Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for acquiring a video image from a film transparency, the apparatus having an optical axis O and a source of light for illuminating the transparency, comprising a first diffuser on the optical axis positioned adjacent the source of light, at least one fresnel lens positioned on the optical axis and having a focal length f, the fresnel lens being spaced from the first diffuser by a predetermined distance d where d<f, a second diffuser positioned on the optical axis adjacent the fresnel lens, a transparent plate for supporting the transparency on the optical axis and positioned adjacent the second diffuser, and a video recorder positioned on the optical axis for acquiring a video image of the transparency.