How to make the most of what I've got...

[Michael W]

OK, so I'd really like a new scanner along the lines of a used Nikon 4000, but right now sure if can justify the funds. So please help with some suggestions on getting the best images from what I've got. I currently have 2 scanners, an Epson 1650 Photo Flatbed (can scan negatives), and a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual 2400 (not II, III, IV, etc, but the original Dimage).

The Epson can scan a whole 6 frame strip at one time, but the with my Minolta, you need to move each frame manually one at a time into position. I also have the vuescan software, and photoshop.

I'll be bulkloading and processing my own BW (HP5+ in HC110).

I guess what I'm really asking is aside from workflow and getting larger scans, how much quality am I missing compared to upgrading to a $500 scanner.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions,

Michael

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Your minolta scans at a lot lower resolution than the newer scanners. The Nikon Coolscan V is 4000 DPI but costs $600 new. I have a Nikon 8000ED, which is also 4000 dpi but can do medium format film as well as 35mm. I think your Minolta is a better scanner than the epson, as far as sharpness and dymaic range but you'll probably not capture all the detail in a negative with it because of its resolution. However, with HP5, a fairly grainy film, that might not be the issue it would be with Pan-F or some other high-resolution fine grain film.