Reflecta Filmscanner RPS 10S test report

Im March 2025 the German company lanced a successor for the Reflecta RPS 10M on the market. The new RPS 10S replaces the old RPS 10M which was on the market for more than 10 years.

The predecessor RPS 10M was the top device for more than 10 years both from the house of reflecta and on the film scanner market in the medium price area. The new RPS 10S seems to continue this. If you look at the two devices outside, nothing has changed except for the label. Both scanners have exactly the same dimensions and also the same weight. Also if we compare the data sheets of the two scanners we only can find some marginal differences. The resolution remainas at 10000 ppi, the maximum density at 4,2. The RPS 10S can process the usual 35mm area of 36x24 mm.

We can find differences to the predecessor model rather in the software than in the device itself. There is a new featres with the name Multipass Exposure which is supposed to increase the daynamic range of the scanner by multi exposure. With another feature with the name Autocolor you can correct originals with strong tints. The RPS 10S can, as its predecessor, process not only film strips in batch mode but also complete film rolls. While the number of images is restricted to 3-36 at the RPS 10M, the new RPS 10S can process film rolls between 3 and 40 images. This is an essential advantage, because some old camera was able to put 37 pictures on a film with 36 pictures.

Features, accessories and performance evalution

The Reflecta RPS 10S has both a single slide slot for scanning one slide at a time, as well as a means to automatically load and batch scan 35mm film strips and 35mm roll films. With this feature it is one of the few film scanners offering the possibility of digitizing entire film rolls. The mechanics are the same as in the predecessor model: film strips are inserted sideways and then drawn in automatically. In addition, the film can be moved manually with the keys on the scanner case. Film strips must contain at least three images, otherwise they might get caught in the process. The upper limit of images for batch scanning is40 images. Since framed slides are inserted directly into the slot at the front of device, there is no need for film holders.

The Reflecta RPS 10S has a nominal resolution of 10.000 ppi. According to our experience the efftive resolution will be at about 50% of this number. The precise value shall be determined in our resolution test. There are no surprises to be expected in terms of density range, neither, as the producer states the value to be Dmax=4.2. Just like it's predecessor, the RPS 10S is equipped with a USB 2.0 port. The cable is included in the box. It is reasonable to ask why the Scanner was not fittet with a USB 3.0 port instead. Considering the fact that the data transfer takes up only a tiny fraction of the scanning time, the USB 2.0 port is absolutely sufficient.

The Reflecta RPS 10S includes a hardware based dust and scratch removal function. This precedure is called MagicTouch at reflecta. Within this procedure the film is scanned with the help of an infrared sensor. If this sensor detects heights, it is dust, if it detects depths, it is a scratch. The detected positions will be corrected within the scan software automatically.

Reflecta delivers the scanner with its own scan software CyberView. The software is provided at the manufacturer`s website. As an alternative there is the professional SilverFast scan software in different variants.

Installation and start-up of the Reflecta RPS 10S

With overall dimensions amounting to 274 x 183 x 97mm, the scanner is delivered in well-padded cardboard box of 41x36x20 centimeters. Given that the reflecta RPS 10M itself is a rather space-saving device with no need for film holders and negative carriers, there is not much room needed on the desktop.The software should be installed prior to connecting the scanner to the computer. If you use SilverFast as scan software you don't need to install CyberView at all, since SilverFast is scan software and scanner driver together.

Both CyberView and SilverFast offer regular updates. That is why it is recommendable to ensure that the running version of the software is up-to-date. Software updates take place free of charge through the respective producers' homepages. Once the software has been successfully installed and checked for updates, the scanner is to be connected to the power grid up using the mains cable and connected to the PC via the USB cable - both part of the delivery scope. Its advisable to avoid the use of any USB-hubs or -extensions, as this often leads to complications. Furthermore we do not recommend to use an USB cable which is longer than the one supplied with the device, as this too might lead to communication issues between the scanner and the PC.

The scanner is powered up through a small flip switch at the rear end of the device. Now the scanner starts rattling and the scanning unit inside moves back and forth a couple of times. As soon as the scanner is operable, the green LED goes from discontinuous to continuous mode. Now you can launch the scan software and start working with the scanner.

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