Advantages of better scanner?

[ChrisP]

Now this has to be mentioned somewhere before, but I can't find it and I'm curious about where today's technology has gotten us to.

What are the advantages of dedicated film scanners over decent flatbeds?
I have an Epson 4490. Out of curiosity, if I got a dedicated film scanner (lets say a Nikon 5000), what benefits would I get for B&W film? I would get better sharpness (grain sharp I hear) from the Nikon, I know that. But would I get more dynamic range? Would the scanner do better at not blowing highlights on dense negs? What about speed and holding film flat and stuff?

Also, if there are significant advantages to a dedicated 35mm what do people recommend for a price between the 4490 and the Coolscan 5000? Is there anything (minolta maybe?) in the $500 range that would have these benefits (and can still be serviced if it needs)

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Roger Hicks]

Better film location (= higher sharpness) + ability to penetrate a higher D-max (= FAR fewer blown highlights).

This is merely a general truth about whatt you pay more for, and does not invariably apply to all scanners.

My old Konica Minolta Dimage II (bought new) is very good but I'm not sure what I'll do when it dies

Cheers,

R.

 

[Thardy]

Does anyone make good 35mm scanners now?

 

[Borghesia]

A dedicated scanner will also give more detail.
I have the Coolscan 5000 and a Konica Minolta Multipro, bought when they could be bought new.
If I would buy one now coming from a flatbed, I would go for a secondhand Coolscan V.

 

[le vrai rdu]

A better scanner is much nicer, more detail etc, butknowing to make a good scan with a classic scanner is much more eficcient than not knowing the "how to do" with a fantastic nikon

 

[f16sunshine]

I think it is important to ask what end result is desired. Are you doing any paid film work? Are you scanning to have files that will be printed by ink jet or a lab? For me I scan to share images online and preview negatives (make proofs basically) for wet printing. The epson you have should be fine if you fall into the later. I use a v700 as I mostly do 120. When I need color prints I send in the negative to pro labs.

 

[Keith]

I'm very happy with my Epson V700 for scanning 135mm ... prints up to A3 size are acceptable to my eyes. There's still a few Nikon 9000's for sale new in Oz and that's what I'd really like but the price is way too much!

Getting the best out of the Epson with 135mm is a balance of maintaining film flatness, ensuring the holder height is correct and knowing how far the files can be sharpened in post! For what the V700 costs it does an incredibly good job IMO.