Multiple use scanner

special.foto

see twice, shoot once
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What can you tell me about a scanner that does both 35mm and 120? Has anyone found one that's really good and affordable? I've been searching for quite some time now and so far i still haven't found something to create the feeling that it will fit me just fine. Thanks!
 
Define "really good"... The Nikon 9000 is good, but Imacons are even better, without getting even close to a drum scanner (in the hands of someone with five years training, that is).

Many people do not need anything better than a Epson V700 (or indeed a 4490). And if all you need are screen display resolutions for internet use, you may get away with even less, if you are disciplined and know how to use your post-processing software - I've seen perfectly valid and unobjectionable scans from cheap no-name scanners and truly ancient devices posted here.
 
I noticed that the Epson V700 is the standard for multi-purpose "home" scanning. However, i'm searching for something not-so-far from the range of nikon's 9000 or other profesional but rather expensive scanners at a lower price or a product with a good money/quality ratio (by this i understand the meaning of "really good"). I plan to use it for 35 mm and 120 film, and to achieve a good resolution, to be able to store and make prints as large as 60/40 cm. Any solutions?
 
As long as you want to scan larger than 35mm Coolscan 9000 is your best choice. You could get some of the used professional flat-bed scanners like Screen Cezanne or some of the Eversmart models. In price similar to new C9000 (depending on the model) and mostly better IQ. But if you need a repair it may be costly. These machines are 3 - 7 years old now. Also MUCH bigger than C9000.

Imacons are to my experience marginally better than Coolscans (OK, no film flatness issues compared to C9000)

60x40 cm print from 6x9 slide is already a 7x enlargement. From a smaller film even more. Forget scanners like V700 for that purpose if you are after nice, sharp and detailed prints.

I would say - the C9000 is the "easiest" option. If you do not scan enough to justify buying one, than just find a lab that will scan your films for you. That is what I do if I want to enlarge more than 4-5x. For the smaller prints I use my Microtek F1.
 
As far as I'm aware, there was only one other dedicated film scanner which did both 35mm and 120 film. Konica-Minolta I think? Apart from that, the only options are the CS9000 or the V700.
 
And so you got me reconsidering the coolscan 9000, even if it's rather expensive. I suppose it can prove it's worth it. I better find someone who will let me try it. I won't stop searching for something better at the same price or maybe cheaper. Thanks!
 
You could always take a look at the Minolta Dimage Multi Pro , a fair bit cheaper than the Nikon and many (myself included) believe to be the best desktop scanner ever produced.
 
I believe there was also a Polaroid Sprintscan that could do both.

I have a Minolta Scan Multi but it is only 1000 dpi for MF and 2000 dpi for 35mm.

I also have a Kodak RFS-3570 that can scan at least 6x7 and perhaps to 4x5 but it is also only 1000 dpi for MF and 2000 dpi for 35mm. It has a "diffusion" light source that diminishes scratches and dust. The plus side is it does really, really good color correction and scans are extremely fast.
 
If you can wait, Reflecta has announced a dedicated film scanner UP TO 120 for next summer. And since you're in Europe, you won't have any problem getting one.

https://reflecta-shop.de/de/products/list/~pcat.2~page.2/Film--Dia--Bild-Scanner.html

No news yet on price, but it'll be cheaper than a Coolscan 9000 for sure.

EDIT: don't get obsessed with the bad english translation. It really says 35 & 120 with 3200dpi in German.
 
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If you can wait, Reflecta has announced a dedicated film scanner UP TO 120 for next summer. And since you're in Europe, you won't have any problem getting one.

https://reflecta-shop.de/de/products/list/~pcat.2~page.2/Film--Dia--Bild-Scanner.html

No news yet on price, but it'll be cheaper than a Coolscan 9000 for sure.

EDIT: don't get obsessed with the bad english translation. It really says 35 & 120 with 3200dpi in German.

Looks very tempting but i don't know if i can wait 'till june 2011 :p . Thanks a lot for every sugestion, i will certainly look them up. It would be nice if one could test a scanner like this to see if it fits his needs... After all, you're not paying the price for a pack of bubble-gum...
 
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