Lab scans for AUD 10/roll or buy a scanner

[fixbones]

Hi ppl,

Was wondering what would you do?

I am very keen to start developing myself. Was wondering am i better off developing myself and let the local lab scan it for me for AUD10/roll or should i invest on a scanner?.

The scans are mostly for my blog and also 'fun' prints mostly no larger than A4.
Serious prints for framing and display will be sent to a pro darkroom.

Examples of their scan can be seen on my blog below. No PP sharpening.

 

[elshaneo]

Buy the Scanner such as the Epson V500 which should be more than good enough for what You're planning to do...

 

[__hh]

Will you scan 100 rolls of film or more?

I do. After about 2 years, I have easily recovered the cost of my V700 scanner by developing and scanning my own film. Not to mention the fun/interaction involved.

I'd say... do it.... you could always sell the scanner if it does not work out for a small loss.

 

[fixbones]

Hung & Shane, would you guys mind sending me some full size image of some of the scans using the epsons? ferraby@gmail.com

How large have you printed from the scanned image?

 

[Keith]

Do you intend shooting any medium format? I have an Epson V700 which does a pretty decent job of 35mm and is excellent with MF. Like Hung I can only recommend it! 🙂

Go to my Zenfolio site (link at bottom) and check images ... all were scanned with the Epson.

 

[fixbones]

No........ i have enough trouble (financial wise) with 35mm already. Don't think i can handle MF haha

Joking aside, i really don't think i'll go MF. I really much prefer the framing and view of 35m

 

[Matus]

If the lab scans work for you - than just keep using them and save your self a lot of time and hassle.

If you require better quality - then get a scanner like Nikon Coolscan V or similar. You do not need a flatbed if you shoot only 35mm films. The price of these scanners is very comparable, the quality in 35mm scans is not.

Even if you need to scan in large volumes (those mentioned 100 rolls) and given the quality of the lab scans is sufficient - you may still want to use them instead of scanning all those films by yourself. But of course depends whether you have the time to do it yourself or the money to let the lab to do it.

 

[elshaneo]

I've just send you this sample snapshot, to your email - the high resolution 12MP scan.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elshaneo/3884075298/

Leica M7 + Leica M 35mm f/2 Summicron ASPH + FujiPress 800 + Shot wide open

I recently got the Epson V500 but have not made any prints yet from the scans, but so far I'm satisfied 😉

Hung & Shane, would you guys mind sending me some full size image of some of the scans using the epsons? ferraby@gmail.com

How large have you printed from the scanned image?

 

[Pherdinand]

i've scanned 35mm acros100 with the epson v700 that is printed 30x50 cm on the wall and looks excellent. Has a lot of OOF regions, though, but nice tones and good sharpness where it should be sharp.

If the film is properly exposed and focused, the epson can do a quite good job.
I think the cheaper v500 is not much worse in this respect.

 

[Pherdinand]

ok well if you only weant 35mm ever (sorry didnt read all the replies before my prev post) then you are better off with a second hand film scanner. Minolta's dimage scan series are fine as well; if you find an elite 5400 you will be very happy with the results.

 

[fixbones]

Shane, that looks pretty good to me. Love them grains!!!!

Can i assume that the image is as scanned. No PP??? Also, did you use the ANR inserts??

 

[Ben Blacket]

I have an Epson V700, but I still get low res scans done, otherwise I never get around to scanning them myself.
Scans cost $5 extra per roll ($15 inc. processing). These are just for proofing, editing & web.
I say keep paying for scans - they look more than sufficient. It leaves you more time to take photos!
Anyone want a V700 with betterscanning mounting station?!

 

[elshaneo]

Yeah my friend, it's a straight out scan - no post processing from the Epson V500. I use the original Epson 35mm holder, and I'm planning to get the ANR inserts later on ;-)

 

[__hh]

I have an Epson V700, but I still get low res scans done, otherwise I never get around to scanning them myself.
Scans cost $5 extra per roll ($15 inc. processing). These are just for proofing, editing & web.
I say keep paying for scans - they look more than sufficient. It leaves you more time to take photos!
Anyone want a V700 with betterscanning mounting station?!

I've got the V700 already. If you want to sell the betterscanning ANR inserts for the 35mm alone, let me know.

Hung