Advice on negative scanners?

[LeeHoggard]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I've never owned a neg scanner I've always had access to either uni equipment or other peoples equipment so I've pretty much taken them for granted. I feel as though now's the time when I should probably be investing in one for myself but I'm not too sure where to start.

Using Leica lenses I don't want to lose that quality via the scanner so can someone get me started on what sort of price range I should be looking at and if anyone has any recommendations?

Cheers!

[rodriger]

Well even I haven't used any negative scanners yet. But I wish to choose it for my work.You need to first select those scanners giving basic specifications. The price range should be b/w $15- $20 in the starting later it might vary in price.

[andybarton]

Do a search here for scanners - there a loads of threads which will help you. Scanners cost a LOT more that $20. A lab might charge you $20 per scan.

[js259]

I've never owned a neg scanner I've always had access to either uni equipment or other peoples equipment so I've pretty much taken them for granted. I feel as though now's the time when I should probably be investing in one for myself but I'm not too sure where to start.

Using Leica lenses I don't want to lose that quality via the scanner so can someone get me started on what sort of price range I should be looking at and if anyone has any recommendations?

Cheers!

I had very luck with the Epson 750 at high resolution.

js259

[}{B]

A word of warning, if you are thinking of buying a used model that is no longer in production make sure that you can still obtain replacement film holders. If you can buy some spares, as no matter how robust the scanner is a flimsy film holder breaking can mean having to buy another scanner if you cannot get a replacement.

[Scarlet]

Using Leica lenses I don't want to lose that quality via the scanner

 

This is not the relevant starting point. You should consider what you will use the images for. A Heidelberg Tango or a Flextight will give outstanding results but is a significant overkill if you don't need to make A2 enlargements. The Epson V700 will be perfect if you wish to scan images for posterity to display on your computer or ipad or if you don't need large print sizes.

 

If you really are interested in more high-end scanners, then check the ScanHi-End Group over at Yahoo where some very knowledgeable professionals contribute. There are good discussions also over at Large Format Photography forum. This comparison may assist. Be prepared, however, for costly repairs and maintenance of such scanners.

 

But as I said, first consider what you need the images for. Then decide on the scanner. Pretty much every Leica user will be fine with any consumer scanner sold today. And also get a warranty with it.

[Lucklik]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My Nikon ED4000 broke down and I replaced it with a Plustek.

I use Vuescan as software

 

I used the Nikon with a SA-30 film adapter with which you scan a whole film without cutting.

It is a pity there is no SA-30 like adapter for the Plustek, but the Plustek is faster so it makes no much difference in time.

[kanzlr]

getting a new Plustek is a good idea. I use a Nikon 4000 myself, but you pay around € 1000,-- for a 10 year old used one and if it breaks, it is dead.

[CalArts 99]

As Scarlet has suggested it's really best to start the decision process by working 'backwards.'

 

In other words, the starting point for choosing anything (whether it's a camera, a lens, or a film scanner) begins with the desired end product. Start from where your own needs and desires are located and then work backwards to determine the tools you'll need to produce that end product. e.g., web viewing versus exhibition printing require vastly different workflows and expense. And then there are places in-between those two extremes of the spectrum.

 

If you only want to proof your images digitally and/or view them on a monitor, then an inexpensive flatbed will work perfectly well. And then if it does come time to make a large exhibition type print, you can have the scan done commercially. If you figure out the number of large prints you might make in a given year, you can easily figure out the expense of a dedicated film scanner (at the commercial level of quality) versus using a commercial studio facility.