FAQ

+ How long will it take to scan my order?

Our regular turnaround time is 2-3 weeks. We do offer GUARANTEED rush services at additional cost if you need your project sooner. 7 days rush at +25%, 2-3 days rush at +50% and 1 day rush at +100%.

+ What is the best resolution for me?

It all depends on how you will be planning to screen your project. Also if you plan on future proofing it for the best archival quality available now.

If you think it may one day be seen on a 4k monitor, then that is the best choice. The standard for most HD TVs and social media/websites is 1080p. But more often we are seeing youtube & vimeo showing 4k as a new standard.

Resolutions above 1080p give you more flexibility with your project to crop in and manupulate the image.

+ Is 4k overkill for super 8 / 16mm?

No. Having more pixels to resolve the grain provides sharper details and more clarity in the image than a 2k scan. Recommended to future proof your scan for potential distribution or screening in 4k.

+ What is HDR?

High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) is a technique that allows us to capture more information in the shadows and highlights. We flash the film twice (similar to photography bracketing) and combine the two images for an extremely smooth image with expanded highlight and shadow detail. Traditional scanning at other facilities may result in digital noise in the highlights or shadows from scanners that struggle to handle the contrast of film

+ How large of a hard drive/usb thumb drive will I need for my scan?

The size of the resulting files varies based on the resolution of the scan, the output format, and the amount of footage. Use this file size calculator to get an estimate of how large the resulting scan may be.

+ Can I receive my scan via upload instead of providing/buying a hard drive?

We do offer online file delivery services and use our own password protected servers to do so. However, the availability of this service depends on the size of the scan files. This is affected by the amount of footage, the resolution of the scan, and the output requested. If you would like your files uploaded please let us know and we will assess the viability of it based on the specifications of your order. Please note that we do NOT offer uploads of DPX/TIFF formats because of the mass number of files and data size.

+ What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash (in store only), Credit Card, EFT, Cheque, Direct Deposit and Interac e-transfers (preferred).

+ I’m coming to the studio, is there anywhere to park?

Free street parking. Alternatively Sweet Potato Grocery store is next to us and has a big parking lot, suggest buying something to support them :)

+ Do you offer discounts to LIFT members or students?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount on our scans to students and verified LIFT members.

+ I am not in canada, can I get my film scanned with you?

Yes, you can!

+ What makes you different then other places?

Well explained for you in detail in the ‘our story’ page.

+ I have other questions

Ask us here: CONTACT US