Negative Scanner Recommendations

[plasticman]

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While I like the proposed comparison above, I have to say that (as always) the greatest differentiator is the expertise of the person scanning or capturing an image.

 

I wouldn't enjoy the labor involved in the DSLR technique myself, but I have to say Pekka Potka has shown some very good results can be obtained even with an m43 camera.

[CalArts 99]

While I like the proposed comparison above, I have to say that (as always) the greatest differentiator is the expertise of the person scanning or capturing an image.

 

I wouldn't enjoy the labor involved in the DSLR technique myself, but I have to say Pekka Potka has shown some very good results can be obtained even with an m43 camera.

 

I agree. And I've also experienced relatively decent scans using a Nikon D800E/Rodenstock enlarging lens/Beseler slide copier combination. While I also personally prefer a dedicated film scanner, a copy stand setup with a good light source can certainly work. And of course much of this all depends on the purpose for the end product (archive/recording keeping or monitor viewing or exhibition prints, etc., etc..)

 

Maybe teeraash should try sending that negative out to a commercial lab for a scan and then compare it to what they've done themselves with their Sony A7. If they feel that what they are doing (as in the image they posted) is still acceptable for their own personal needs and desires, then that's okay.

 

btw, one of the weak areas of consumer scanning seems to be proper film flatness. While wet mounting is itself a bit of a chore it does eliminate the problem. There used to be a glass tray (made by Cachet Image Mechanics) for the Coolscan 9000 that allowed for the operator to use a strip of mylar and fluid for wet mounting thin 120 film. I'll occasionally scan sheet film (4x5) with the Epson V750 and prefer to wet mount with Kami fluid. I just wish the Epson had better optics and auto-focus (or at least a better/easier way of adjusting the lens to the film plane than shimming the holders.) But the scans can be pretty decent with larger film, imho.

[DigitalHeMan]

 

I just wish the Epson had better optics and auto-focus (or at least a better/easier way of adjusting the lens to the film plane than shimming the holders.) But the scans can be pretty decent with larger film, imho.

 

 

Out of interest, have you ever tried the height adjustable mounts from betterscanning.com for the Epson? I have no experience with them but have heard good things.

[CalArts 99]

Out of interest, have you ever tried the height adjustable mounts from betterscanning.com for the Epson? I have no experience with them but have heard good things.

 

I looked into them a while back but I only scan 35mm contact sheets and 4x5 film. I have the wet mount tray that comes with the V750-M and so I'm using that. I've shimmed it to work for my scanner (they seem to all be off in different ways; I guess it's a manufacturing thing.) Once you get the thing shimmed correctly than it all works okay.

 

But that's what I was meaning about not having auto focus and needing shimming with Epson flatbeds, whether or not you use betterscanning.com holders with their adjustable shims or make do with your own method of shimming. After you figure the proper focus distance to the film plane with your own scanner, it will remain the same. And then the wet mounting will eliminate any film flatness issues. So far for me everything seems to be parallel but I still would like to someday see Epson make their scanners with better optics and auto focus.

[250swb]

Out of interest, have you ever tried the height adjustable mounts from betterscanning.com for the Epson? I have no experience with them but have heard good things.

 

I use the MF holder by Betterscanning along with the ANR glass to hold the negs flat and it makes a big difference to confidence in scanning MF film. But the ordinary holder can be OK if you have a film stock that doesn't curl and you shim it accurately. I find the regular Epson holder (suitably adjusted) OK for large format as 4x5 film has a stiffer base. Betterscanning also do 35mm holders with glass for the Epson, but I think buying a Plustek is the better option for 35mm. The standard Epson holders do seem like an afterthought ,they let the scanner down and give it a bad reputation if people aren't willing to put the extra bit of work in. A pal of mine uses a large sheet of ANR glass instead of wet mounting 8x10 negatives and the scans are superb.

 

Steve