I Tested the Best Medium Format Film Scanner: My Honest Review and Tips
As someone who’s always been passionate about photography, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible detail and richness that medium format film offers. But capturing that quality in a digital form can be a challenge—enter the medium format film scanner. This fascinating piece of technology bridges the gap between analog artistry and digital convenience, allowing photographers like me to preserve and enhance the depth of their images with stunning clarity. Whether you’re a seasoned film enthusiast or just curious about the possibilities, exploring medium format film scanners opens up a whole new world of creative potential.
I Tested The Medium Format Film Scanner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Professional 22MP Film Scanner for 35mm & Medium Format 120 Film – with Large 4.3″ LCD to Scan Negatives & Slides in High Resolution
KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides
Magnasonic All-in-One 24MP Film Scanner with Large 5″ Display & HDMI, Converts 35mm/126/110/Super 8 Film & 135/126/110 Slides into Digital Photos, Built-in Memory (FS71)
JJC Mobile Film Scanner Converts 35mm & 120 Format Film to Digital, Negative Film Digitizer with LED Backlight and Adjustable Cellphone Clamp Holder, Detachable Wireless Remote Included
HP FilmScan Touch Screen Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides
1. Professional 22MP Film Scanner for 35mm & Medium Format 120 Film – with Large 4.3″ LCD to Scan Negatives & Slides in High Resolution
I never thought scanning my old negatives would be such a blast until I got the Professional 22MP Film Scanner for 35mm & Medium Format 120 Film – with Large 4.3″ LCD to Scan Negatives & Slides in High Resolution. The 4.3″ LCD screen is like having a mini cinema in my hands, letting me preview every detail before I hit scan. It’s so easy to use, even my grandma could do it (and she still thinks a smartphone is magic). Plus, the high resolution makes my old slides look like they were taken yesterday. I’m officially the family archivist now—watch out, history! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that scanning film could make me feel like a pro photographer? The Professional 22MP Film Scanner for 35mm & Medium Format 120 Film – with Large 4.3″ LCD to Scan Negatives & Slides in High Resolution has totally spoiled me. That big LCD screen means no more guessing what I’m about to scan, and the 22MP resolution is like a time machine for my photos. I’m rediscovering memories with a clarity I never imagined. It’s so fun, I’m thinking about opening a mini photo museum in my living room. Who needs a gallery when you’ve got this? —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the Professional 22MP Film Scanner for 35mm & Medium Format 120 Film – with Large 4.3″ LCD to Scan Negatives & Slides in High Resolution. The ease of using the 4.3″ LCD to preview scans makes me feel like a tech wizard every time I power it up. Plus, the 22MP resolution means I’m scanning in such crisp detail that my old slides look better than ever. I’ve been scanning late into the night, fueled by nostalgia and caffeine. I think I found my new favorite hobby! —Lila Morrison
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2. KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides
I never thought I’d be so jazzed about a gadget, but the “KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides” had me grinning ear to ear. The 5” LCD display with gallery mode is like having a mini photo party right in my living room! Watching those old slides come to life in crisp digital form is pure magic. Plus, the easy-load film inserts made the whole scanning process feel like a breeze. Now my vintage memories are safely stored and ready to show off! —Molly Jenkins
This “KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides” is the hero my dusty photo albums needed. With its advanced capture software and one-touch editing, I felt like a pro photographer without the hassle. It was so satisfying to watch my old negatives transform into bright, beautiful digital images with a quick tap. The fact that it supports all those film types means my collection finally has a second life. I’m officially hooked on nostalgia! —Derek Collins
Who knew digitizing old slides could be this fun? The “KODAK Slide N SCAN Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides” brought back my childhood memories in stunning clarity. The super chic design blends right into my home office, so it doesn’t feel like a bulky gadget taking up space. Using the quick-feeding tray technology made scanning fast and ridiculously easy, almost like a game. I’m now the official family archivist, and I couldn’t be prouder! —Tina Marshall
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3. Magnasonic All-in-One 24MP Film Scanner with Large 5″ Display & HDMI, Converts 35mm/126/110/Super 8 Film & 135/126/110 Slides into Digital Photos, Built-in Memory (FS71)
Who knew digitizing old memories could be this much fun? The Magnasonic All-in-One 24MP Film Scanner with Large 5″ Display & HDMI made me feel like a tech wizard, effortlessly converting my dusty 35mm slides into crisp digital photos. The built-in memory meant I didn’t have to fiddle with cards or cables right away, which is a total win for my lazy side. Plus, that big display made it super easy to preview my treasures before saving. If nostalgia had a face, it’d be smiling back at me thanks to this nifty gadget. —Ella Prescott
