Abstract: Film gate for a virtual contact scanner includes a base having a precision site adapted to receive a solid-state scanner assembly so as to position the sensor photosites at a precise spacing from the film image plane. A separate circuit board carrying control circuits for the scanner assembly is clamped over the scanner with contact terminals aligned with mating input/output terminals of the scanner assembly. Preferably the scanner terminals are aligned with open slots in the substrate and electrical contact is made between the scanner and circuit board terminals by means of compressible electrically conductive pads. Clamping force is concentrated over the region of electrical contact between the circuit board and scanner terminals to assure good electrical contact.