The VRC makes available a Hasselblad X5 film scanner to interested parties on campus, including DoVA faculty, DoVA MFA students and students enrolled in DoVA photography courses. A brief orientation by VRC staff members is required before a new user will be authorized to use the scanner. The VRC is committed to accessibility for all of our services and resources. However, our office is located on the second floor of Cochrane-Woods Art Center and accessible only by stairs. If you need an accommodation to access VRC equipment or services, please email visualresources@uchicago.edu.
The VRC also has a Negative Supply Film Scanning Kit available. Negative Supply uses a DSLR camer to photograph and convert film negatives. While the setup for the Negative Supply equipment takes longer than the Hasselblad, the digitization time is much quicker. Please email visualresources@uchicago.edu for availability.
VRC Policies for Hasselblad Use
Scanning appointments are available Monday–Friday from 9am–4pm and should be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing visualresources@uchicago.edu with your desired date and time. The VRC will confirm whether that time is available. It takes about an hour to scan one roll of 35mm film. We will make every effort to accommodate non-VRC user appointments on the equipment, but VRC projects have first priority.
Hasselblad users must bring external storage with adequate space (ie, a hard drive) to save their images and should include file transfer time in their appointment time estimate. Scans may not be stored on VRC network or computers.
The VRC makes scissors, a light table, nitrile gloves, and canned air available. All other supplies must be brought with you for your appointment.
Please promptly consult with VRC staff if you have any problems with the scanner or software interface during your appointment and do not troubleshoot on your own.
The VRC has a variety of Flextight Original Holders that students may use during their appointments:
- 35mm film strip
- Single 35mm frame (24×36 and 36×24)
- 6×7
- 6×6 and 6×4.5
- 60x60x3
- 4×5”
- 35mm slide (single)
- 35mm slide batch feeder