Release Notes
| We’re beyond excited to share GelForm, our newest (and biggest) advancement in delivering high-quality film scans. This marks a fresh chapter in how we handle your film—one that streamlines the older Contrast & Temperature system into carefully curated “formulas,” all while remaining faithful to your unique style and the inherent character of each film stock. |
Our Journey: From Flat & Customizable to Curated & Consistent
When we first launched Gelatin Labs, we offered a minimal, neutral Flat TIFF that gave photographers as much editing leeway as possible—letting them reshape contrast and color later on. As our community grew, it became clear that while some folks loved fine-tuning every detail, others preferred a more direct, ready-to-go look.
That’s why we introduced Contrast & Temperature choices, such as Punchy vs. Flat, Warm vs. Cool. But the more we refined our scanners and studied film stocks, the more we realized these dual sliders weren’t always intuitive—or guaranteed to bring out each roll’s potential. So, we went back to the drawing board, spent a year calibrating every scanner in our lineup, and arrived at GelForm: a family of meticulously crafted “formulas” that preserve the freedom of customization while simplifying your choices.
What Is GelForm?
GelForm is a set of signature scanning styles—each capturing a distinct vibe and personality. Instead of juggling two separate selections for Contrast and Temperature, you simply choose the one style name that resonates with you. If you still want ultimate flexibility for post-processing, you can always stick with The Flat Earth—just keep in mind it’s now one of several thoughtful GelForms on offer.
Why We Love It
- Simplicity – Pick a named formula like the “The Hi-C” instead of wrestling with complicated combos.
- Consistency – Our year-long calibration ensures your scans look the same across our various scanners.
- Creativity – Each GelForm focuses on highlighting or accentuating different characteristics (contrast, tone, warmth), giving you a curated look without losing your film’s essence.
The GelForm Family
(These formulas are produced with our Noritsu HS-1800 scanners.)
The Standard
Balanced for a true-to-film, everyday look—neither too warm nor too cool, neither too flat nor too punchy.
The Hi-C
Balanced for a true-to-film, everyday look—neither too warm nor too cool, neither too flat nor too punchy.
The Hi-C Spiked
Similar to The Hi-C but with a smidge more warmth—perfect for those craving a high-contrast, slightly “heated” look.
The Flat Earth
Our classic, baseline TIFF scan with minimal processing. For the photographers who love to do heavy edits (now or years later).
Fujifilm GelForms
(These are produced with our new Fujifilm Frontier SP-3000 & SP-500 scanners.)
The Palm-Aire
Warm and airy, evoking a vintage glow in the highlights—great for a softer, nostalgic aesthetic.
Photo by Jordan Miller
The Fringe
Cooler tones with a distinct “rough” rebate edge in the final image. If you love seeing the border of your negative, this is your go-to formula.
Photo by Phoebe Joseph
The Spacely
Vibrant and balanced, plus full sprocket scanning for those who want the entire 35mm frame visible. Perfect for creative compositions that include the film perforations.
Photo by Jakob Lilja-Ruiz
The Elizabeth
A refined, understated warmth—especially in the midtones—ensuring a smooth, natural highlight roll-off.
Photo by Austin Augie
New Scanners: Fujifilm Frontier SP-3000 & SP-500
To bring GelForm to life, we’re thrilled to introduce these iconic Fujifilm scanners to our lab. Known for their signature color rendering, they offer a fresh perspective compared to our Noritsu HS-1800 lineup. 35mm is available now, and 120 (Medium Format) will be rolling out on Fujifilm scanners later this year.
Answering Common Questions
1. “What happened to my old Contrast & Temperature options?”
We’ve streamlined them. Now, each GelForm is essentially a blend of contrast and warmth/coolness that’s been meticulously calibrated for that exact look.
2. “I’m a diehard editor—do I have to say goodbye to super-flat scans?”
Not at all. The Flat Earth is still here! It’s the best choice if you plan on major color grading or want maximum latitude for editing later.
3. “Will my scans really look the same every time?”
Absolutely. We’ve spent over a year refining our scanners. Load the same negative on any of our machines with the same GelForm, and expect a near-identical result (within 1–2% consistency).
4. “How do I order?”
Visit our GelForm selections under Scanning Options, pick your formula, and you’re good to go.
Our Mission: Helping Your Photos Look Their Best
From day one, our dream has been to empower photographers by providing top-quality, consistent scans that let the essence of their film shine through. GelForm is our newest step toward that vision—streamlining choices, honoring film’s unique qualities, and helping you get the precise aesthetic you want. Whether you gravitate toward a bold, high-contrast style or crave a more neutral baseline to edit yourself, GelForm offers a formula that resonates.
We can’t wait for you to try these new scanning options—and we’re here if you need guidance or just want to show off what you create. Thanks for joining us on this journey!
– The Team at Gelatin Labs
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