Media Information

Prototype number 7

Over the last 4 months we’ve worked through numerous versions of the Film Carrier MK1 for camera scanning.  During our time working on this project, we’ve had the unit in the hands of users implementing it within existing camera scanning workflows or discovering the process for the first time, and we’ve made many modifications and improvements based on their feedback. Early prototypes used dozens of parts, each assembled by hand, while the current model uses two very precisely manufactured Nylon halves assembled with high end hardware and stainless steel. Each and every model has tightened, precise components to ensure the final product works smoothly and efficiently.

Beta Program

While the design for the unit is 95% finished and manufacturing is secured, we understand that having more hands on the unit before launch will be instrumental in ensuring a quality, refined, and long lasting product.  Over the next 30 days we will be sending additional beta units out to folks throughout the world, individuals who have experience with traditional scanning technologies, camera scanning, and lab duplication in a museum and education environment.  Our beta testers so far have uncovered several key pieces of information, including providing feedback about the film sprocket alignment, the stability during use, and best practices for camera scanning to provide our users.  Most notably is Northeast Photographic, a professional lab in Maine run by Mark Sperry.  In addition, several local photographers have been hands on with the unit near Nashville and Philadelphia, with hundreds of rolls of film scanned with ease.

Build Quality

Using agile manufacturing techniques, including HP’s fantastic Multi-Jet Fusion additive printing technologies, we are able to create a structure that rivals injection molding and 3D printing. This technology, along with weeks in CAD, has allowed us to create a very complex yet elegant design that’s incredibly durable, beautiful, and precise.  The drive mechanism, with precision stainless steel shafts and nylon/silicone bushings, is greaseless.  This allows for incredibly smooth yet dampened film advancement, while eliminating the risk of lubricants or particulates coming apart during actuation. 

Pricing and The Industry

Early on  our goal was to make a product that was affordable, yet met the quality standards photographers expect. While it would be easy to find a manufacturer to produce 5,000+ of these at cut rate prices, it’s actually very hard to find companies willing to produce much smaller yields, while hitting quality control checkpoints.  Thankfully, due to a few amazing companies, the film industry is now able to support physical products on a scale that matches the number of shooters interested in a respective product.  In doing so, we were also able to scale up or down as needed, and have projections for launch production regardless of if we hit 50 orders, 500, or more. While we originally set out to price the unit around $500 USD, we quickly realized that we wanted to make it available for more people, because we truly believe in the film industry.  At Negative Supply, we believe that if we can make at home scanning easier, then more people will shoot and develop more film.  This tool isn’t meant to cut into lab usage, but rather allow more people, especially those around the world not near a lab, to enjoy film photography like we do.  This system is also a great tool for current commercial film labs, as your hardware (the camera/lens) can be upgraded as digital technology improves. 

Our “Early Bird” price for the Film Carrier MK1 is $249 and $279 after the early bird phase. For our Film Carrier MK1 + Pro Mount MK1 + anti-static brush kit, it’s $399 early bird, and $429 after that phase ends.

Kickstarter Launch and Timeline

Our kickstarter launches on Monday, July 1st.  We will have a 48 hour “Early Bird” period with lower pricing and faster shipping, followed by several yet to be announced stretch goals based on funding.  Based on hundreds of individuals letting us know they are interested in our product, we anticipate the “Early Bird” period to be very popular.  For launch, we are also setting expectations that this product will be shipped to backers in September, with our earliest backers getting theirs first.  Lastly, we do have contingency plans for this product if quantities surpass 500 units and are excited for what’s to come.  

Medium Format and Large Format Scanning

While our Film Carrier MK1 scanner is designed specifically for 35mm roll film, we do have plans to create a full roll 120 film scanning system as well as a scanning option for 4x5 large format film. Both of these designs will be created to work in conjunction with our Pro Mount MK1. These designs could potentially be funded as the result of successfully reaching a Kickstarter stretch goal.

About Negative Supply

Co-founded by Saxon McClamma and AJ Holmes, Negative Supply is a company that works to respond to the needs of film photographers around the world, while actively evolving with a rapidly changing industry.  While our primary focus is currently on product engineering and design, our vision doesn’t stop there.  We aim to become a resource for film photographers of all skill levels and career points to come and learn, share, and support the industry together.

Promo Video

Images

Images free for media or publication. Click image and right click to download.

Renders

Images free for media or publication. Click image and right click to download.

Sample Scans

120 and 4x5 Sample Scans (Beta Product, Upcoming)