Flatbed scanner vs Wolverine SNAP 20

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Board,

I would like to get along with the process of converting old 35mm film negatives and slides to digital images. I also am shooting more 35mm film so I am looking for a more long term solution. I have no intention of moving up to anything larger than 35mm if that matters.

I am considering a flatbed scanner such as the Epson V550 or V600 or the Canon 9000FII. I am also considering a macro lens on a DSLR. I am looking for a solution in the under $ 200.00 category but will go a few $'s more, read $ 250.00 maximum, for a solid solution.

I recently stumbled across the Wolverine SNAP 20 digital convertor at B&H and I was wondering if anyone here is familiar with it and can provide any feedback regarding it's performance? I've read the reviews on B&H and like most online reviews they run the gamut from, "the best thing since sliced bread' to "I wouldn't wish this on my mother-in-law."

Has anyone here used one and if so what did you think? If you have used a comparable machine from another manufacturer and have been satisfied with it's performance I'd welcome those comments as well.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Tim, the V500 series will give scans that make good prints at 6x the linear dimension of the negative. From 35mm, good for screens, good for 5x7 prints, probably good for 8x10.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Dear Colonel,

I'm sure that whatever way I go will be more than adequate for my main goal which is merely storage and preservation of photographic memories. Even a badly scanned picture of a fishing trip with my brother's from 25 years ago is worth something to me.

If I print anything bigger than 8 x 10 it'll be a miracle. I just want to save some of these old negatives and slides before it is too late.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA 🙂

 

[froyd]

Tim, do you have may negatives to go through? A flatbed and the wolverine should be relatively quick in use, but a used dedicated 35mm scanner might give you better quality within your budget, which might matter to you since you indicate that you are shooting more 35.

The Epsons work slowly, but many frasmes cna be processed at the same time, so you can go do something else, while the scanner does its thing. The V600 can handle 12 35mm frames at the time, not sure about the 500.