Is this just poor scanning?

[wakarimasen]

Hello folks,
I'd value your opinion on the two attached images:
These are scans of the same negative, taken with a Fuji GS645S.

The first was part of a batch that I returned due to excessive dust and dirt in the scan. The second is what I just received.

Am I being excessively picky or are these just no good?

Best regards,

RoyM

 

[Krzys]

Honestly the first is decent but the second is what I normally expect from a lab.

 

[mfogiel]

Apart from the dust, both these images can be adjusted in PS anyway. The point though is, that by letting the lab scan your negs, you are likely to get a poorly processed and not so high resolution result, maybe with lots of dust, and you also pay for this. You should do your own math: how much quality you want from your shots and how much do you shoot per year. If you want to be serious about it, the sooner you buy a dedicated film scanner and start scanning yourself, the better the outcome will be. If you feel a Nikon CS9000 is too expensive for you, limit yourself to shooting 35mm and get a good 35mm scanner.

 

[wakarimasen]

I am watching a few Epson 4490 scanners on ebay - and planning on developing myself too. This part of the film process - and the use of labs - has been the biggest disappointment to me so far!

 

[MCTuomey]

when i returned to B&W 35mm film, my initial workflow depended on local labs for processing and scanning. eventually i migrated to scanning and developing at home because of poor quality service: scratched negatives, dust-ridden scans, etc. if i learned anything about the hybrid film-to-digi process, it's that buying as capable a scanner as you can afford will result in the greatest satisfaction. actually, if given the choice between high-end lenses or a high-end scanner, i'd take the high-end scanner anyday.

 

[wakarimasen]

when i returned to B&W 35mm film, my initial workflow depended on local labs for processing and scanning. eventually i migrated to scanning and developing at home because of poor quality service: scratched negatives, dust-ridden scans, etc. if i learned anything about the hybrid film-to-digi process, it's that buying as capable a scanner as you can afford will result in the greatest satisfaction. actually, if given the choice between high-end lenses or a high-end scanner, i'd take the high-end scanner anyday.

This is how I have ended up too. I have already bought a Minolta Scan Dual II - I know it's not the best, but it does a pretty good job in my eyes. Next is the Epson for medium format - so long as no other bidders want one :bang:

 

[Ronald M]

Consumer labs always screw up film, prits, scans, one way or another. I do it myself since 1960 and would not bother with photography if I had no darkroom.

Digi is better for those without dark rooms.

Black & white silver film are harder to scan than C41. You need a low contrast neg, one that prints #2 paper with a condenser enlarger.


Delta 100,400 Tmax 100 and 400 and Tri x all scan decently if the contrast is as above.
I can`t get Plus X to work as well no matter what I do. I get blown skies or dark shadows . Yet the film prints beautifully. Don`t understand.

Forget flatbed scanners too. They will drive you nuts for about 50 different reasons including lack of dynamic range and poor film plane positioning/focus. The only decent one is Epson V750 which will do wet scans. If all I had was a flat, I would make a print and scan it or use the scans for web posting.

Look at a Nikon or Plus Tech better model.

Keep your film, darkroom, and GLASS chem bottles spotless or you will become an expert at retouching. Water and air filter are a must for me.

If this is all beyond you, digital is the way to go.

 

[Fujitsu]

If this is all beyond you, digital is the way to go.

A hybrid workflow is an option for many. I dont have (or want) a darkroom, but I´m pretty fine with scanning my negs myself and post process in photoshop.

All I need the labs for is development and they newer screwed that up, not even the cheapest. Scanning is another story.

 

[wakarimasen]

At last - a scan from my £22.49 Epson 3200.....

It's good enough for me!

Best regards,
RoyM

 

[shimokita]

why is the last scan facing a different direction? Did the lab or you scan the back of the neg?

Casey

 

[srtiwari]

why is the last scan facing a different direction? Did the lab or you scan the back of the neg?

Casey

Maybe the model turned to offer her better side to the camera ? 😀

 

[ZeissFan]

Also, welcome to the world of cleaning up dust spots on scans. Scanning the negative is just the start.

 

[tammons]

Nope the 1st 2 are unacceptable IMO.
1 is better than 2 but 2 is really bad.

Probably an inexperienced scan tech or somebody that just did not care.
More likely yesterdays burger flipper.

 

[wakarimasen]

Maybe the model turned to offer her better side to the camera ? 😀

Oops - that's my fault! I guess I was a little excited about completing a MF scan myself!

Best regards,
RoyM

 

[wakarimasen]

....and another. I like this scanner - certainly for Black & White.