pass around scanner test : 1 neg, many scanners

[sf]

http://www.jamesphotography.ca/scanner_test.html

that series of tests looks like a good variety - but I have some issues with that fact that most of them look like they have been modified in some way. Correct me if I'm wrong. Also, it seems that some scanners were not focused properly, judging from the sharpness on some of the dedicated rigs.

 

[jano]

that series of tests looks like a good variety - but I have some issues with that fact that most of them look like they have been modified in some way. Correct me if I'm wrong. Also, it seems that some scanners were not focused properly, judging from the sharpness on some of the dedicated rigs.

It's certainly possible some shots were modified, either by the person scanning or by the scanner software. The idea behind this bake-off is very similar to what's being discussed here. I like how there are multiple entries for the same scanner, and how they have a grou pof "judges" to "score". Of course, scoring is very subjective. I'd be happier if they had full-res scans available for my pixel-peeping pleasure. Too bad that bake-off is pretty much done.

 

[sf]

Well, I'm up to do things a different way. And for pixel peeping, choose a crop of something and enlarge it to 100%.

 

[jano]

that works, too.

 

[sf]

Like my 100mm lens test :

http://www.shutterflower.com/lens test.htm

I posted the full res scan resized, then a relevant crop at 100%.

 

[Lutz]

I can see Lutz making a buttload of money off of this if enough people hop in and buy his negs...

ROFLMBO (Rolling On Floor Laughing My Butt Off)! Don't know about the size of yours, buddy - but please be reasonable and calculate:

cost of slide film
cost of neg film
cost of pro lab slide development
cost of home lab neg development
72 frames
36 pouches for the pair
36 envelopes
36 times postage for worldwide priority shipment from Switzerland
Paypal fees

photographing
commuting to pro lab
developing neg film
framing
packing
mail correspondance (hours, IMHExperience...)
commuting to post office (most probably 5 to 10 times...)

So, IF all 36 pairs are bought this could nean a 50c/h job. Need one? I'd have better paying things to do, but I like to be helpful. More probably, though, just 10 pairs will "sell" and I won't break even by far.

As for the technical side...

The b/w neg is absolutely neutral. The screen sample is not a raw scan but a PSed one (added some "glow" - I like that at times... 😉 )
I have a Nikon Coolscan IV ED with Scanhancer and can offer 2900dpi scans to judge from.
So, whoever wants the 35mm pair - I'll collect paypal orders and ship out the first batch by the end of the week.

Have a nice Sunday, everybody. BTW, today is "pinhole day"! Lutz

Cheers

 

[sf]

Lutz, do you like the Scanhancer? Does it make a big difference? A little difference?

 

[sf]

This will only work if EVERYONE who takes part in this test uses your negs. So, before anyone buys anything, we need to get a concensus from everyone on what source of hte negs will be. If Everyone wants to pay $5 and get negs - that is probably no more than doing it yourself and shipping it - good. Then I will provide the 645 frames and send those out.

Please all interested parties decide if buying from Lutz makes sense (which it very well may if $5 is all it takes).

I'll send mine out in protective sheaths in envelopes - which should be fine if we are planning on NOT sending the same set around, and rather all scanning our own little set of negs.

ROFLMBO (Rolling On Floor Laughing My Butt Off)! Don't know about the size of yours, buddy - but please be reasonable and calculate:

cost of slide film
cost of neg film
cost of pro lab slide development
cost of home lab neg development
72 frames
36 pouches for the pair
36 envelopes
36 times postage for worldwide priority shipment from Switzerland
Paypal fees

photographing
commuting to pro lab
developing neg film
framing
packing
mail correspondance (hours, IMHExperience...)
commuting to post office (most probably 5 to 10 times...)

So, IF all 36 pairs are bought this could nean a 50c/h job. Need one? I'd have better paying things to do, but I like to be helpful. More probably, though, just 10 pairs will "sell" and I won't break even by far.

As for the technical side...

The b/w neg is absolutely neutral. The screen sample is not a raw scan but a PSed one (added some "glow" - I like that at times... 😉 )
I have a Nikon Coolscan IV ED with Scanhancer and can offer 2900dpi scans to judge from.
So, whoever wants the 35mm pair - I'll collect paypal orders and ship out the first batch by the end of the week.

