A film scanner includes a cold cathode lamp for producing visible light to scan a film containing a plurality of photographic images, an infrared source for producing infrared light to scan the film, and a detector or light sensor for sensing the visible light. The infrared light transmits the film to produce corresponding image signals. The cold cathode lamp is disposed between the infrared source and the film and the cold cathode lamp is in contact with the infrared source. In this way, before arriving at the film the infrared light is substantially uniformized by passing through the cold cathode lamp.