Hasselblad Imacon Flextight X5 – Virtual drum scanner Lab Equipment

The Hasselblad Imacon Flextight X5 is a high-end film scanner known for its exceptional image quality, advanced technology, and ease of use. We have a model that is currently superfluous to our requirements in the lab, and we’d rather it went somewhere it will be used! Perfect for a professional or semi-professional film photographer looking for ultimate home scans – or a lab seeking to offer professional services to their clients.

Please call us on +44 1494 325970 to discuss. Pick-up or delivery arranged by purchaser only.

Service History and Condition

Our unit had a full maintenance check and fix in 2023, with a brand new motherboard was installed*, and there are no issues with the hardware or software.

*The old motherboard is included in the price as it is useful for parts.

Here’s an overview of how the Hasselblad Imacon Flextight X5 works:

Virtual Drum Scanning

The Imacon Flextight X5 uses a virtual drum scanning technology that combines the benefits of flatbed and drum scanning. Film is mounted on a flexible magnetic holder and bent into an arc. This curvature keeps the film perfectly flat and in focus during scanning, mimicking the precision of traditional drum scanners without the need for fluid mounting.

CCD Sensor

The scanner employs a high-resolution CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensor to capture the image. The CCD sensor is moved over the film to capture the entire image in fine detail.

Light Source

The Flextight X5 uses a cold cathode fluorescent light source to illuminate the film. This light source provides consistent, even illumination across the film, ensuring accurate color reproduction and minimising any hot spots or uneven lighting.

Optics and Lenses

High-quality optics, including a moving lens, ensure that the image is captured with sharpness and clarity. The lens can be adjusted to match the resolution requirements and film size, offering flexibility in scanning different formats.

Film Holders

Various film holders are available to accommodate different film formats, including 35mm, medium format, and large format. These holders keep the film flat and in the correct position during scanning.

Digital ICE Technology

The scanner incorporates Digital ICE (Image Correction and Enhancement) technology to automatically remove dust and scratches from the film. This process uses infrared light to detect imperfections on the film surface and software algorithms to correct them without affecting the image.

Scanning Process

Preparation

The film is loaded into the appropriate magnetic holder and inserted into the scanner. The scanner automatically detects the type and size of the film.

Calibration

The scanner performs an initial calibration to ensure accurate color reproduction and exposure settings. This includes calibrating the light source and sensor.

Scanning

The CCD sensor and lens assembly move across the film, capturing the image in strips. The scanned strips are then stitched together to form a high-resolution digital image.

Processing

The scanned image undergoes initial processing, including color correction, exposure adjustment, and removal of dust and scratches using Digital ICE technology. Additional adjustments can be made using the included software for further enhancement.

Output

The final image is saved in the desired format, typically TIFF or JPEG. The software provides options for adjusting resolution, bit depth, and file compression.

Advantages

• High Resolution: Capable of scanning at resolutions up to 8000 dpi, ensuring extremely detailed images.
• Colour Fidelity: Accurate colour reproduction thanks to the high-quality light source and calibration process.
• Versatility: Can handle various film formats and sizes, making it suitable for professional photographers and archivists.
• Efficiency: Faster than traditional drum scanners and easier to use with its intuitive software and automated features.

The Hasselblad Imacon Flextight X5 is a powerful tool for digitising film with professional-grade quality, combining advanced scanning technologies to deliver exceptional results.