Have a nice Sunday, everybody. BTW, today is "pinhole day"! Lutz

Cheers

 

[Lutz]

Lutz, do you like the Scanhancer? Does it make a big difference? A little difference?

I love it and I never looked back. it makes QUITE a difference. Think diffussion light source vs. cold light condensor head. Grain is virtually dissolved.

 

[RObert Budding]

I'm willing to help Lutz fund his retirement with profits from his slide sales. Perhaps he'll need to set up an offshore account to shield the income from taxation.

I have an Epson 4990 and can scan with Epson, Vuescan, and Silverfast software.

 

[Lutz]

Your generous support is appreciated, Rob. We, errr, might discuss the details while cruising with my yacht next weekend - would the Bahamas suit you...?

 

[aad]

I'll join- I have a DSIV and a 4490

 

[tammons]

I have a Howtek 4500, Epson 4870 and a Minolta 5400-II (if it works when it gets here)

Sounds good to me.

Suggestions. Use 35mm, a Leica M, Efke 25 or Copex for B+W, and also one Velvia and one E100G slide. Take multiple shots, like 36 of the same scene, in case one gets lost, you can start over again with the same scene.

Dont mount the slides. They have to be removed for a drum scanner.

The best way to compare is to do 1/4" or 1/2" square of film at the highest resolution. Cropping is best done by one person like you.

Also you could do everything resized to 4000 dpi, but i would rather see the native pixel size and do my own resizing for a comparison.

 

[x-ray]

I have a Fuji Finescan 5000 ( Lanovia Quatro) and would be glad to compare. I would be particularly interested in how it compares to the Howtek. Both are top notch prepress scanners.

If I missed this in a previous post please forgive me. I would suggest one of us setting up a standard shot and shooting an entire 36 exp. roll of transparency and B&W film on it. Then, ship each person a set of frames and they need not return them.

http://www.photo.net/photos/X-Ray

 

[sf]

AH, heck. I don't want this to become CHAOS.

1. We need to get a kit that contains 6 frames (35mm and 645), (B&W, E6, C41) - and there will be at most 15 kits. I think it would be easiest if I just do the 645 and Lutz does the 35mm. If paying him for those negs is not going to happen, someone else step in an offer to do 3 rolls of 24 frames, one in each media.

2. All people with scanners and an interest in taking part, PM me with your paper mail addresses.

3. I will create a mailing list and mail that to Lutz(or who else).

4. Lutz(or who else) and I will mail out our neg packs. Each will contain either 645 or 35mm, according to what type of scanner you have. If you have both, you get both - and better do scans with both. . . .

5. again, if you have a 35mm scanner, you're just getting one kit of negs. If you have a flatbed, you get both. If you have a dual format dedicated, you get both. No one gets more than they need, and we are certainly not going to double up.

6. Everyone with scanners, please PM me so I can get an organized sense of the mailing list. I know, I like to repeat myself.

After everyone gets their packs, we will get the guidelines clear, and everyone should get things done in a timely manner (couple weeks) - post the results in a particular format, and that will be it.

 

[MelanieC]

I have an Epson 2480 "Photo" flatbed that cost something like $85 new. If you're interested in seeing what a really cheesy scanner's results look like, I'm game.

 

[sf]

ChrisN – Coolscan V and Epson 4490
AAD – dual scan IV
Robert Budding – Epson 4990
tammons - Howtek 4500, Epson 4870 and a Minolta 5400-II
X-ray - Fuji Finescan 5000
MelanieC – Epson 2480
Shutterflower – KM Multi Pro and Epson 3170
Lutz – coolscan IV.


Now, it might be easiest and cheapest to keep this on one continent – so anyone out of the USA or Canada, it might be best to wait for the results.

so far, that is the list. Anyone else? This is a decent collection, actually.

 

[grizzz]

My scanners have already been mentioned (4990 & DSIV) but I would be interested in your results....Griz

 

[sf]

Lutz, where are you located?

 

[Lutz]

Lutz, where are you located?

Zurich, Switzerland. Good morning! ;-) This is going to be one beautiful day over here.

BTW, worldwide shipment typically takes 5 working days from here - so why cut out the "old world" from this - or any place outside the "continent", as you call it?

Besides, I think it could be instructive for people with scanners already on the list but different software (I prefer Vuescan) to join as well.

Cheers.