definitely looking forward to trying it out.
I would love if this could be linked with Capture One Pro.
What would you recommend for film stocks that aren't available like Pro400H, Lomo Purple or even something like Lomo 800? Same question when using the CS-Lite in its blue mode to cancel out the orange mask. Do you have a recommendation for Lightsource?
@filmlab I have been wondering this as well. I use the CineStill CS-Lite (using the cool light mode) and sometimes scan films that don’t have built-in profiles like Cinestill 400d and Portra 800
@@lukerand I have been using the Incandescent 6500K option, for negatives. And then just guessing the closest stock, like Portra 400 for 800, etc. But certainly not ideal.
@user-vp5yo5ys5r @lukerand We've been working on filling out our profiles to include all common film stocks and light sources, including the CS-Lite. These will be coming in one of the next beta releases. Thanks for your patience!
@@filmlabappplease add CS lite option. It’s the only thing holding me and my team back from moving over to your lifetime subscriptions!❤❤❤
Hello there, thank you for the video. May I ask? Why is it even possible to choose the film stock? For a more accurate subtraction of the orange mask? Isn't this something that you can just adjust with the white balance sliders? Or does it somehow affect the shades that cannot be adjusted using white balance?
Great but what are the filmlab settings to use if my negative is, for example, a kodak vericolor film, scanned with a flabbed scanner ?
looks good and you dont have to use lightroom. I prefer to do adjustments in luminar .Golden question can you output as dng thanks for video
Do you plan to release a Linux version?
I wish there was a Capture One integration, but I think I’ll have to give film lab a serious look. I’m getting into film more and so far my negative conversion methods are… imperfect. 😅
Went with at least a year of FilmLab… I would love to help add more film… settings?
+1 for Capture One integration
It just keeps getting better and better. I have been using FilmLab since version 2 and you guys have made massive improvements to each iteration. Is there any chance that you might get Olympus profiles as an option as that is what I use for all of my macro and film scanning projects?
Thanks for being part of the journey with us! We’re working on getting more camera profiles, including adding model-specific profiles. Unfortunately camera manufacturers don’t share the spectral response data for their sensors so it’s going to take some work to collect this data. For the moment, you might try the Sony profile, since it’s said that Sony makes many of the sensors used in Olympus cameras
Thanks Abe. That is what I currently use.
Is there an option to view the histogram to ensure the highlights and shadows are not getting clipped?
Not yet, but this is something that others have asked for so we plan to add it in the future!
I am have just done some very brief tests with some old NEF files from a Z7 and all goes well, however when I try NEF files from my Z8 that I made from copying color negatives today they do not load. Instead of the seeing the photo I just get a block of color across the top and many fine horizontal lines across the bottom instead of the photo. Are they presently not compatible? Thanks
Can the FilmLab software work with Noritsu raws?
Not yet, but this is something we've been investigating. If you have access to a Noritsu scanner and would be willing to help us in creating a profile, email abe@filmlabapp.com and we can talk about next steps. Thanks!
@@filmlabapp I've sent you an email.
Your lab scan should be be much larger. Noritsu can scan 135 to 6048x4011 (LS-600) and even larger with a HS-1800. Many labs also provide TIFs / uncompressed files.
Yes they also charge an arm and a leg for full res scans.
does "scanning device" section have Panasonic options? Specifically Full Frame.
Not yet, but this is on our roadmap. The Panasonic full frame cameras are great so we definitely want to support them!
What other scanning options are in the scanning device drop down?
We currently have profiles for raw files from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Pentax, and iPhone cameras, as well as a "Standard" profile that supports image files from most other cameras and from scanners
@@filmlabapp great! Thanks so much!
What is the process for scanning the film before using your software to process it? I have an Epson flatbed scanner with a film scanning insert… Do I scan using Epsons software and then import the files into yours? Or I can scan directly from the scanner into film lab? And how does one use Sony camera to scan film? And what makes film love different than processing with Photoshop. I’ve only attempted once to process color negatives in Photoshop and I could not for the life of me get the colors right.. and I know my way around Photoshop quite well.
@@filmlabapp i have the same question about the scanning into film lab from my epson scanner
3.6 crashes trying to export tiffs. Does ok with jpegs though
Thanks for the bug report! This is an issue affecting FilmLab on Windows. We're working on a fix now and should have a new build available soon.