Scanner for 120 negatives

[john341]

Sorry, this has probably been asked on this forum but I need somewhere to start..I'd like to scan my own b/w 120 negs..where do I start? I have a machine for 35mm but where do I look for a suitable machine? I am not a big user so am not prepared to pay heaps for such a machine...any ideas, please? John

 

[Vincent.G]

A flatbed scanner will do the job. I am using a canoscan8800f. It cost me around USD200 new two years ago and is still going strong. You may visit my flickr. All my 120 scans were done by the canoscan8800f.

 

[thegman]

Depends on your budget really, for 120 you can be somewhat less fussy than with 35mm, as even if you miss half the detail, you still get a great high resolution scan.

I use a V700, very happy with it, I also know the Canoscans can deliver great results, especially if you get some anti-newton glass from BetterScanning or similar. For me, the anti-newton ring glass (ANR) is fantastic at holding the film very flat, so you get a better scan. It's also easier to put the film under some glass than use the fiddly holders scanners come with.

Microtek get mixed reviews, I've seen amazing results, but they are not cheap.

 

[Rogrund]

I have a Epson V600 and I'm really pleased with the results. I get better scans with the V600 than with the CanoScan 8600f I had before.

From the V600:

 

[mugent]

I use a Canon 9000F with anti-newton glass, it's pretty good. Without the glass, you need to have very flat negs.

 

[agricola]

Hello John from Brisbane - I too am from Brisbane (!) as is Keith who you will see around here quite a lot. From memory I think Keith has or had a V700 or 750. Anyway he posted some outstanding scans from old negatives some time ago.
I can recommend the Epson V700. Purchased it from Photo Continental just before last Christmas. With a bit of practise and a few tips it can do excellent work with 35mm despite what you read on the net. And there is no question that it does 120 standing on its ear. The proof is in the printing, and once you get it right the results are very good.
Send me a PM if you want to discuss it further. There is a learning curve. And that is putting it mildly. There is so much rubbish on the net.
These are from the Rolleiflex 2D
http://www.pbase.com/kalkadan/bangalow

 

[Johnmcd]

I use a Minolta Scan Multi Pro. I highly recommend it if you can pick one up second hand like did. 4800 dpi.

Cheers - John

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Reflecta/Pacific Image offer a dedicated 120 scanner. Not cheap though.

 

[BobYIL]

Thankfully the 120 format is large enough to provide excellent outputs on flatbed scanners. As for recommendation the later Epson series come to mind, they are reliable and you can find very clean used ones for even less than $200 (V600 for example).

 

[kmallick]

I use a Canon 9000F with anti-newton glass, it's pretty good. Without the glass, you need to have very flat negs.

Another +1 for Canon 9000F. I am also using the ANR glass from betterscanning.com along with the Vuescan software.

 

[john341]

Thanks

Thanks

for all the input chaps. I feel that I now have a starting point - the Epson sounds as though it could the go judging by the results I have seen .. happy shooting to all

 

[ReeRay]

The Epson is a good choice. I use the V700 with Betterscan inserts and comparing my 120 scans with my dedicated Minolta Multi Pro I can confirm the Epson performs admirably.

You won't be disappointed.