I recently published a review of the BlackScaleLabs HOLO (https://youtu.be/2T0qMKfI4x8) , a camera-based film scanning system designed for 35mm and 120 film.
For that review, I also had the chance to sit down with Dmitry, the creator of HOLO and founder of BlackScaleLabs, to talk in depth about the ideas, design decisions, and philosophy behind the product.
Some short excerpts from this conversation were used in the public review video, but the full discussion goes much deeper.
This Patreon-exclusive upload is the complete, uncut interview, covering everything from early prototypes and engineering trade-offs to scanning philosophy, film resolution limits, and where camera scanning is heading next.
If you’re interested in how analog tools are actually designed this one’s for you.
Huge thanks to Dmitry and BlackScaleLabs for taking the time to do this.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:49 — Introduction
Why this interview exists and how it connects to the HOLO review
01:33 — Warm-up
Cameras, film stocks, shooting habits, and personal preferences
07:47 — History & evolution
How the original BlackBox evolved into the HOLO system
17:25 — Three products & system differences
Versions, no-carrier design, and film flatness
23:12 — Design decisions: Tube sizes
Lens compatibility, modularity, and physical constraints
28:08 — Scanning preferences
Lenses, camera settings, autofocus, full-frame vs crop sensors
34:14 — Resolution limits
What film can actually resolve, sensors, and pixel-shift
38:27 — Future of camera scanning
Where home digitization is heading
40:55 — Light source discussion
Illumination choices and consistency
42:12 — Carrier version for HOLO
42:58 — Favorite film stocks & pushing film
What scans best and why
46:01 — Developing at home
Home development workflows and considerations
48:01 — Film vs digital
Scanning, printing, and the value of analog processes
50:57 — HOLO value & criticism
Pricing, craftsmanship, and common critiques
58:38 — Future plans & conclusion
What’s next for HOLO and BlackScaleLabs
If you’re interested to learn more about Blackscale lab and HOLO products, please visit https://www.blackscalelab.com and Dmitry’s instagram at http://instagram.com/blackscale_lab
Thank you for watching!