Scanning Film at Nice: An Overview
Scanning is a crucial step in the film development process that can significantly impact the quality of your images. Unfortunately, many photographers have experienced the disappointment of receiving misaligned, dusty, or improperly colored scans from labs. At Nice, we approach things differently, prioritizing the photographer’s needs.
In many U.S. labs, the typical procedure involves dropping off your film, paying at the counter, inquiring about the turnaround time, and then leaving. This process prioritizes speed, often at the expense of quality and customer-specific preferences. At Nice, we tailor our scanning services around three key criteria: price, speed, and quality, with a particular emphasis on quality. While quick service is important, our focus is on delivering high-quality scans that meet your expectations. If you're accustomed to merely receiving a WeTransfer file without giving much thought to the quality of your scans, we're here to change that mindset. Let’s explore the steps Nice takes to ensure the highest quality when scanning your film negatives.
We use six identical HS-1800 scanners for all our film scanning. Before any scanning begins, each machine is thoroughly cleaned, calibrated, and air-blown to remove dust. The film is loaded into the scanner starting at frame 1 and ending at frame 36. This is where our initial color adjustments take place. Our lab technicians fine-tune the Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow settings of each photo. It's crucial to understand that these adjustments are made to match the color profile of the film and to enhance the details based on the photographer’s shooting style.
Here we implement any adjustments photographers make note of in the “roll notes” section of their order
From there the photos are transferred to an editing computer where they go through a second color inspection. All images are rotated to proper orientation and dust/spot removal is applied
Scanning Options
Standard Scans
At Nice, we scan every roll of film at a default setting of 16-bit per channel, producing files the range from 40-300MB in size. By pre scanning rolls at this bit depth we ensure that all our customers have access to the best TIFF version of their images whenever needed. This option to unlock TIFFS makes Nice stand out as a premiere lab for film photographers. For members subscribed to the Very Nice and Super Nice tiers, these high-resolution TIFF scans are automatically available. We offer three resolution options tailored to your specific needs. Most of our customers, including those at the non-member and Nice tier levels, prefer the 4K or Pro Scan options, which include the highest resolution TIFF files available by default.
For Standard scans, the turnaround time is live-updated at checkout, allowing customers to see the current processing times immediately.
Standard 2K - With Option To Unlock TIFF
Our 2K scanning option, the latest addition to the Nice workflow is designed to enhance flexibility for both amateur and professional clients. This format delivers images in 2K resolution that offer exceptional quality suitable for a wide range of applications. Although the JPG version of these scans may not have the extreme color depth of our TIFFs, they capture significant detail, vibrant colors, and authentic film stock color profiles, making them perfect for projects where quick turnaround is essential without sacrificing quality.
A significant advantage of the 2K Only scans is the quicker processing time. Compared to the longer 4K TIFF format scans, 2K scans are able to be scanned in roughly one-third of the time per roll. If you want your photos back before the estimated turnaround time but don’t want to pay for rush, this is a great option. Despite the faster processing time, each roll is treated with the same meticulous care by our lab technicians. They perform frame by frame color adjustments and light editing, ensuring that all scans, regardless of the chosen format, receive comprehensive and precise treatment to deliver the unparalleled quality our customers have come to expect from Nice. This includes a second round of corrections to remove dust, rotate photos and clear any abrasions from images.
This efficient scanning option suits both beginners and professionals, particularly those who value quality and speed but do not engage in heavy post-processing. Should you need a higher resolution later on, you can always return the negatives to Nice for a rescan.
Additional Scanning Options
Standard 4K - TIFF Included
Our Standard 4K scans follow the same meticulous workflow as our 2K option but deliver images at an ultra‑high 4K resolution, giving you the ultimate in detail and color fidelity. Here’s what you get with Standard 4K:
Unmatched Resolution & Dynamic Range
Each frame is scanned at 4K, capturing every grain, highlight nuance, and shadow detail native to your film. The included TIFF files provide full bit‑depth color and dynamic range—perfect for large‑format printing, heavy retouching, or archival projects—while the accompanying high‑quality JPEGs let you preview and share images instantly.
