JeffS7444
Well-known
Getting things 80% correct in Vuescan is pretty straightforward, and you really do want to get things somewhat close, because LR's range of adjustments is limited.
Any advice on Scanners?
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agentlossing
Well-known
Film scanners just aren't fun. They're my least favorite part of my film process, for sure, but they're a necessary evil (unless you have a DSLR/mirrorless setup for scanning). Every currently marketed film scanner feels like old tech, put together without any polish or much user-friendliness.
My Pacific Image XA Super works well enough, and it has lasted me several years, but it had a really high price tag for what it is (close to $600). I believe PE is called Reflecta outside of the US. If I had to do it again, I'd probably go for one of the cheaper models, such as the PrimeFilm 7250 Plus, which doesn't have motorized film transport and has a lower nominal resolution, but costs half the price, currently on sale at B&H for $229 (I've seen it as low as $169 on Amazon, last price was hovering around $209 but it's not in stock right now). Keep in mind that the higher-priced PE scanners typically come with a Silverfast license, while the more budget models might not.
I have no experience with Plustek, but they seem to be the main competitor to PE.
My Pacific Image XA Super works well enough, and it has lasted me several years, but it had a really high price tag for what it is (close to $600). I believe PE is called Reflecta outside of the US. If I had to do it again, I'd probably go for one of the cheaper models, such as the PrimeFilm 7250 Plus, which doesn't have motorized film transport and has a lower nominal resolution, but costs half the price, currently on sale at B&H for $229 (I've seen it as low as $169 on Amazon, last price was hovering around $209 but it's not in stock right now). Keep in mind that the higher-priced PE scanners typically come with a Silverfast license, while the more budget models might not.
I have no experience with Plustek, but they seem to be the main competitor to PE.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
In my experience, Vuescan gets within 80% correct when set at its defaults, no effort required. If I can't correct with +/- five EV exposure and the full range of color temps, tone curve, and color mixer in LR, and can't come up with a better camera calibration curve to use as baseline, then the scan is WAY WAY WAY off from even the default settings. I've never had that happen with any neg, color or b&w, I've scanned with Vuescan, and I've likely scanned several thousands or tens of thousands of negatives by now, since I've been using Vuescan since 1998-1999 if memory serves... 😉
G
chris00nj
Young Luddite
If you are scanning positive film, the Valoi Easy 35 is great. It's a little less amazing for negative film
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