Get a new scanner or use the old one?

[Bobbo]

Hey, all. I have a scnner question or two:

I have an Epson 3170 I bought refurbished in 2006 (mostly because Mom already had one, hehe). i have since lost the 35mm negative holder.

Should I get the film holder (I can't seem to find one online), or should I just get another (better/newer) scanner? I don't have more to spend than, say $150-200, and the less the better.

I would just like to scan some of my 35mm B&W negatives, since I started shooting again. I don't need medium format or slide capability. I might try 120 some day in the future, but I can always use the 3170 for now (then?).

Then, I need to make a workflow. I have my Intel iMac with CS3 at work, and a Vista cheapo laptop and Elements at home. Any suggestions on someplace I could go online to set one up? I'll start searching here, obviously, but hey, if anyone wants to do some of my work for me, then by all means, hehe... 🙂

Thanks,
--Bob

 

[Steve M.]

Just tape the negs down by the edges to the glass, shiny side down. It will do a fine job like that.

 

[Bobbo]

Well then... I guess I can be even cheaper than I had hoped 🙂. Should I throw a piece of clean glass over the top of the negs to help flatten them out?

Now I guess I'll save the four Watson bulk loaders I've randomly acquired was going to offer for trade to get something else.

 

[Steve M.]

The glass will cause Newton rings unless it's optical glass. Or you could make up some negative mounts from black mat board, but taping the edges was always good enough for me.