BetterScanning 120 Holder for V750 - ANR inserts - setup

[bence8810]

Hello,

Since I started using a Pakon 135+ for my 35mm films, I have nearly stopped shooting 120 as I always found scanning to be a drag. I self-develop my film and it curls which is very hard to treat with the EPSON V750 factory plastic mounts.

As a NY resolution, I want to shoot more Medium format so I needed to find a solution and ordered the Betterscanning MF holder for the V750. It now comes with 2 ANR inserts by default instead of the T-locks and as a result it costs an arm and a leg. Still, I wanted it and ordered it so it's in the mail.

Once it lands on my doorstep, I need to set it up. What are your experiences with getting it set up right? I think first I'll need to set the height of the holder and I am not sure what I should do to get it done fast and easy. I think I'll need a sharp negative and this is another thing I have trouble with. How do I make sure that a negative I use for the testing is indeed razor sharp? I heard the light table / loupe combination but I just can't imagine how I can make absolutely sure that a particular negative is completely sharp.

Once I have the sharp negative, what is the best way to go through the test?

And in general, what do you guys think of the BetterScanning holder?
My film was always curly and not curly in its length but rather in the width which meant the negative had a belly even after setting it into the holder.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Larry H-L]

I use the 120 and sheet film Betterscanning holders.

As I recall, it came with good instructions, or a link was provided.

For a "sharp" neg, take a junker negative and gouge it on the emulsion side a couple of times making an X, with a knife, leaving a sharp scratch mark.

Then adjust height. Unscrew the nylon screws until the holder is flat, scan, check focus. Then turn the screws 1/4 turn, scan, check, repeat, until you see really good results, with sharp grain. I think I did 9 attempts before getting dialed in. Be patient, it's worth the effort.

 

[bence8810]

I use the 120 and sheet film Betterscanning holders.

As I recall, it came with good instructions, or a link was provided.

For a "sharp" neg, take a junker negative and gouge it on the emulsion side a couple of times making an X, with a knife, leaving a sharp scratch mark.

Then adjust height. Unscrew the nylon screws until the holder is flat, scan, check focus. Then turn the screws 1/4 turn, scan, check, repeat, until you see really good results, with sharp grain. I think I did 9 attempts before getting dialed in. Be patient, it's worth the effort.

Thanks a lot for this! The scratch on the emulsion side will result something on the image as an in-focus pattern? It does make sense when I think of it but I never heard of it otherwise.

Any other tips / best practices when using the holders?
Thanks,
Ben