Need some advice on film scanners

[Dogman]

I need a film scanner that's fairly easy to use and gives good quality results in making prints--maybe eventually as large as 13x19.

Currently, I shoot black and white in both 35mm and medium format. That is my main priority right now. Color is all done with digital equipment.

I also have a lot of older 35mm color slides. I have a few 4x5 transparencies I would like to print but they are not a priority right now.

I've considered the Epson flatbeds, specifically the V700, but questions have come up about the quality of prints made from its 35mm film scans. Anyone have any experience with the V700 or any of the other Epson flatbeds and printing from 35mm scans?

My budget is about $500. I can stretch it to maybe $600 if absolutely necessary.

 

[drewbarb]

I'm using a Microtek i900 right now for similar duties, and I'm very pleased with the results. I haven't used the Epsons, and while I have read good things about them, I like the Microtek approach. The i900, i800, and the new M1 all use a two stage system. The scanner has a regular glass flatbed for scanning reflective materials, and a separate tray below the glass for film. They include holders for mounted- and un-
mounted 35mm film, medium format (any size), and 4x5 sheets. They also include an anti-newton-ring glass tray for dry- or wet-mounting film of any size, up to slightly larger than 8x10. The price is right in line with your budget- these scanners are made to compete with the Epsons, and do so very well, according to many tests. For a bit more, you can get the "Pro" versions which include full version Silverfast AI software, which is what I have used for years for scanning. Attached is a sample scan from a frame of 35mm done with my i900, using Silverfast.

 

[Guildiverno]

In your case, I would consider the Nikon Coolscan V. Easy to use, very good lens, LEDs instead lamps and specifically designed for 35mm film and slides.

The only problem is that it isn't suitable for your medium format pictures.

 

[Hephaestus]

Although now discontinued, you may be able to find a second-hand Konica Minolta multi-format film scanner. Some people seem to even prefer those units for black and white scanning to the Nikon film scanners. I hope you find something suitable!

 

[M. Valdemar]

The i800 does not have a two stage system. The negatives go on a carrier on the glass surface.

Here's a huge bargain in a scanner that can do large negatives:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63076139

Use a coupon to lower it another 10%

http://www.retailmenot.com/view/epson.com

 

[drewbarb]

M- thanks for the correction about the i800.

That deal on the V700 looks too good to pass up for anyone who needs a decent scanner for various film sizes...

 

[Chris101]

... I like the Microtek approach. The i900, i800, and the new M1 all use a two stage system. The scanner has a regular glass flatbed for scanning reflective materials, and a separate tray below the glass for film. ...

True for the i900 and M1 but the i800 has a moving light source in the lid and you place negatives in carriers on the glass. (I have an i800.)