According to the Canon website, the CanoScan LIDE 400 is "made for scanning photos and documents". The type of sensor it uses is not suitable for scanning film negatives or transparencies. (CIS = Contact Image Sensor)

Other options include:

• Flatbed scanner with transparency adapter. Many people seem to get good results with Epson Perfection V### scanners. They usually include the backlight and film holders needed to scan a variety of film formats.

• Dedicated film scanner. The highest rated film scanners, made by Nikon and Minolta, appear to no longer be in production. Mid and low-end models from other manufacturers are still available.

• Film digitizer. These use digital camera sensors for capture. They're faster than true scanners, but have reduced image quality from the small sensor size and color array. Some models capture directly to SD card. They are fast and easy to use. Depending on your needs, this type of digitizer may produce adequate results.

• Slide-copy attachment. There are two types. One has a built-in macro lens that attaches directly to your camera. The other attaches to the filter threads of a macro lens you already own. The quality of your captures depends on how careful you are with setup, lighting, and post processing. This is the most time consuming option.

• Have someone else scan your film for you. Most labs offer this service along with development.