For the uninitiated user, Pixl-Latr’s products may seem like a mystery at first. What can one do with these strange, sliding puzzle-like pieces?
Pixl-Latr is actually a modular film holder that is especially suitable for digitising films in analogue photography. This film holder is designed to help photography enthusiasts effortlessly transfer their precious analogue shots into the digital world.
In this review, we will take a closer look at Pixl-Latr and examine its features as well as its benefits for photographers.
What is a film holder?
What do you need a film holder for and what role does it play in the digitisation of analogue film?
A film holder is a device or apparatus used in the digitisation of photographs taken in analogue form. In order to convert analogue photos into digital form, digitisation is a necessary step. There are different approaches to digitisation, with differences in quality, speed and cost.
However, the basic principle of digitisation remains the same. A light source is sent through the film material and the ‘data’ produced is captured by a recording medium. This recording medium can be a scanner, for example.
One of the currently popular methods of digitisation is the use of a digital camera. This is partly because of the speed of the process. However, the main reason is probably the cost, since most of the accessories needed are already available if one is already more intensively involved in photography.
Digitising with a digital camera
The principle of digitisation using a digital camera is comparatively simple, although there are numerous settings and adjustments to achieve the best possible results.
The digitisation of film strips is done in several steps:
To photograph the film strip in full format, one needs a digital camera with a macro lens. This combination allows the images to be captured in high quality.
A light source is necessary to make the film negatives or slides clearly visible. In the simplest case, a window can be used for this, but depending on the requirements, a more professional lighting solution can also be considered.
With regular use, digitisation can be further professionalised. This includes a tripod for the camera, a cable release to avoid camera shake, and a constant light source such as a flash or light table. The use of a flash offers the advantage that you can work independently of the lighting conditions, which also makes longer exposure times possible.
A useful accessory that is often not included as standard is a film holder. This enables precise positioning of the film negative strip or slide between the camera and the light source. When digitising only a few slides, you can also place them directly on the light source or hold them by hand. For more extensive projects, however, a film holder is advisable in order to work efficiently and accurately.
A modular film holder
The Pixl-Latr film holder proves to be a useful tool for holding film strips in position during the digitisation process.
Various approaches to film holders exist, but what makes the Pixl-Latr product special is its modular structure. The basic structure of the film holder resembles a black picture frame and offers space for 4×5 sheets of sheet film. In addition, various plastic inserts are available to allow the use of other film formats.
The basic package includes inserts for 35mm and medium format films. Additional inserts are also available to capture the edges and sprockets of medium format and 35mm film. Other film formats supported include 35mm slides, medium format slides, 4 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ glass plates, 3 1/4″ glass plates, 127 film, APS film, 110 film and Minox 8×11 film.
The modularity of the system allows users to purchase only the inserts they actually need. This usually leads to more cost-effective solutions, as the basic framework does not have to be purchased again.
The stabilising position of the film holder is ensured by four small knobs on the back and a non-slip mat. The mat is particularly useful when using a tablet as a light source. The mat must be purchased separately.
Summary on the Pixl-Latr film holder
When you open the package for the first time, it seems a bit confusing with all the plastic strips. But since they are all labelled and instructions are included, you can quickly keep track of them.
The film holder keeps its promise. It helps you to digitise your own analogue photos.
In my opinion, some points could be improved. One point concerns the material of the accessories themselves. The plastic really attracts dust. Although this dust is not necessarily transferred to the negatives and becomes visible later in the digital files, it is not exactly helpful.
The second point concerns the attachment of the translucent back plate. This is simply inserted at several contact points. Although this allows the film to be changed quickly, it does not necessarily offer one hundred per cent security. Another mechanism might be conceivable here. Perhaps a kind of clip with several steps to hold the film even more firmly.
A third point concerns the insertion of the film itself. According to the instructions, you turn the film holder to the back, then insert the film and close the whole thing with the back plate. With this method, when the back plate is attached, you can no longer see the film and it can therefore slip a little again. Here, in my opinion, it would be better to insert the film in the “scan position” without having to move the film holder again. However, this is not possible because of the frame.
The third point is therefore not particularly serious, as you can still adjust the film slightly even when it is closed. However, this again has the disadvantage that the film is not completely fixed and does not lie flat with wavy films, especially with larger formats such as medium format strips. However, a vertical insert can remedy this.
Apart from these points, the purchase of the Pixl-Latr film holder is definitely recommendable. Especially in this price segment, it is a good choice and there are few alternatives.
Sample images
A digital full-frame camera was used for the sample images. An externally triggered clip-on flash served as the light source and the Pixl-Latr film holder as the film holder. The RAW files were then processed with Negative Pro in Lightroom.
Purchase
It is easy to order Pixl-Latr products online. All variants and formats are available in the online store. In addition, there are accessories such as cleaning products. Please note that the products are shipped from the UK and that, depending on the country, additional taxes and customs duties may apply.
The film holder and accessories were kindly provided by Pixl-Latr.