Disc Film to Digital
Disc film is a cartridge film format. Each disc is circular and contains 15 tiny exposures positioned 24 degrees apart around the edge of the disc. The shape and size might remind you of those 3D Viewmaster discs, but they’re not the same thing.
Although consumers bought more than 25 million disc film cameras, this rare film format was mostly a novelty. Kodak disc film cameras were only made from 1982 to 1988, and Kodak stopped making disc film altogether in 1997.
How small is each image? About 8-by-10.5mm. That’s smaller than your thumbnail, and less than half the size of an exposure on 110 film slides or negatives.
They’re so small that even when scanned by professionals, the images often seem grainy or blurry once all the tiny imperfections are enlarged on a screen or a print.
While you shouldn’t expect pristine images with lots of detail, we’re happy to scan these and save every last bit of your family memories on DVDs and USB flash drives. Some of your disc negatives could have captured the only surviving photos of family friends or a long-lost relative. Why pass up the chance to see them again?
Everything you need to know
about disc negative scanning
Why so pricey?
There’s no easy way to scan disc negatives. We use special trays to hold them steady, and scan each frame one-at-a-time. 35mm film is the most common format, so while we’ve streamlined our scanning process for that breed to save you money, any non-standard film interrupts our workflow and takes more time to get the best scans possible.
Can I use a Viewmaster?
Sadly, it doesn’t work. Viewmaster uses two photos to get a 3D effect, but disc film photos are only 2D. Disc film is also color negative, so the colors in each image will look backwards when viewed as-is. You’ll need these scanned to properly view whatever was photographed.
How old is my disc film?
Disc negatives were discontinued in 1997, so the film itself is at least 20-something years old. The photos stored on that film could be younger depending on when they were shot. Kodak phased out disc film cameras in the late ’80s, though, so it’s unlikely that most of these cameras have outlived the film.
Can I print from my disc photo film?
You can print anything from film – the real question is, will it look good? Photos on disc negatives are so tiny that there’s a limit to how much detail they can hold. We recommend opting for high-resolution scanning if you’re after the best possible enlargements. Results will vary!
Negative scanning – From Our Blog
Glass Plate Negatives
Glass plate negatives – another rare negative format.
Read more on glass plate negatives…
Get to know 35mm Negatives
They’re more common than disc film – catch our post on 35mm negatives!
More on 35mm negatives here…
Negative Film Q&A
We talked to Roger, our photo department specialist, all about negative film.
Learn from the master…
“EverPresent was great! They digitized some very old negatives for me … These negatives were some of the only record of my family’s farm. Kate was very interested in my project and extremely helpful! Kate and her team worked very hard and I could not be happier with the results. They were professional, courteous and very accommodating to my wishes and needs … I will absolutely work with them on my next project.”
– Craig G.
Standard & custom disc film scanning pricing
We’ll scan your disc negatives to DVD, USB or digital and maintain your organization, including your captions!
- 2000 DPI on professional scanners
- Ordered, titled and numbered
- 3 level human eye quality control
- Dust removal, cleaning & orientation
- 2000 DPI on professional scanners
- Unpack & repack of sleeves
- Dust removal via cloth, brush & compressed air
- Ordered, titled & numbered
- 2000 DPI on professional scanners
- White-gloved, expert technicians
- Returned as is or in organized photo boxes
- Private website upload
- Unique photo projects
- Photo books
- Slideshows
- Work one-on-one with our talented designers
Have a large photo scanning project?
Book your consultation online now to save 15%
- Extra USB: Ask your consultant
- High resolution scans: Ask your consultant
- Captions in file name or metadata: $0.99/ea
- Add advanced foldering: $0.15/image
- Advanced organizing (keyword search, etc): $95/hour
- Private website: first 180 days free, then $80/year
or work with us from the comfort of your own home.
You can also ship directly to us!
- Consulations from the privacy of your own home
- Perfect for large or complex projects with multiple formats
- Our certified consultants travel across the Northeast
- Free, no obligations estimate
- Speak with our certified consultants over the phone
- Ship to our headquarters in Newton, MA
Visit one of our Northeast locations:
MassachusettsHEADQUARTERS - Newton
Ashburnham
Beverly, MA
Back Bay & South End
Braintree
Burlington
Cambridge/Somerville
Dartmouth
Falmouth
Great Barrington
Natick
Northborough
Northampton
Worcester
WE ORGANIZE AND DIGITIZE ALL OF YOUR MEMORIES
