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Film scanning...flatbed or transparency scanner?


james.liam

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Plustek scanners are fine machines, I can't think what 'mixed feelings' you could have heard about them. If you don't like the Silverfast software, and it is true many people don't but it is perfectly usable, then for something like $40 you can get Vuescan software which many people use as their #1 choice.

 

The Plustek will do better scans of 35mm than the Epson, but the Epson is quicker at making 35mm contact sheets, and of course it can do medium and large format scans as well. I use both, the Epson for the digital contact sheet, the Plustek for the final scan.

 

Steve

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Bought a Plustek 8100, I will only scan my B/W so no need for the IR model, in April. No issues at all, worked straight out of the box, on a Mac. Silverfast latest Version 8 included has a quick scan procedure which I used initially for good results, then switched to the full workflow when I had a handle on what I wanted. Tried Vuescan, because a lot of people love it, it worked, it was fine but seemed to offer no more than the bundled software. I may try it again as I gain experience.

 

I have only scanned for Flickr not printing but I have been surprised how quickly I can output the work.

 

Last uploads in B/W on my Flickr, Silverfast, Rollei Retro 100, Kodak XX and Scopix all done within a few weeks of getting the scanner so still on a learning curve.

 

Paid £228 on Amazon, I consider it a bargain.

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It is a good point you make about the IR dust removal Chris.

 

If scanning B&W it can't be used anyway, and if scanning colour why does anybody have so much dust on their negs/tranny's that it can't be quickly spotted out in Lightroom? And it degrades the scanned image in getting rid of the dust. In truth the IR function is for people who aren't primarily photographers scanning their old snaps or if you have a collection of very old negatives you've inherited from granny. So money can be saved on the Plustek scanners by buying the non-IR model.

 

Steve

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