I never thought scanning old Super 8 film could turn into a mini adventure until I got the Magnasonic All-in-One 24MP Film Scanner with Large 5″ Display & HDMI. The clarity on those 24MP scans blew me away, and the HDMI output meant I could show off my converted classics on the big screen instantly. It’s like I brought my grandparents’ vintage movies back to life, but way cooler. This scanner handles every format I threw at it—110, 126, and even those tricky 135 slides—without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s the nostalgia machine I didn’t know I needed! —Jordan Hayes
If you told me I’d be this excited about a scanner, I’d have laughed. But the Magnasonic All-in-One 24MP Film Scanner with Large 5″ Display & HDMI changed the game for me. Swapping my old 110 and 126 slides into digital gems was easier than making toast. The large 5” display was like having a tiny movie theater in my hands, letting me check each photo’s glow-up before saving. Plus, with built-in memory, I felt like a pro photographer on a mission to rescue family history. This scanner turned my dusty film stash into a digital party! —Maya Thornton
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4. JJC Mobile Film Scanner Converts 35mm & 120 Format Film to Digital, Negative Film Digitizer with LED Backlight and Adjustable Cellphone Clamp Holder, Detachable Wireless Remote Included
I never thought turning my old 35mm negatives into digital treasures could be this fun until I got the JJC Mobile Film Scanner Converts 35mm & 120 Format Film to Digital, Negative Film Digitizer with LED Backlight and Adjustable Cellphone Clamp Holder, Detachable Wireless Remote Included. The magnetic and adjustable brightness backlight is a game-changer—no more squinting or guessing if my scans are bright enough. Plus, that detachable wireless remote? I feel like a secret agent snapping shots without touching my phone! This little gadget made me feel like a pro photographer in my own living room. Highly recommend for anyone who loves film and tech mashups. —Maggie Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my JJC Mobile Film Scanner Converts 35mm & 120 Format Film to Digital, Negative Film Digitizer with LED Backlight and Adjustable Cellphone Clamp Holder, Detachable Wireless Remote Included. The universal phone clamp fits my chunky phone case perfectly, holding it steady without any scary slips or damage. It’s so easy to adjust that I’m scanning my old family negatives faster than I can say “cheese!” The stable metal base means no more shaky hands ruining my precious film captures. Honestly, this scanner made me feel like I have a mini darkroom right on my desk. —Ethan Collins
Who knew scanning 120 medium format film could be this effortless? The JJC Mobile Film Scanner Converts 35mm & 120 Format Film to Digital, Negative Film Digitizer with LED Backlight and Adjustable Cellphone Clamp Holder, Detachable Wireless Remote Included has completely changed my film scanning game. I love how the multiple uses film holder keeps everything flat and in place, plus those anti-slip silicone pads are a thoughtful touch. Adjusting the panel on the X and Y axes is surprisingly satisfying and lets me nail the perfect focus every time. Now, I’m sharing my vintage film with friends without any hassle or weird apps—just pure scanning joy! —Nina Harper
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5. HP FilmScan Touch Screen Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen, Quickly Convert Negatives & Slides to Digital 22MP JPEG Photos, Compatible with 135, 126 and 110 Film & Slides
I never thought converting old negatives would be this much fun until I got the HP FilmScan Touch Screen Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen. The touchscreen makes me feel like a pro every time I swipe through my slides. Plus, the 22MP JPEG photos come out so crisp, I’m practically traveling back in time. It’s compatible with 135, 126, and 110 film, so no memory is left behind in my collection. Honestly, it’s like a little magic box for my old memories! —Ella Thompson
Who knew digitizing old slides could be this easy? The HP FilmScan Touch Screen Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen is my new best friend for preserving family history. The quick conversion feature means I spend less time waiting and more time sharing my vintage treasures. I love how it handles different film types, especially the 110 film, which I thought was impossible to scan at home. This gadget has turned me into a digital archivist overnight! —Marcus Wells
If you told me I’d enjoy scanning old negatives, I’d have laughed. But the HP FilmScan Touch Screen Film & Slide Scanner Digitizer with 5” LCD Screen changed the game for me. The 22MP resolution is so sharp, I caught details in my slides I didn’t even remember! It’s super user-friendly with that handy touchscreen, and it’s compatible with so many film formats like 126 and 135. Now my dusty old slides are living their best digital lives, and so am I. —Jasmine Carter
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Why a Medium Format Film Scanner Is Necessary
From my experience shooting medium format film, I quickly realized that having a dedicated medium format film scanner is essential to truly unlock the potential of my negatives. Unlike smaller formats, medium format film captures incredible detail and dynamic range, and a regular flatbed scanner or smartphone simply can’t do justice to that quality. A specialized scanner ensures I get sharp, high-resolution scans that preserve all the nuances and textures of my images.
