FilmCopy Vario Kit film scanner/illuminator by KAISER, model 2458, black/grey

KAISER FilmCopy Vario Kit (model 2458) is a film scanner and illuminator kit designed to provide a stable, adjustable platform for reproducing negatives and slides with a camera or copy stand. Supplied in black and grey, the kit combines a slim LED light box with a versatile pressure frame and a range of interchangeable masks and inserts to support digitising, archiving and reproduction workflows for multiple film formats.

Advantages

The kit includes the slimlite plano LED light box for even, daylight-balanced illumination (5000 K, CRI 95) with continuously dimmable output and both battery and mains operation. The pressure frame and insert system ensure accurate positioning of mounted 35 mm slides and unmounted strips, with easy-to-change inserts and guide ridges for 35 mm film strips. Adjustable stop pins and four stepless masking strips accommodate different film widths, while the overlay mat reduces stray light during imaging. The whole assembly is compact and lightweight for studio or hobbyist use.

Suitable for

• Digitising 35 mm mounted slides and unmounted 24 × 36 mm negatives with a camera on a copy stand or tripod
• Copying medium-format cut slides and negatives when used with appropriate format masks or glass inserts (4.5 × 6 cm, 6 × 6 cm, 6 × 7 cm, 6 × 9 cm)
• Reproducing panoramic film strips (24 × 66 mm) with correct masks
• Viewing, sorting and archiving slides and negatives using the included LED light box

Key specifications

• Illuminated area: 220 × 160 mm (8.7 × 6.3 in.)
• Light colour temperature: 5000 K (daylight)
• Colour rendering index (CRI): 95
• Illumination control: continuously dimmable
• Power: battery and mains operation
• Overlay mat size: 254 × 201 mm (10 × 7.9 in.)
• Pressure frame with adjustable stop pins and four stepless masking strips
• Includes insert for 35 mm slides in 5 × 5 cm mounts and 24 × 36 mm format masks with guide ridges
• Compatible with additional format masks or glass inserts for multiple medium-format and panoramic film sizes
• Weight (without masks and overlay mat): approx. 600 g (1.3 lbs.)

How to use

Place the FilmCopy Vario on the slimlite plano light box and switch on the LED illumination, adjusting brightness to achieve even backlighting. For mounted 35 mm slides, place the slide directly from above into the insert; for film strips or single cut slides, open the pressure frame, lay the film into the guide ridges and close the frame to secure the film. Use the adjustable stop pins and the masking strips to center and mask unwanted borders. Mount your camera on a copy stand or tripod above the unit, align framing and focus, then capture images. Change inserts or format masks as required for different film sizes.

Usage recommendations

Use the continuous dimmer to match exposure and preview on your camera, enable daylight-balanced white balance (5000 K) or set a custom white balance, and handle negatives by the edges or with lint-free gloves to avoid fingerprints. Store additional masks and glass inserts for the specific formats you need, and ensure the overlay mat is positioned to prevent stray light during long digitisation sessions.