TIFF & JPEG for Maximum Flexibility
With TIFFs included by default, you have immediate access to master‑quality files without any add‑on fees. The JPEG previews are automatically generated from the same frame‑by‑frame color‑corrected master, so you never have to wait for a separate export or compromise on color accuracy.
Comprehensive Quality Control
Just like our 2K scans, every 4K roll receives two rounds of careful inspection and editing. Our lab technicians:
Perform precise frame‑by‑frame color and exposure adjustments
Remove dust, correct rotation, and other quality screening steps
Execute a second pass to ensure pixel‑perfect consistency across the entire roll
Turnaround Time
Because 4K scanning requires more capture and processing time the Standard 4K option is best for projects where ultimate image quality outweighs the need for rapid delivery. If you need your scans sooner and can work from high‑quality JPEGs alone, our 2K option is optimized for speed.
Who It’s For
The Standard 4K service is ideal for:
Professional photographers planning large prints or exhibitions
Archival and fine‑art projects demanding maximum fidelity
Heavy post‑production workflows where TIFF masters are essential
If you decide later that you only need the smaller JPEGs or wish for a faster turnaround, you can always choose our 2K scans on future orders—or contact us to discuss rush‑scan options for 4K files. At Nice, every negative is cared for with the same dedication, so you can trust that whichever format you pick, your film will get the expert treatment it deserves.
Pro Scans
Pro scans is the optioned aimed at photographers looking for professional grade work from our expert colorist and lab technicians. Pro Scans elevate the quality of film development with a high degree of customization and collaborative possibilities. Our expert technicians meticulously adjust tones and colors to match each photographer’s unique style. Photographers can actively participate in the scanning process, providing feedback to ensure the final product meets their precise standards.
Fine-Tuned Tonal and Color Adjustments: Our expert technicians meticulously adjust tonal and color curves to achieve your desired look, tailored to your unique style and preferences.
Collaboration and Feedback: Pro Scans allow you to collaborate with our scanning team. You can provide feedback and request adjustments after the initial scans to meet your expectations.
Individualized Scanning: Each film roll is treated individually, with no reliance on generic color profiles. This approach optimizes scans based on the nuances of your film.
Access to 4K TIFF Files: Pro Scans include all the 4K TIFF files, offering extensive detail, color information, and editing flexibility for post-processing work.
Pricing: Pro Scans are an add-on priced at $19.99 per roll for members and $24.99/roll for non-members.
Preferred by Professionals: Many professional photographers choose Pro Scans for their projects due to the customization and quality they offer, making them the ideal choice for achieving their artistic vision.
Rush
Nice offers a Rush service option that can be selected after choosing either our standard scanning or the no TIFF unlock options. Priced at $14.99 per roll, this service guarantees that your C-41 and/or B&W film will be scanned and uploaded within one business day, following the initial scanning choice you've made. Additionally, with a Super Nice membership, the Rush service is automatically applied to all your rolls at no extra charge, ensuring your film is processed expediently every time.
At Nice, we understand that scanning is more than just a procedural step; it's a critical part of preserving and enhancing the photographic art captured on film. Unlike other film labs that prioritize speed over quality, Nice is dedicated to delivering scans that photographers can be proud of. Our meticulous approach ensures that every film strip is handled with the utmost care, starting from a detailed cleaning and calibration of our HS-1800 scanners to the precise color adjustments tailored to each photographer's unique style.
We stand out by offering a range of scanning options that cater to various needs and preferences. From our standard 4K TIFF scans that preserve the highest level of detail and color depth, to our efficient JPEG options that still maintain excellent quality but with a faster turnaround, Nice is equipped to meet both the aspirations of professional photographers and the practical needs of hobbyists. Our Pro Scans take this a step further, offering a tailer made scanning experience where photographers can actively engage with our trained technicians to fine-tune each scan to their exact specifications.
Choosing Nice means opting for a scanning service that values quality just as much as you value your art. We're not just processing film; we're your partner in film photography. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a passionate amateur, we’re ensuring that every roll you shoot is given the attention it deserves, transforming your memories from elusion straight to you.
