Should I Keep Old Negatives After Scanning Them?

Yes — in most cases it is sensible to keep old photographic negatives after they have been scanned. At the very least, keep them until the scans have been checked, backed up and delivered safely. If the negatives matter to the family and can be stored without difficulty, there is usually little reason to throw away the original photographic source.

Negatives may be the best original you have

A print is already a reproduction made from the negative. If the family later wants a better scan, a larger print or a different interpretation of the image, returning to the negative may offer more useful information than rescanning an old small print.

Negatives can also contain frames that were never printed at all, which is why boxes and sleeves are worth checking before disposal.

Wait until the digital files have been verified

Do not discard film simply because the scanner has produced files. First check that the expected frames are present, images open correctly, orientation is sensible and the files exist in more than one place.

For an important family collection, digital backup should be part of the process rather than an afterthought.

Keep existing sleeve and roll order where it means something

Numbered sleeves, film packets and handwritten notes can preserve sequence. If negatives are scanned in those groups, the digital folders can mirror the same structure.

A strip that appears anonymous today may make more sense later when compared with prints, dates or another relative’s photographs.

How should negatives be stored?

Keep them clean, dry and protected from unnecessary handling. Existing archival-quality sleeves can remain useful; damaged or unsuitable storage can be replaced carefully. Avoid writing directly on the film or attaching adhesive labels to it.

Can Only Yesterday scan negatives as part of a larger collection?

Yes. Our negative scanning service covers 35mm and other photographic film formats, and negatives can be handled alongside prints, albums and slides as part of a whole family collection.

If you are unsure what film format you have, send us a phone photograph of the sleeves or strips and we can advise.