Scanning 35mm slides/neagtives

[Ian Fozzard]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I have a large collection of 35mm slides and B/W negatives from the 1960's onwards which I would like to scan into digital format without losing any quality. This is not a commercial exercise so speed of scanning is not important. I have been considering Epson V750 as a possible purchase, or possibly one of the Plustek range. I can't really run to one of the more expensive Nikon models. Any advice from anyone most welcome,

thanks

Ian F,

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Marty]

Do a search in the Film forum, scanners are a popular topic there. The choice is not going to be easy; both the Epsons and the Plusteks do very well in their class. You might find yourself weighing the other features more than the scan quality and speed, e.g. flatbed v.s. dedicated film, price, 135+120 vs. 135 only, included software etc.

 

Two comments about your requirements: first, do not expect to not lose any quality at all even with the better models, but since it is not a commercial exercise you will probably get all the quality you need. Secondly, since you have a large collection going back to the 60's the speed of scanning just might become important.

[username1]

I had the same problem. Over the past couple of years I've scanned more than 4000 black and white negatives and slides (some as old as 45 years) using the Plustek 7200 which has produced very good quality digital files. It gets boring after a while. Good luck

[cheewai_m6]

often with this forum, asking for help will cause you more problems because there are so many people with experience with so many different products and combinations. you're left with more options and combinations to decide on. lol the good and bad thing of this forum.

 

i bought a epson v500 flatbed, not to backup my old negs, but to cut down the cost of printing and also cause i enjoy post processing. often labs don't print the photo to the balance and contrast etc to what i envisage.

 

now, i'm just an enthusiast, the largest i print to is 5x7.5. the v500 is hardly the best in the range or best scanner out there, but for what i need, it does the job perfectly well. i print 6x4 or 5x7.5 scanning the negs at 800dpi, and they print as good as a print from the neg.