Epson V700 Xpan (various questions and vs Minolta scanners)

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I currently have a Minolta Dual Scan II which I am satisfied with scanning standard 35mm. But I would like to scan Xpan negatives and transparencies (slides) in one go. Also I would like to scan cut up APS film easier as well as medium format. I have a few questions I hope somebody can answer.

1) How do you actually scan Xpan negs or trannies – do you use the normal 35mm holder and mark picture area, or do you have to use a bigger format holder?

2) Has anybody tried scanning APS negs on this – and if so how was it done the best?

3) And how do you scan odd formats – does the “big size” holders contain a plastic or glass cover that “traps” the negative

4) How does it hold op when scanning old paper pictures?

5) How would you rate the scan quality with standard 35mm compared to any of the Minolta Dual scanners?

6) Which is the best software with the V700 – the supplied Silverfast or Vuescan?

Sorry if I have missed answers to the above in my search here.
All input much appreciated - thanks a lot in advance

Xpanded

 

[berci]

1) How do you actually scan Xpan negs or trannies – do you use the normal 35mm holder and mark picture area, or do you have to use a bigger format holder?

For the V600 there is a holder for two 135mm film strips and then you just specify the area to be scanned, you can scan 6 xpan images in one go.

2) Has anybody tried scanning APS negs on this – and if so how was it done the best?
never tried this.

3) And how do you scan odd formats – does the “big size” holders contain a plastic or glass cover that “traps” the negative
No glass, the filmholders are actually disappointingly flimsy.

4) How does it hold op when scanning old paper pictures?
Takes good quality scans.

5) How would you rate the scan quality with standard 35mm compared to any of the Minolta Dual scanners?
I have a Scan Elite 5400 II, there is a slight loss of quality but that is only apparent in certain scenarios, the ease of scanning makes up for it.

Xpan scan on V600: http://www.flickr.com/photos/berci/5251482022/lightbox/


6) Which is the best software with the V700 – the supplied Silverfast or Vuescan?
I have been using the supplied one and then do the rest in Photoshoppe

 

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Thanks Berci - I expect the V700 to be at least as good as the V600, so this answers all my questions. Much appreciated.

Cheers,
Xpanded

PS: You have a good eye for panoramics.

 

[berci]

The V700 is supposed to be significantly better, as I understand the glass is coated so that is capable of scans as good as the 5400 II if not better.

 

[Colin Corneau]

I have a v700 and berci's post mirrors my experience.

I've had no problem with the supplied holders, but they are somewhat flimsy -- I'm not rough on my toys so no worries. However, I think a Betterscanning glass holder accessory is a good idea -- mainly to keep the neg flat and have a sharper scan.

 

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I have a v700 and berci's post mirrors my experience.

I've had no problem with the supplied holders, but they are somewhat flimsy -- I'm not rough on my toys so no worries. However, I think a Betterscanning glass holder accessory is a good idea -- mainly to keep the neg flat and have a sharper scan.

Thanks Colin - yes, the glass plates looks good. I am scanning some very curled negatives for a friend at the moment, so it may be the way to go.