Nikon FH-869G Film Holder

[TJV]

Hey all,
who is using this holder?

I am getting dispondent thinking that there is almost no use for me shooting 6x7 MF anymore because there is no one capable of making good scans for me sub crazy money (drum scanning.). Got some scans back from a pro lab yesterday that uses what was a $40000NZ dedicated Kodak scanner and the scans were no better, if not worse, than my Epson V700's. The next step up is sending my trannies by courier to another city and paying big dollars. And I never trust couriers or lab technicians...

I've had great experience using my works Nikon 8000 scanner but film flatness is an issue. I'm thinking about getting myself the FH-869G holder to take to work when I need better quality than what I get with my Epson scans at home. Eventually I hope I'll aquire a Nikon 9000ED, lottery winning pending.

Is this holder the best for my requirements? Is there any other after market options to look for? And are there any quirks to know about before I buy?

Thanks for your help.

J

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I have an 8000ED with the rotating version of the glass carrier, and one of my clients has the non-rotating one which I have used several times. I prefer the rotating one to the non-rotating one because it is simpler to use. The Nikon glass carriers don't let you put the film in by itself. You have to put a mask under the film that masks off the film area. Without it, you'll get newton's rings everytime.

The rotating carrier FH-869GR comes with a full set of precut masks for 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x9, and 35mm. The non-rotating carrier comes with a mask that has a long opening with no between-frame lines. Thos between frame lines are provided as STICKERS that you have to put on the glass and peel off when you're done. A real pain, and they likely won't last forever. I also think the non-rotating carrier is only for 120/220 film and wont work on 35mm. I use my glass carrier for 35 often because it gives better results from curled 35mm films than the plain 35mm carrier that came with the scanner.

The rotating carrier costs a lot more but is truly worth it. Both glass carriers significantly improve scan quality. I consider the scanner useless without it because the difference is so large.

 

[sahe69]

If you're considering to upgrade to the 9000ED, then you might want to act quite soon since there's quite many rumours going around that Nikon's stopping the production of these.

On the other hand this upgrade would propably not have significant impact on the quality of the scans, in my understanding.

One thing to notice also is that the FH-869G is notorious for its poor availability, and I don't think this will improve if indeed Nikon will stop the manufacturing of the 9000's.

 

[Photon42]

Nikon does not even upgrade their scanner software to Leopard. Something they said they will do earlier. I hate the idea they quit their scanner line, but something tells me it will become reality.

 

[rich815]

>>>>>If you're considering to upgrade to the 9000ED, then you might want to act quite soon since there's quite many rumours going around that Nikon's stopping the production of these.

As there has been for about a year now...

Best not to repeat these unfounded rumors.

 

[TJV]

>>>>>If you're considering to upgrade to the 9000ED, then you might want to act quite soon since there's quite many rumours going around that Nikon's stopping the production of these.

As there has been for about a year now...

Best not to repeat these unfounded rumors.

You're right, but I'm thinking the worst. I think if I'm going to buy it best be soon because I have no faith these types of devices will be avaliable much longer. I hate to think it, but times have changed to the point that unless you're shooting B/W, shooting film is fast becoming plain silly. I love film and want to shoot it as long as I can. Call me a romantic, but the process works well for me.

I notice the new US price is about 1/4 cheaper, including shipping etc, than buying new here in New Zealand.

Fingers crossed I can find some money some where.

 

[TJV]

The rotating carrier FH-869GR comes with a full set of precut masks for 645, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8, 6x9, and 35mm. The non-rotating carrier comes with a mask that has a long opening with no between-frame lines. Thos between frame lines are provided as STICKERS that you have to put on the glass and peel off when you're done. A real pain, and they likely won't last forever. I also think the non-rotating carrier is only for 120/220 film and wont work on 35mm. I use my glass carrier for 35 often because it gives better results from curled 35mm films than the plain 35mm carrier that came with the scanner.

The rotating carrier costs a lot more but is truly worth it. Both glass carriers significantly improve scan quality. I consider the scanner useless without it because the difference is so large.

Do you think, for a person on a serious budget, the non rotating version is worth it? How long has your friend had the holder and how sticky are the strips after heavy use?

The rotating version does cost a fair bit more, doesn't it...