GXR as film scanner?

[E__WOK]

I have the A12 module but haven't used it in years. Is it possible to use it as a scanner and what lens would I need to do this? Thanks.

 

[Kate-the-Great]

What format of film? You'll likely need an actual macro lens from an SLR that focuses down to at least 1:2 magnification- I've used a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 to scan film using my Fuji X-E1 with good results. Any of the Nikkor macro lenses will work well for this with the appropriate adapter and they're all excellent stopped down a bit, even the pre-AI f/3.5 version which I bought for well under 100$

Another lens option could be to obtain some bellows with an M39 mount on each end and attaching an enlarging lens.

Lighting the film can be a bit tricky- using an actual light table is ideal of course if you have one, but I've also gotten good results using my tablet or smartphone as a "light table" for viewing and scanning; if you do that be sure to put a non-textured translucent piece of white plastic over the screen or else the pixels will show through and ruin the scans even if the film is lifted off the surface of the screen (I learned that the hard way!)

 

[WJJ3]

What format of film? You'll likely need an actual macro lens from an SLR that focuses down to at least 1:2 magnification- I've used a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 to scan film using my Fuji X-E1 with good results. Any of the Nikkor macro lenses will work well for this with the appropriate adapter and they're all excellent stopped down a bit, even the pre-AI f/3.5 version which I bought for well under 100$

Another lens option could be to obtain some bellows with an M39 mount on each end and attaching an enlarging lens.

Lighting the film can be a bit tricky- using an actual light table is ideal of course if you have one, but I've also gotten good results using my tablet or smartphone as a "light table" for viewing and scanning; if you do that be sure to put a non-textured translucent piece of white plastic over the screen or else the pixels will show through and ruin the scans even if the film is lifted off the surface of the screen (I learned that the hard way!)

Hi, I've been experimenting with this process a little with my digicam. I am wondering what is the best solution to holding the film? I am actually thinking about getting some enlarger carriers. Any thoughts?

 

[Kate-the-Great]

Hi, I've been experimenting with this process a little with my digicam. I am wondering what is the best solution to holding the film? I am actually thinking about getting some enlarger carriers. Any thoughts?

Enlarger carriers could work, yup. I've also made simple carriers using thin sheets of ABS with appropriately-sized cutouts for the film. The edges of the film can then be taped down to the carrier, and the carrier taped down to the light table. The cheap pack of multicolor plastic placemats at Kroger actually works well as a stock, no texture. The white ones make good diffusers to put on top of a tablet to use as a light source!

 

[WJJ3]

Enlarger carriers could work, yup. I've also made simple carriers using thin sheets of ABS with appropriately-sized cutouts for the film. The edges of the film can then be taped down to the carrier, and the carrier taped down to the light table. The cheap pack of multicolor plastic placemats at Kroger actually works well as a stock, no texture. The white ones make good diffusers to put on top of a tablet to use as a light source!

Legend! Thanks for this info!

 

[E__WOK]

What format of film? You'll likely need an actual macro lens from an SLR that focuses down to at least 1:2 magnification- I've used a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 to scan film using my Fuji X-E1 with good results. Any of the Nikkor macro lenses will work well for this with the appropriate adapter and they're all excellent stopped down a bit, even the pre-AI f/3.5 version which I bought for well under 100$

Another lens option could be to obtain some bellows with an M39 mount on each end and attaching an enlarging lens.

Lighting the film can be a bit tricky- using an actual light table is ideal of course if you have one, but I've also gotten good results using my tablet or smartphone as a "light table" for viewing and scanning; if you do that be sure to put a non-textured translucent piece of white plastic over the screen or else the pixels will show through and ruin the scans even if the film is lifted off the surface of the screen (I learned that the hard way!)

Sorry, it is for 35mm. No MF at this time.

The Nikkor lens sounds like the simpler route to go.

 

[marek_]

YES. This is what I use the GXR for. And works so much better than my Epson V600.

I use it both for 35mm and 120 copies. I'll take a photo of the setup tomorrow but here's a list of the bits I use.

GXR
-Leica bellows
-Schneider Componon-s 50mm for 35mm film copies (+ltm adapter)
-Rodenstock Rodagon 80mm for 120 6x6 and less copies (+ltm adapter)
-Lightbox
-Film holder - either mounted stides, epson film holder, or the film holder from my enlarger, which is the best method for film flatness
-Copystand or enlarger or tripod to mount bellow and camera

I'd recommend using an enlarger lens as they are design for copying purposes. They outperforms any other lenses I have tried for this purpose. The fine adjustment on the bellows helps to get accurate and sharp focus.

Coping 35mm with the whole sensor (3:2), I get a good image size with minimum files size (compared to the massive ones when scanning with the V600). With medium format the image size is less due to using the 1:1 aspect, but for quality they beat the V600 and though the image size could be bigger, it's fine for images destined for the web, or viewing on screen, or as a preview to wet printing, which I do.

I'll post a few pis tomorrow.

Mark