CineStill Unveils the CS-Lite
The CineStill CS-Lite offers film photographers enhanced color management and higher-quality light output when scanning 35mm and medium format film with a digital camera. According to Steve Carter of CineStill, a light source option that combined all three characteristics — affordable, bright, and simple to use — was not yet available for scanning film negatives with a digital camera. That’s where the CS-Lite comes in.
The company claims that it is packed with features and made to fit seamlessly into the workflow of an existing camera scanning system. The light has a CRI of 95+, which CineStill describes as having outstanding color fidelity. Additionally, it offers EV 15+ brightness, which is high enough to illuminate even the darkest negatives.
“What sets the CS-LITE apart from other light sources on the market is its ability to adjust color temperatures to suit different types of film, such as Color Negative, Color Positive, and Black-and-White,” the company says.
Color temperature is adjusted via the CS-three Lite’s calibrated color modes: Cool Light mode, White Light mode, and Warm Light mode. CineStill says the Cool Light mode is intended for scanning color negative film such as CineStill 800T, 400D, and 50D. In order to give photographers more neutral scans, it is intended to lessen the orange mask that is present in color negative film. Color-balanced scans, according to the company, can produce greater color separation with fewer noise.
The CineStill Cs6 DynamicChrome warm-tone developer-processed slide film and black-and-white film are both recommended for scanning in the White Light mode. The warm light setting, according to CineStill, is ideal for scanning slide film because it produces richer tones and improved color separation, particularly in the red channel.
The company is also providing two additional optional accessories designed for th CS-Lite: the CS-LiteMask and CS-LiteBrite.
The CS-LiteMask is a universal carrier mask that CineStill says photographers can pair with pre-existing film carriers, like those made by Negative Supply, VALOI, or Lomography.
“Masking around the edges of the carrier helps to eliminate spill light, reducing unwanted reflections and maintaining uniformity across the entirety of your scans. This versatile solution is especially useful when paired with the VALOI 360 carriers, which fit perfectly into the mask for a compact stabilized solution for holding your film in place when digitizing,” the company explains.
These are both included with the CS-LITE, which can be purchased for $30 through CineStill’s website or through Valoi, at launch and during the Christmas season.
