35mm scanners, decisions, decisions...

[sbug]

I should have titled this, "Is there anything decent in the several hundred dollar range other than Nikon?" It’s time I broke down and bought a scanner for my 35mm negatives. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I think need a dedicated 35mm scanner rather than a flatbed to get results I am happy with. Are there any decent ones on the market other than the Nikon models? I like those but I’d love to be closer to the $3-400 range rather than $500+. KM leaving the market seems to have narrowed the choices quite a bit. I shoot mostly b&w these days with occasional color. Suggestions? I’m sure that there is an existing thread that covers this but after a quick search, I haven’t found it.
Thanks

 

[keoj]

I have a Canoscan 4000 that I bought a few years ago and I've been wondering what scanner will be around in a few years. The choices today are very few......Nikon and Pacific Image are the only two that I know of right now. If I were you, get the Nikon and you'll have something that will last and is capable. KM and Canon are both out of the dedicated film scanner market, Nikon seems to be hanging in there.

keoj

 

[thirteen]

Definately get a dedicated 35mm scanner. I have a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000ED. It's great for color negative film. I used the following link to help me choose between the Nikon and a Minolta before KM left. However, if I shot mostly B&W or slides I'd go for the Minolta (try for a good used one) - it does a better job with both.
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/reviews/elitecoolscan.htm

 

[AusDLK]

Find a used KM 5400 (the first one) if you're lucky enough.

The first one is made of metal and is very rugged although I think that the second version may scan a little faster.

Rugged is good in my book.

 

[Oh Two]

I favor the Minolta too. Go used. Anything advertised above 2800 DPI for slides is pretty much splitting hairs and may only be factual in theory for a home scanner. Color negatives are another issue. I still favor Minolta for that too, but a newer model (less than 3 years old) will probably be better. Minolta's color seems pretty good right from the get.

Hamrick software is not that good. I really don't see it doing what it's supposed (advertised) to do, like multiple passes. Get something that can batch scan 6 shots at a time. Older SCSI scanners go for nothing and there are some oldies but goodies to be had that will accommodate 6X6 too.

Old flatbeds are worth having for making 'contact' prints, especially if you have tons of old film to scan and want to make best use of your time.

 

[gdi]

I bought a Nikon V for $400 used (+ $10 shipping 🙂 ) It is really a nice unit. The film feeder and slide holder are so nice (not batch capable, though) that I have kept the scanner even after getting a Nikon 9000 for MF. Holders matter even for small format..

 

[40oz]

if you are scanning B&W, an HP PhotoSmart S20 USB works great. It doesn't have any kind of digital ICE, but since it doesn't work with sliver films, that isn't relevant. It scans at a maximum of 2400x2400, but it does a very good job, IMHO. Typically all I ever have to adjust is contrast in PS, the scanner's auto mode is really good about optimizing the scan frame by frame. It also doesn't require any holders or focusing, so you eliminate two headaches if you can live with 2400x2400 (which honestly is really good, IMHO). Since all I ever use it for is cataloguing my negatives and sharing over the internet, it's ideal for me. It might not be the absolute best for printing on an inkjet, but they are under $200 used on ebay all the time. You just want to make sure you get the USB model - the earlier SCSI model is not nearly as good.

It does color great as well, automatically compensating for base film color, and will scan 48 bit color from Photoshop. You just have to fix dust and scratches in Photoshop manually.