Film Output FAQ

LVT Film Stock

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The LVT Rhino+ can image files on Color Negative (C-41), Color Positive (E-6) and B&W negative films.
Color Negative - Kodak Portra 160VC
Color Negative - Kodak Portra 160NC (Currently used and preferred)
Color Positive - Fuji Provia 100F RDP3 (Currently used and preferred)
Color Positive - Kodak E100G
B&W Negative - Kodak Tmax 100
B&W Negative - Ilford FP4+ (Currently used and preferred)

If you require a different film stock, please Contact Us.
We can potentially calibrate the LVT to any Color or B&W film stock and processing routine.
The setup fee for a film stock not listed if you provide the film is $250.
Please Note: A minimum of 5-10 sheets of 8x10 film is required to complete the calibration.
The film should all be from the same emulsion lot. The film used for imaging the final files should also be the same emulsion lot.

If we will need to source the film, the setup fee is $600.

B&W 8x10 Positives are also available, please Contact Us for more information.

LVT Resolution Chart

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When creating the file for LVT OUtput, please size them according to the chart below.

Film Size	RES 40 (1016 DPI)	File Size	RES 80 (2032 DPI)	File Size
4x5-4x5"	4,064px x 5,080px	59.07 MB	8,128px x 10,160px	236.26 MB

8x10-9.25”x7.75”

9,398px x 7,600px

204.35 MB

18,796px x 15,200px

817.39 MB

Sample: Creating a new image for LVT RES 40 Output in Adobe Photoshop® CS4
Note: The file name in the image is a sample, you may keep your original file name.

LVT Output File Specs:

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LVT File Prep:
Create your files using the Adobe RGB 1998 profile, color correct and then save the file as an 8 bit RGB TIFFs (IBM Tiff format).
The Tiffs must be flattened, no alpha channels with No Profiles Embedded. If a profile is embedded the LVT will reject the file.
The actual imaging area on the LVT is slightly smaller then the nominal film size.
Please take this into consideration when creating your file. Please use the table below. Exact 4x5" or 5x7” output requires 8x10" film.
Make sure to indicate how you would like the file to appear ie. vertical or horizontal in a 4x5 or 8x10 if its small.
Also indicate either a white or black background if the size of the image does not come to the edge.

Create your files for the desired output resolution and film size.
The active image area for 4x5 is 4x5” and 8x10 is 9.25”x7.75”
RES 80 = 2032 DPI

Sample: Creating a new image for LVT RES 40 Output in Adobe Photoshop® CS4
Note: The file name in the image is a sample, you may keep your original file name.

Polaroid ProPalette 4x5 filmoutput Update

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As of 01-01-2011, we are no longer imaging 4x5s on our ProPalette 8000.
For 4x5 and 8x10 film output, please see our LVT output services.
The reason for this is that the quality from the ProPalette is not as good (sharpness and color) as the LVT for 4x5s. The other reason is that the film profiles for the ProPalette and 4x5 film do not match any current product available. Because of the way that Polaroid designed them, they are not modifiable or adjustable.
The LVT on the other is fully calibrateable, color corrected and able to use current modern films.
For more information, please contact us.

What film type can you output onto?

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In general, we can output onto any available film stock for 35mm, 120/220 and 4x5.
Below is a list of film currently in stock. Other stock are available with a surcharge.

~~4x5 KodakEPPPortra 160ncTmax 100, FP44x5 FujiNPS 160Neopan 1004x5 PolaroidType 59 Type 55~~

Film Types	Chrome	Color Neg	B&W Neg
35mm Kodak	EPP	Portra 160nc	PlusX or Tmax
35mm Fuji	Fuji Provia 100f		Neopan 100
6x7 Kodak	EPP	Portra 160nc	PlusX or Tmax
6x7 Fuji	Fuji Provia 100f	NPS 160	Neopan 100

Please contact us for more information or if you would like a specific film choice.

What is the optimal file size for film output?

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Our Polaroid ProPallette 8000 film recorder can image files of almost any size and still achieve good results.
The optimal file sizes are listed below for the film size and resolution.

