In an era where digital photography reigns supreme, there’s something magical about rediscovering old film negatives tucked away in dusty attics or forgotten shoeboxes. But what if you could breathe new life into these faded memories using nothing more than the device in your pocket? 

You could walk down memory lane with photo films or work them into the present age with your smartphone. We got this idea from Alexey Navolokin who posted it on LinkedIn and we thought to share it so everyone can DIY. 

This innovative approach marries vintage photography with cutting-edge technology, allowing anyone to become an amateur archivist. It makes restoring old film with expensive equipment or professional services a thing of the past or if you have money to throw around.

 Now, with a steady hand and a bit of patience, you can unlock the stories hidden in those delicate strips of celluloid with this step-by-step guide:

1. Prep and Polish

Set the stage for success:

• Find a dust-free zone

• Lay out a soft, clean cloth on the area. 

Give your film some TLC:

• Gently wipe with a lint-free cloth

• For stubborn grime, use a barely damp cloth with distilled water and a little isopropyl alcohol (too much liquid can damage the film). 

2. Capture with Smartphone 

Transform your phone into a film scanner:

• Create a light source using a lightbox or bright screen

• Ensure even lighting to avoid pesky shadows

Capture like a pro:

• Open your camera app

• Align your phone parallel to and directly above the film

• Snap multiple shots for options

3. Edit 

Enhance your images:

• Choose a photo editing app (Lightroom, Photoshop, Snapseed, etc.)

• Play with exposure, contrast, color correction, and sharpness to get what suites you. 

• Remove blemishes for a crisp finish

4. Save, Back up and Share

Safeguard your work:

• Save edited images in high resolution

• Back up to the cloud (Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox)

Spread the nostalgia:

• Share your restored gems on social media or via email with friends and family. 

Pro Tips:

• Steady shots: Use a tripod or stable surface if you are concerned your hands won’t be steady

• Consistent lighting: Use the same light source (and intensity) throughout for uniform results 

• Patiently edit: To get the best results, painstakingly edit your pictures. Be ready to spend more than enough time. 

Ready to dive into the world of smartphone film restoration? With these simple steps, you’ll be uncovering and sharing forgotten memories in no time. Happy restoring! 

PS: Be sure to let us know if you discover anything new we can add.