Renting time on a scanner

[Bobonli]

Has anyone here rented time on a high-end scanner (Imacon, for example) and could you share an overview of your workflow prior to getting to the scanner?

Did you find it worth the time and expense compared to buying your own (consumer or prosumer) scanner to get better quality scans?

I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to invest say $60 and hour to get really top-quality scans of a few images per month versus buying something like a Plustek and doing it at home. FWIW, probably the biggest I'd print to is 13x19 on a Pixma 9500.

Here's a place I was considering:
http://printspacenyc.com/digital/

 

[Matus]

You do not mention which format do you shoot, but I assume it is 35mm as you mention the plustek scanner.

While I have not used any of the high end scanners myself, I have had many scans made with Imacon X2 and Nikon Coolscan 5000 & 9000 and their results are much better than a flat bed scanners can deliver.

You mention that you wan to print up to 13x19 - that is a very large enlargement from 35 mm (about 13x) so in that case I would go for high resolution Imacon scans or Nikon Coolscan 5000 scans (which are VERY close to Imacon output). The Plustek will be better than a flat bed, but probably not enough for that kind of enlargement. Of course important variable is whether you want to scan velvia or Tri-X.

 

[Bobonli]

Thanks. To clarify: 35mm for now (though 120 Holga looks interesting)
And 13x19 would be the absolute largest I could imagine printing; most will be in the 8x10 range. Both negatives and transparencies

 

[JayGannon]

To be brutally honest you'll waste your time, 80% of the magic in a good high end scan is from the operator. I would get the plustek and use it to proof your work and then select the very best to be sent in and scanned by a pro.

 

[Bobonli]

To be brutally honest you'll waste your time, 80% of the magic in a good high end scan is from the operator. I would get the plustek and use it to proof your work and then select the very best to be sent in and scanned by a pro.

I could easily see myself wasting an hour (= $60) just fiddling with the controls. Seven visits to rent time and the Plustek is paid for and I get to drink beer in my den as I work!