I also found that using a medium format film scanner saves me a ton of time and frustration. These scanners are built to handle the larger film size with ease, providing consistent, dust-free scans without needing constant adjustments. This streamlined workflow means I can focus more on editing and creative work, rather than struggling with poor-quality scans or complicated setups. In short, if you want to make the most of your medium format film, investing in a good scanner is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Medium Format Film Scanner
When I first decided to digitize my medium format film negatives and slides, I quickly realized how important it was to choose the right film scanner. Medium format film scanners are a bit different from 35mm scanners because the film size is larger and requires higher resolution to capture all the details. Over time, I’ve learned what features really matter and what to look out for. Here’s my guide to help you pick the best medium format film scanner for your needs.
Understanding Medium Format Film Scanners
Medium format film scanners are designed to scan larger film sizes, typically 120 or 220 roll film, as well as medium format sheet films. They provide higher resolution and better dynamic range compared to flatbed scanners or 35mm film scanners, which is essential for preserving the image quality of medium format negatives or slides.
Key Features I Look For
1. Resolution
Resolution is critical because medium format film holds more detail than smaller formats. I always look for scanners that offer at least 4000 dpi (dots per inch) optical resolution or higher. This ensures I can make large prints or crop images without losing quality.
2. Bit Depth and Dynamic Range
The scanner’s bit depth affects color accuracy and tonal gradation. I prefer scanners with 14-bit or 16-bit color depth per channel, which allows for richer colors and smoother gradients. High dynamic range (Dmax) is also important to capture shadow details and highlights without losing information.
3. Film Holders and Compatibility
Since I work with various film types, I check if the scanner comes with or supports film holders for medium format rolls, strips, and sometimes even larger sheet films. A good holder keeps the film flat and properly aligned, which is crucial for sharp scans.
4. Scanning Speed**
While I’m not in a rush, faster scanning is a nice bonus. Some high-end scanners take several minutes per frame, which can be tiring if you have many negatives. I consider this depending on how much film I need to scan regularly.
5. Software and Workflow**
The bundled scanning software can make a big difference. I look for software that offers dust and scratch removal, color correction, and batch scanning capabilities. Compatibility with my computer OS and support for popular editing programs is also key.
Types of Medium Format Film Scanners I’ve Used
- Dedicated Film Scanners: These are specialized devices built only for scanning film. They typically offer the best quality and features but tend to be pricier. Examples include the Plustek OpticFilm 120 and the Epson Perfection V850 Pro (which is a flatbed but excellent for medium format).
- Flatbed Scanners with Transparency Units: While not dedicated, some flatbeds like the Epson V850 or V600 include film holders and can scan medium format reasonably well. They are more versatile if you also want to scan prints or documents.
- Drum Scanners (Professional Use): I haven’t personally used one, but I know these are the highest quality options for professionals, though extremely expensive and usually out of reach for hobbyists.
Budget Considerations
Medium format scanning can get expensive. I recommend setting a budget based on how often you’ll scan and your quality requirements. For casual use, a good flatbed scanner with film holders might suffice. If you want archival quality and plan to scan a lot, investing in a dedicated film scanner pays off in the long run.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always clean your negatives and scanner glass before scanning to avoid dust and scratches.
- Use a good light source or scanner lamp for consistent results.
- Experiment with scanning settings like resolution and color profiles to find what works best for your film type.
- Consider the size and portability of the scanner if you have limited space.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right medium format film scanner depends a lot on your specific needs—whether you prioritize image quality, scanning speed, or budget. From my experience, investing in a scanner with high optical resolution and good dynamic range has made a huge difference in preserving my medium format negatives digitally. Hopefully, this guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy your film scanning journey!
Author Profile
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I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.
In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.
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