# Rescue family film negatives with a custom scanner stack

Custom Linux scanner backend plus Negative Vibes app, including infrared dust removal and nondestructive image adjustments.

## Hardware
Plustek OpticFilm 8200i with Genesys GL128

A custom backend operates the film scanner and its infrared dust-removal channel.

## Shopping list

Parts for one build. Reuse equipment you already own. Quantities are planning quantities unless the creator explicitly specifies a count; kit contents are not additional purchases.

Quantities are for one build. Unless marked source-specified, they are planning quantities; confirm kit contents and the chosen configuration before ordering.

### Confirm before buying
- The same 8200i name can cover different chipsets. A seller must confirm GL128; the Ai software bundle is not evidence of chipset compatibility.

### 1 × Plustek OpticFilm 8200i with Genesys GL128
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Film scanner.
- Notes: The product page does not guarantee the GL128 hardware revision; confirm chipset before purchase.
- Destination: https://plustek.com/us/products/film-photo-scanners/opticfilm-8200i-ai/
- Match: Product page
- Link review: Page checked; stock not assessed
- Evidence: Creator source
- Source: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

### 1 × Linux computer
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Build, configure or flash the software.
- Notes: Follow the current scanner application requirements.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

### 1 × USB scanner data cable
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Connect to the computer for programming or data.
- Notes: Match the included scanner cable and computer port.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

### 1 × Device power supply
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Power the device.
- Notes: Use the scanner’s matched power adapter.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

### Set × 35 mm film / slides and matching holders
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Material and holders for scanning.
- Notes: Check which holders are included in a used unit.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

Source reviewed, not assembled or hands-on tested. A working product page does not confirm stock, firmware compatibility or a complete build.

## Setup
Computer companion

## Coding tool
Claude Code

## How the agent helped
Christian Schaller explains building the scanner backend and Rust app with Claude, comparing Windows USB traces and testing real scans.

## Before you build
Confirm the Genesys GL128 chipset: older scanners with the same model name differ. Upstream SANE support also exists.

## Sources
- Original build: https://blogs.gnome.org/uraeus/2026/10/15/aiandreverseengineerhardware/
- Supporting source: https://github.com/cschalle/negative-vibes

Source reviewed 2026-11-04. Not hands-on tested.