EFH v3 Film Holder Review: Features & Performance Analysis for 120mm and 35mm film

Summary

• Andrew Clifford in the UK created the EFH v3 Film Holder to aid photographers in scanning film negatives with a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

• It accommodates both 35mm and 120 film formats, keeping them flat for the best scanning quality.

• Notable features include a clever feeding system and extra masks for panoramic and mounted slides.

• Comparative studies show that the EFH v3 provides better film flatness and scanning quality than other holders like the Epson V800.

• Proper lighting is key to achieving the best results with the EFH v3, and recommendations for specific light sources are provided.

Introduction to the EFH v3 Film Holder

The EFH v3 Film Holder is a specialized tool designed to help photographers obtain high-quality scans using a DSLR or mirrorless camera setup. The Essential Film Holder, also known as EFH v3, is a creation of Andrew Clifford, based in the UK. It’s designed to keep film negatives completely flat, which simplifies the process of capturing high-quality scans using a camera and macro lens setup. It’s especially beneficial for photographers who choose to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera setup to scan their film. Whether you’re using 35mm or 120 film, this holder guarantees consistent and dependable outcomes.

Price

You can get it world wide from an official website for $80 or used one from eBay for $50.

Standout Features

The EFH v3 stands out from the competition due to a number of unique features, making it a strong contender in the world of film camera reviews.

• Intelligent Feeding System: The feeding system enables you to feed entire rolls of film, whether they’re cut or uncut, making it incredibly efficient.

• Acetate Layer: Ensures the film remains flat and prevents it from curling.

• Extra Masks: Comes with masks for panoramic 35mm and mounted slides.

• Flexibility: Compatible with both 35mm and 120 film formats.

How Does EFH v3 Stack Up Against Other Film Holders?

Scanning 35mm film is a breeze with the EFH v3. Its design lets you thread the film through without a hitch, keeping it flat and evenly lit. This leads to crisp, detailed scans with little effort. I’ve found that the EFH v3 consistently beats out other holders when it comes to scan quality.

So, I put it head-to-head with the Epson V800 holder and the Lomography Digitalizer. The EFH v3 definitely came out on top, providing better film flatness and scan quality. Here’s a quick run-down of the comparison:

“The EFH v3 scan was noticeably sharper and more detailed, particularly in the center of the image. The colors were more true to life, and there were fewer artifacts compared to the Epson V800 holder.”

120 formats and sample scans

The EFH v3 holder can handle several medium format sizes, such as 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, and 6×9. This flexibility makes it a fantastic option for photographers who use a variety of film formats. The holder’s design guarantees that these larger negatives are held flat and evenly lit, just as with 35mm film.

120 Format Test Results

I performed a variety of test scans using 120 film in various sizes. The results were quite impressive. If you’re looking to clean film negatives for dust-free scanning, this guide offers some excellent tips.

• 6×4.5: The scans are sharp, detailed, and the color accuracy is impressive.

• 6×6: The lighting is even, and there are minimal artifacts.

• 6×7: The flatness is consistent, and the scans are of high quality.

• 6×9: The quality of the scan is superior, and it requires minimal effort.

Suggested Lighting Options

There are numerous lights that pair nicely with the EFH v3. Here are a few suggestions:

• LED Light Panels: Photographers often use these panels to scan film because they provide consistent and even lighting.

• Light Boxes: These are easy to use and offer uniform illumination, making them perfect for film scanning.

• Smartphone or Tablet Screens: If you’re in a bind, you can use a smartphone or tablet screen as a light source. Just be sure to use a pure white background.

Handling Xpan and mounted slides

The EFH v3 doesn’t just handle standard 35mm and 120 film formats. It can also take on panoramic films like Xpan and mounted slides, making it a great option for photographers who need to scan a variety of formats.

When it comes to panoramic films, like those taken with an Xpan camera, they need to be treated differently because of their unique size. The EFH v3 comes with a specific mask for Xpan film. This guarantees that these wider negatives are kept flat and evenly lit while being scanned. This mask simplifies the process of getting high-quality scans of your panoramic images.

Digitizing Mounted Slides

Mounted slides can be tricky to digitize due to their thickness and the need for accurate alignment. The EFH v3 includes extra masks specifically for mounted slides, ensuring they are held firmly in place and scanned with precision. This is a handy feature for photographers who use slide film and are looking to digitize their work.

The Good and the Bad

Summary Table

Wrapping up, the EFH v3 Film Holder has a variety of features and benefits that make it a great option for photographers who want to digitize their film negatives. While there are some potential downsides, the overall quality and versatility of the holder make it a good investment.

Comparing EFH v3 with Other Film Holders

There are many other film holders out there, all with their own pros and cons. Here are some worth mentioning:

Taking these aspects into account, you can select the film holder that is most suitable for your requirements and budget. For more insights, check out this comparison of DSLR scanning vs. flatbed scanning.

Final Thoughts

Despite the presence of other alternatives, the EFH v3 distinguishes itself with its exceptional scanning quality and adaptability. Regardless of whether you are dealing with 35mm, 120 film, panoramic films, or mounted slides, this holder provides steady and dependable outcomes.

Overall, the EFH v3 Film Holder is a premium option for photographers looking to get the highest quality scans of their film negatives. Its build, features, and performance make it a valuable purchase for anyone passionate about film scanning.

Who is the EFH v3 for?

The EFH v3 is perfect for photographers who:

• Looking to get high-quality scans with great film flatness.

• Desire to work with various film formats such as 35mm, 120 film, panoramic films, and mounted slides.

• Ready to spend on a top-notch film holder for consistent and dependable outcomes.

Common Questions

Which light sources are optimal for the EFH v3?

LED light panels, light boxes, and even smartphone or tablet screens with a pure white background are the suggested light sources. The EFH v3’s performance is heavily reliant on correct lighting. For a deeper understanding of film photography, check out our Nikon F801s film camera review.

Is the EFH v3 a good choice for beginners?

Although the EFH v3 provides excellent results, beginners might find it a bit challenging at first. But, thanks to its simple design and easy integration into any workflow, photographers of all experience levels should find it manageable. For those interested in exploring more about film photography, check out our Leica M6 film camera review.

What are some potential drawbacks of the EFH v3?

Potential drawbacks may include the price and the requirement for a top-notch light source. Additionally, newcomers may need a bit of time to familiarize themselves with the holder’s design and features. For those looking to get the best results, it’s essential to clean film negatives before use. However, the overall quality and performance of the EFH v3 make it a good buy.