A Virgin Scanner.......

[Paul Jenkin]

As an film user for many years, I was seduced by the dork side and went digital a few years ago. I was never without a film camera but its usage plummeted.

Recently, I've had a bit of a film renaissance and traded in all my old Nikon F3 / Ai / Ais lenses and Mamiya 7 gear for a cute little M6 and three lenses. As I don't have a darkroom, I've had to manage with 'High St' processing and some pretty indifferent scanning of my B&W negs and the odd slide film.

However, tomorrow morning, I am picking up an Epson V750 scanner. I went flatbed as my wife also wants to use the scanner to scan photos and documents - or I'd have gone for a dedicated neg scanner. The reviews I've read from various sites suggest that the V750 is as good as you can get as a flatbed scanner. If it isn't, it's too late as I've ordered and bought one.

Thing is, I have NEVER scanned anything. I very much doubt it's as simple as put the negs in the carrier, close lid, press button and voila......! Therefore, I'm looking for any tips that you seasoned scanners - preferably ones with the V750 - might be able to impart to a total newbie when it comes to scanning.

If so, please use words of one (maybe two) syllables as this is genuinely completely new territory for me.

Thank you in anticipation.

Paul.

 

[mfogiel]

Go to the photo-i uk site for a start. I reckon a flatbed for 35mm film is useless and it will make you appreciate digital point and shoot cameras. You have to get a film scanner to get the proper quality from your scans, unless you only want to print 5x7. Just to make my point clear: I do own the V750 and a film scanner too. I think, people should understand by intuition, that the best lens there should be in their imaging chain must be in their scanner, yet this is quite difficult to observe in practice, and I went through this myself as well.

 

[Mudman]

I've gotten great results from Epson's 4990 flat bed, printed upto 11x14 with no issues.

 

[Wahoo]

I reckon a flatbed for 35mm film is useless and it will make you appreciate digital point and shoot cameras. You have to get a film scanner to get the proper quality from your scans, unless you only want to print 5x7.

This 35mm negative was scanned with a used epson 3170 and although it's far from quality it will print bigger than 5x7 and I would anticipate a v750 scans to be very much superior.

 

[shadowfox]

Make sure you read this comprehensive review:

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson%20V700/page_1.htm

I use a 35mm film scanner and now I'm pining for a flatbet that can scan my MF slides and negatives :bang:

 

[d_ross]

you wont be dissapointed with the scanner. I use the V700 and make prints from 6x6 negs a meter square that look great.

 

[RayPA]

...

Thing is, I have NEVER scanned anything. I very much doubt it's as simple as put the negs in the carrier, close lid, press button and voila......!
...

Paul.

It is that simple, especially with the out-of-the-box scanning software. Lot's of presets and profiles. You'll have a blast. Welcome back, and welcome to the world of hybrid photography.


.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Thanks guys!

The variety of responses was extremely interesting. I'm hoping that mfogiel's brutally honest description isn't as 'apocalyptic' as it sounded. If it is, my bridges are burned and I'll have to live with it.

My friend at the camera shop has been scanning my negs on an Epson 4990 and, though I'm reasonably happy with them, the file sizes are meagre and it isn't cheap. If the 750 Pro will do as good (hopefully better) and at higher resolution, I'll be more than happy. I'm anticipating printing up to 24" x 16" (very occasionally) but normally no more than 12" x 8" or A4. Mudman's response gves me hope!

Thanks for the link, Will. I went on there and there's now a guide to the 750 Pro as well and some guidance on the liquid process which looks like a giggle - so long as you don't burn the house down in the process!

I'm also hoping that d_ross and RayPA are right. Although I don't earn my living from this (it is just a serious hobby) I do want to 'have a blast'. If it ever stops being fun, I'll move on to something else.

Anyway, a BIG thank you to everyone who took the time to give me their advice and help - it is very much appreciated - and a sincere wish that we all have a great festive season and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Paul.