Abstract: A film gate for transporting an elongated film therethrough, comprising:two spaced apart arcuate guide surfaces to engage against opposed edge margins of the film;a drive roller assembly, an idler roller assembly, and two elastic belts engaged around them to lie along respective arcuate surfaces from an entrance position, to an exit position defined by a nip between the drive roller assembly and the guide surfaces, so that upon rotation of the drive roller assembly opposite edge portions of the film can be transported in engagement between the belts and the arcuate guide surfaces from the entrance to exit positions. A scanner using such a film gate, and a method of scanning film using such a scanner, are also provided.