35mm @ 4K 33.5mb
35mm @ 8K 134.2mb
6x7cm @ 4K 41.2mb
6x7cm @ 8K 164.7mb
~~4 x 5 @ 4K 39.1mb4 x 5 @ 8K 156.5mb~~

Larger files will not improve the quality but smaller files will have a noticeable drop in resolution.
For projection only viewing, smaller files are OK since the projector, screen, focus and film flatness will vary.
A lower resolution file will not be as noticeable in those situations.
We have imaged files as small as 2mb jpg's and they came out great.

For printing or archiving, it is best to provide us a file that is sized in line with the table above.
Lower resolution files will have a significant impact for film intended to be used in printing or archiving.

Polaroid ProPalette Output Specs:

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All files should be in the Adobe RGB 1998 color space.
Files should be saved as RGB Mac Tiff's at the correct size indicated in the table below.

~~4 x 54K4096 x 318481939.154:424 x 58K8192 x 63701638156.554:42~~

Format	Output Res	Input Res Pixels	Input Res PPI	File Size MB	Aspect Ratio
35mm	4K	4096 x 2730	2731	33.5	3:2
35mm	8K	8192 x 5460	5461	134.2	3:2
6x7cm	4K	4096 x 3350	1463	41.2	11:9
6x7cm	8K	8192 x 6702	2926	164.7	11:9

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What is an "LVT" output print?

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The LVT is an ultra-high resolution, continuous tone Film Recorder. It exposes digital files directly onto E-6, C-41 and B&W film.
LVT is an acronym for "Light Valve Technology", which was the original exposure moderating mechanism when the film recorder was first introduced by Kodak.
The LVT was originally designed by Kodak but they sold the business to Durst a number of years after they invented it.
The current models (ie Rhino+) use Laser Diodes to expose the film, which gives a much nicer print. After the LVT business was sold to Durst, they improved the printers and software tremendously.

How High is the Resolution of our LVT?

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The Durst LVT uses fixed optical resolutions when exposing the film. The resolutions are referred to as RES80.
Lower RES's are available on the device but are not used for film. The RES is the number of pixels per millimeter (MM).
RES80 is exposes the film at 80 pixels per millimeter or 2,032 pixels per inch (PPI).

That really is a lot of pixels per MM! As an example, the LVT uses a 30x microscope to allow us to focus the beam.
We have to use one of the largest pixel settings just to be able to see them. Even with the assistance of the 30x scope, you cant see the RES 40 or RES 80 pixels.
The prints are so tight that you will never see the individual pixels on the print. They are truly amazing prints to see!

The ultra-high resolutions are enhanced by the continuos tone nature of film. The LVT uses all films to its fullest potential.
Continuous tone film recorders offer extremely smooth gradations and subtle transitions that are not possible on other devices.
There are no dots as in inkjet prints and no scans lines as in CRT film output.

How do i place an order for film output?

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To place an order for film output:

You will need to create the file according to our specifications for either Durst LVT film output or Polaroid ProPalette film output.
We will then send you an upload link to our secure server.
After we receive your file, we will image the film according to your output requirements and send it back to you.

To place an order, Please contact us anytime.

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Ordering Film Output

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Shipping Terms

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Shipping Policies:

Drum scans, Prints and Pre press items:
We will ship all outbound items via UPS, FedEx or USPS.
Other services like DHL, LTL, Etc....may be arranged upon request.
Service types include:
Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2 day, 3 day and Ground....

Return Shipping of your originals:
The safe return of your originals is our primary concern.
Our standard for shipping originals is Overnight by FedEx, UPS or Priority Mail. We can ship with another carrier or service at your request but we require that a release be on file.
Shipping fees may be billed on interim invoices and/or on the final invoice. We do not ship originals COD or freight collect.
Please call us for a shipping quote before placing your order.

Insurance:
Shipping insurance is mandatory on all returned originals and will be added to the invoice.
You may specify the amount but we are not responsible for any loss or damage once the carrier accepts the package.

Client Accounts:
If you have a UPS, FedEx or DHL account, we can use your account to ship your items. There is a $5 handling charge to cover packing materials and time.

To see a complete list of payment and shipping terms, Click Here.

