bert26
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Hi all,
It's about that time to buy a new film scanner, but am having a very difficult time deciding which route to go.
I've been using an ancient Epson 4490 scanner for maybe a year and a half now. I started wondering if I was losing a lot of detail, grain, and sharpness by using such an old scanner, so I checked out my friend's Primefilm XA. The same image I scanned on my 4490, looked 2x better on his XA. Neither scans were doctored in any way.
While the XA looks cool, I can't have an entire uncut roll of film just hanging out on my desk waiting to collect dust and cat hair. And while my friend seems to love his, I've been reading some pretty bad reviews on it.
It looks like, so far, I've narrowed it down to an Epson V7xx/V8xx or a dedicated film scanner such as the Coolscan V.
As it stands, I'm only shooting 35mm, mostly Tri-X. I seldom shoot color. I know that a dedicated film scanner will give sharper results, but most of the dedicated film scanners are way, way out of my price range. I'm not looking to spend more than $600 if I can help it.
I know I could wet mount my negatives with a V7xx/V8xx, but honestly, that's way too much of a hassle for me. I just wouldn't do it. I'm too clumsy and would certainly end up destroying my negatives or my scanner. My problem with the Coolscan V is that it's no longer supported by Nikon, and if something breaks, then I'm out $500 or whatever.
I don't foresee myself making large prints from my scans. They'll be for web mostly since any print I sell will always be a darkroom print. But I suppose it would be nice to have the option.
So what would you do? Would you get the Coolscan V? Maybe another dedicated 35mm scanner in the same price range?
Is there a way to flatten my 35mm negs in a flatbed scanner to achieve the sharpest results possible without the headache of wet mounting?
Currently, it looks like a used v700/v7500 isn't much cheaper than a brand new v800 on Amazon for whatever reason. But I know a v700 would suffice in terms of quality compared to the v750/800.
There's a chance I could end up shooting medium format down the road, but I've been so happy shooting with my m6/35 cron that that is the only setup I use, ever.
Ideas or suggestions? I'm falling into that black hole of scanner research and really just want to get one and be done with it so I can get on with my life.
Thanks in advance!
It's about that time to buy a new film scanner, but am having a very difficult time deciding which route to go.
I've been using an ancient Epson 4490 scanner for maybe a year and a half now. I started wondering if I was losing a lot of detail, grain, and sharpness by using such an old scanner, so I checked out my friend's Primefilm XA. The same image I scanned on my 4490, looked 2x better on his XA. Neither scans were doctored in any way.
While the XA looks cool, I can't have an entire uncut roll of film just hanging out on my desk waiting to collect dust and cat hair. And while my friend seems to love his, I've been reading some pretty bad reviews on it.
It looks like, so far, I've narrowed it down to an Epson V7xx/V8xx or a dedicated film scanner such as the Coolscan V.
As it stands, I'm only shooting 35mm, mostly Tri-X. I seldom shoot color. I know that a dedicated film scanner will give sharper results, but most of the dedicated film scanners are way, way out of my price range. I'm not looking to spend more than $600 if I can help it.
I know I could wet mount my negatives with a V7xx/V8xx, but honestly, that's way too much of a hassle for me. I just wouldn't do it. I'm too clumsy and would certainly end up destroying my negatives or my scanner. My problem with the Coolscan V is that it's no longer supported by Nikon, and if something breaks, then I'm out $500 or whatever.
I don't foresee myself making large prints from my scans. They'll be for web mostly since any print I sell will always be a darkroom print. But I suppose it would be nice to have the option.
So what would you do? Would you get the Coolscan V? Maybe another dedicated 35mm scanner in the same price range?
Is there a way to flatten my 35mm negs in a flatbed scanner to achieve the sharpest results possible without the headache of wet mounting?
Currently, it looks like a used v700/v7500 isn't much cheaper than a brand new v800 on Amazon for whatever reason. But I know a v700 would suffice in terms of quality compared to the v750/800.
There's a chance I could end up shooting medium format down the road, but I've been so happy shooting with my m6/35 cron that that is the only setup I use, ever.
Ideas or suggestions? I'm falling into that black hole of scanner research and really just want to get one and be done with it so I can get on with my life.
Thanks in advance!
gdi
Veteran
I own a v750 and a Coolscan 9000; I have had a Coolscan V and a 4990. The difference beyween the Nikons and Epsons are significant and I would go with the Coolscan - but of course you have to deal with the possibility of a terminal breakdown with the Nikons.
Edit: After reading other replies, I realize that you aren't going to print from these scans. So, forget about to added quality if a dedicated film scanner- for the web any cheap flatbed will work, so don't waste the extra money.
Edit: After reading other replies, I realize that you aren't going to print from these scans. So, forget about to added quality if a dedicated film scanner- for the web any cheap flatbed will work, so don't waste the extra money.
Swift1
Veteran
Just a few thoughts/questions...
Why would the Primefilm XA require you to have an entire uncut roll of film?
There are quite a few dedicated 35mm scanners under $600...
Minolta Scan Dual IV
Minolta Scan Elite 5400 (maybe)
Plustek 8200i
Plustek 7200i
Plustek 135
Maybe others.
The Epson V750-M, V700, V800, V850 all use the same scanning unit so final results should be the same.
I believe that you can get ANR glass that fits the Epson 35mm holders and it will flatten the negative.
If you are planning on getting into medium format, the Epson might be the best choice.
I have an Epson V750-M and here are some of my thoughts regarding it,
You can load up to 24 frames of 35mm at once.
Resolution is sufficient for a 12"x18" print from a 35mm negative.
I used to own a Minolta Scan Dual IV, and in direct comparison...
With slide film the Scan Dual was clearly better
With B&W film the Scan Dual was maybe slightly better
With C-41 film I think the Epson V750-M was better.
Why would the Primefilm XA require you to have an entire uncut roll of film?
There are quite a few dedicated 35mm scanners under $600...
Minolta Scan Dual IV
Minolta Scan Elite 5400 (maybe)
Plustek 8200i
Plustek 7200i
Plustek 135
Maybe others.
The Epson V750-M, V700, V800, V850 all use the same scanning unit so final results should be the same.
I believe that you can get ANR glass that fits the Epson 35mm holders and it will flatten the negative.
If you are planning on getting into medium format, the Epson might be the best choice.
I have an Epson V750-M and here are some of my thoughts regarding it,
You can load up to 24 frames of 35mm at once.
Resolution is sufficient for a 12"x18" print from a 35mm negative.
I used to own a Minolta Scan Dual IV, and in direct comparison...
With slide film the Scan Dual was clearly better
With B&W film the Scan Dual was maybe slightly better
With C-41 film I think the Epson V750-M was better.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
If as you say you are only scanning for web posting anything more than the Epson V700/750 would be overkill.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I have V550 and no problems with 8x10 prints or slightly larger prints. I scan 120 and my darkroom prints with it as well. Highest models are overkill for web and medium size prints. IMO.
If only 135 film is in use and BW any Plustek will do without hassle.
If only 135 film is in use and BW any Plustek will do without hassle.
gavinlg
Veteran
Keep in mind the epsons have issues too. Google stuck pixel or purple/green line for epson flatbeds. Made me want to throw my v600 off the roof. The plustek 35mm scanners are good - better than the epsons, but slow and noisy. I haven't used the new 135 version.
newfilm
Well-known
+1 for Plustek Opticfilm scanner. It also come with Silverfast, I'm using one, can't complain.