Best way to scan 120 (6x7) roll film on an epson v700?

[l2oBiN]

I have just started shooting 120 film (6x7) and would like to scan them on an epson v700, which I use to scan my 4x5' sheet film. Any recommendations on the best way to about scanning 120? Its so damn curly ...:bang:

 

[david.elliott]

put it in a dictionary until it is flat. that is what I do if it has curled.

 

[nksyoon]

Get a piece of anti newton ring glass to lay on top of the film in the 120 film holder.

 

[Mr_Toad]

Flatten in the George Foreman Grill.

....okay...so my comment contributes nothing, but it DOES keep your question at the top of the thread heap.

 

[Keith]

I just use the standard holders of late ... but Ilford films don't curl much and that's what I've been using recently.

I'd recommend the inserts from better scanning ... I intend getting those myself eventually.

 

[Mr_Toad]

The Better Scanning products do seem to be great quality.

Do folks feel the Anti-Newtonian rings really help? Obviously, they would help flatten the film, so that's good.

(I considered buying some of their scanning frames, so wondered about the glass.)

Thank you!

Robt.

 

[jan normandale]

I've the Better Scanning holder with the anti newton glass for 120 which holds about 3 - 6/6 frames or 2 - 6/7 frames. I like it.

Regarding curl.. I take the film and roll it with the curl to the outside then place it in a cardboard ring of about 6 inches 15 cm diameter for a day or two. This eliminates some but not all curl depending on the film. I find Tri X lays flattest for me. The thin films seem to want to curl more.

 

[maclaine]

Here's my ultra cheapo solution, which I also do for 6x6 and 35mm.

1. Take a piece of thick card stock paper
2. Lay your film on a light box with the card stock over it
3. Sketch out a rectangle/square slightly larger then the film frame
4. Cut out the part you've sketched with a box cutter/scissors/razor blade
5. Cut out a larger section around your hole so you have a little white frame
6. Repeat with a second piece of card stock
7. Tape them together on the longest side of the frame (the 7cm side of a 6x7 frame or the 36mm side of a 35mm frame. Either side works for 6x6). Leave the shorter side un-taped so you can slide a strip of film through it.

Now you have a little makeshift sleeve/slide holder kind of thing to place your film in.

8. Get a piece of glass. It doesn't have to be anti-newton. The piece I use is nothing fancy.
9. Place the film strip in the sleeve with the frame you are scanning showing.
10. Place the film/sleeve combo directly on the glass of the scanner.
11. Place the additional piece of glass directly on top of the film/sleeve combo, pressing lightly but firmly to flatten it a little.
12. Close the lid and scan!

The paper sleeve prevents any of the glass surfaces from touching the film, so you don't have to worry about Newton's rings and don't need to get a piece of expensive glass. The weight of the scanner lid and the top piece of glass keeps the film totally flat. The downside is you can only scan one frame at a time easily, although I suppose you could make a more elaborate paper film holder.

I should say that I only have a V500 and not the 700, but after much trial and error, this is the most effective method I've found, and it can be done for just a few dollars. I scan all my film this way.

 

[k__43]

I bought the betterscanning holder for my V500. It does really help with the curl.
I didn't see much of an advantage in sharpness with flat film versus the epson holder .. even after half a day adjusting the holder.

A downside is that now I find it even more difficult to fight the dust.

 

[MaxFrank]

Here's my ultra cheapo solution, which I also do for 6x6 and 35mm.

1. Take a piece of thick card stock paper
2. Lay your film on a light box with the card stock over it
3. Sketch out a rectangle/square slightly larger then the film frame
4. Cut out the part you've sketched with a box cutter/scissors/razor blade
5. Cut out a larger section around your hole so you have a little white frame
6. Repeat with a second piece of card stock
7. Tape them together on the longest side of the frame (the 7cm side of a 6x7 frame or the 36mm side of a 35mm frame. Either side works for 6x6). Leave the shorter side un-taped so you can slide a strip of film through it.

Now you have a little makeshift sleeve/slide holder kind of thing to place your film in.

8. Get a piece of glass. It doesn't have to be anti-newton. The piece I use is nothing fancy.
9. Place the film strip in the sleeve with the frame you are scanning showing.
10. Place the film/sleeve combo directly on the glass of the scanner.
11. Place the additional piece of glass directly on top of the film/sleeve combo, pressing lightly but firmly to flatten it a little.
12. Close the lid and scan!

The paper sleeve prevents any of the glass surfaces from touching the film, so you don't have to worry about Newton's rings and don't need to get a piece of expensive glass. The weight of the scanner lid and the top piece of glass keeps the film totally flat. The downside is you can only scan one frame at a time easily, although I suppose you could make a more elaborate paper film holder.

I should say that I only have a V500 and not the 700, but after much trial and error, this is the most effective method I've found, and it can be done for just a few dollars. I scan all my film this way.

This what I have been thinking of, just buying 2 pieces of glass cut to the right dimensions of the scanner surface and attaching filmstrips to the glass and putting the other plate on top to flatten the film. Why exactly would you need a mask cut to the right size of the film? Would it be possible to get good results using this method?

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

I'm currently experimenting with avoiding the whole scanner thing.

I'm using a Canon 5D, with a good macro lens, mounted on a copy stand and pointed at a small light table. So far, I'm getting reasonable results with sizes from 35mm full frame up to 6x9. There are a few bugs to work out but I don't think I'll be going back to a scanner, for my needs.

I'm casting around for a glass negative carrier, from a reasonable quality enlarger, for film flattening, as these were generallly treated to counter Newton's rings. I doubt it will cost much, even if I have to buy the whole enlarger, just for the glass.

 

[whitecat]

You didn't mention which film. I think everyone will agree that the secret to successful scanning in the V700 is to keep the film flat. If you do it yourself make sure you have ventilation at the drying stage. I get them very flat and never have a problem. I do not have glass for it but do use it for 35mm and it certainly helps. Also when you snap shut the 120 holder, use one finger to get the bow out before it locks. It does a good job.