Payment Terms

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Pre Press Services:
New accounts:
For new accounts, payments are made with the order either by Credit Card, Company or Personal Check, Cashiers Check, Bank Check, Money Order and Cash.
Net Term accounts will be considered on a case by case basis.

Open Accounts (Net Term):
Net account status will be given on a case by case basis. Please fill out our Open Account Application PDF. Open accounts may only be paid by check or money order.
Invoices over 45 days will be billed to a credit card on file with a $25 penalty.

Account Default:
Accounts that are past due (Due date plus a 5 day grace period) will be charged 1.5% per month (18% per year) until payment is received. All collections and legal fees will be the sole responsibility of the debtor.

Returns / Refund policy:
All jobs are considered closed after 5 business days. No claims for refunds are accepted after 5 business days from receiving the job. No refunds will be permitted without an RMA#.

Payment Types Accepted:
Visa, MasterCard, Discover. To facilitate faster processing of your credit card,
please download and fill out our Credit Card Authorization Form PDF.

Other payment type accepted:
Company or Personal Check, Cashiers Check, Bank Check, Money Order and Cash.
Checks or Money Orders should be made out to Photographer At Large.
We also accept Wire transfers. The fee per transfer is $35.00 usd.

To see a complete list of payment and shipping terms, Click Here.

Additional Services

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Long Term File Storage

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PrePress Express is now offering Long Term Offsite Storage for all of our Drum Scanning, Retouching and Layout services.
Keep all of your files safe for years to come! LTO tapes have a shelf life of over 30+ years. Compare that with CD's or DVD's that can start to degrade in as little as 3-5 years.

Our Offsite storage service can hold up to 100gb of files per tape. We will backup and store the tape either at our offsite storage facility or send you 1x LTO 1 tape with the Retrospect catalog file on a CD.
We can backup any files that we create or work on. You may may also send us additional files to add to the backup.

The cost per tape is $200.00 and $100.00 per year to store the tape at our offsite facility.
There would be no storage fee if we send you the tape.

The cost to restore from your long term tape backup is $0.005c per mb + CD or DVD media and shipping.
For restorations over 20gb, we recommend that the files are restored to a portable firewire hard drive. You may send us one or PrePress Express can supply one for an additional $100.00.

Contact us for more information.

File Retention Policies

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From Live Storage:
PrePress Express will maintain your scans live on our server for a period of 30 days after the order ships out.
If an additional CD or DVD is needed within 30 days, there is no charge to retrieve the files from our LTO tape backup.
The charge to burn an additional CD/DVD is $15 per disc + shipping.

From Long Term Storage:
After 30 days, the files are transfered from our live storage servers and moved to our long term LTO tape storage library.
The cost to restore from our long term tape backup is $0.05c per mb + CD or DVD media and shipping.
The minimum charge for restoring from tape is $50 + media and shipping.

Durst LVT Film Output

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How do i prepare the color and contrast for film output?

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Slides (Chrome):
For proper slide output, you should prepare your files heavier (darker) in the shaddows and high 3/4 tones.
This will prevent the shadows from washing out and appearing grey.

Color Negatives:
Prepare the files for your negatives as you would like to have them printed.
Because C printing is very subjective, try to prepare your files so when they're printed, the least amount of burning and dodging will be needed.

B&W Negatives:
Files destined for B&W output should be de-saturated but still in RGB. This will produce the best results when printed onto B&W film.

Polaroid ProPalette 8000 Film Recorder

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How do i prepare a file for film output?

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The example below is for a 35mm imaged at 8k.

1. Create a new document in your preferred image editor.
2. Set the documents height to 5460 pixels
3. Set the documents width to 8192 pixels
4. Set the documents dpi/ppi to 5461 pixels
5. Set the documents working color space to Adobe RGB 1998
6. Set the documents background color to a color of your choice (black or white is most common)
7. Drag or move your image into this new document (convert colors to Adobe RGB 1998 if necessary)
8. Enlarge or reduce the image to fit the canvas size and adjust color as needed
9. When all of your editing is completed, save the image as a Flattened TIFF, Mac compatible Without Any Compression (very important!)

Please contact us if you have any questions.