Valoi 360 Film Mask 6x7: Scanning Medium Format Negatives
By The Flash Centre | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
A step-by-step guide to fitting the Valoi 360 6x7 Film Mask in the VALOI 120 Holder, so you can camera scan 6x7 medium format negatives with less flare and cleaner edges.
Quick answer
Fit the Valoi 360 Film Mask 6x7 into the VALOI 120 Holder before you load the negative, then align the frame and check for stray light. The mask is designed to block reflections and flare when digitising smaller medium format negatives.
Why a format-specific mask matters for 6x7
A 6x7 negative does not fill the entire 120 holder opening, so light can pass around the film and bounce inside the holder or off the lens. The Valoi 360 Film Mask 6x7 is shaped for that format and is intended to sit in the VALOI 120 Holder, reducing the chance of flare and washed-out edges.
This is not a universal mask. If you also scan 6x6 or 6x9, you will need the matching mask for each format; using the 6x7 mask with a different negative size can crop the frame or leave gaps.
When the mask helps most, and when it won't
The mask is most useful when your light source is bright and close, or when your lens hood or room lighting creates reflections on the negative surface. It also helps if you have noticed veiling glare or low contrast in the unexposed border of your scans.
If your current setup already produces clean, contrasty scans with no visible flare, the mask may make little difference. It also will not correct focus, dust, or exposure problems; those still need to be handled separately.
Step-by-step Valoi 360 6x7 mask setup
- Confirm your holder and format: Check that you are using the VALOI 120 Holder and that your negatives are 6x7. The mask is made for that holder and format; using it with another holder or negative size can cause poor fit or cropping. If you scan multiple medium format sizes, keep a separate mask for each.
- Insert the mask before loading film: Place the Valoi 360 Film Mask 6x7 into the VALOI 120 Holder first, then slide the negative into position. Loading film first can make it hard to seat the mask flat and may scratch the emulsion. Make sure the mask sits flush with no raised corners.
- Align the negative and check the borders: Centre the 6x7 frame within the mask opening. Look through your camera or tethering view to confirm the mask edges are outside the image area and no mask edge is visible in the scan. If you see a dark border in the scan, the mask is cropping the frame; reposition the negative.
- Set up your light and camera: Place your light source behind the holder and set your camera squarely above the negative. Use a lens hood or flag to shade the setup, and turn off nearby room lights that could reflect off the film surface. A small change in light angle can reveal flare that was not obvious before.
- Scan a test frame and inspect for flare: Capture one frame and check the unexposed border and shadow areas for veiling glare or a bright haze. If you see flare, adjust the light distance or angle and confirm the mask is fully seated. Compare a scan with and without the mask if you are unsure it is helping.
Product facts
- Valoi 360 Film Mask 6 x 7: Designed specifically for use with the VALOI 120 Holder and optimised for 6x7 format. It only fits that holder and format, so check your holder model and negative size before buying.
Valoi 360 Film Mask 6 x 7
