scanner for 6x12

[pauld111]

Hi,

I want to get a scanner for scanning 6x12. My budget is up to £1200. Which scanner would you guys recommend?

 

[Matus]

I think that apart from some old scanners (I mean old pro scanners that run inly via SCSI with G3 Macs and similar) your only choice are the current flat bed scanners - Epson V700/V750 or Microtek M1/F1.

If you require enlargements beyond 4-5x that still show full detail you will need to get you films scanned by a lab with some kind of Imacon, but otherwise the above mentioned scanners should give you decent results (when you learn how to use them properly).

I have the Microtek F1 (which I got as refurbished, otherwise I would have got the V750) and use it for 6x6 and 4x5" and, with some tweaks it can do a decent job. I did some 35mm scans too, but found that to be a waste of time as these can be scanned cheaply by a lab that uses Coolscans.

The F1 has it quirks (especially the software - I expected more from Silverfast, honestly), but it can deliver decent results. Just check my flickr - there are quite some samples - even with 100% crops.

If you need to find out more be sure to browse also the LFF forum as many guys there have similar problem (namely locating a decent scanner)

good luck

 

[pauld111]

Hi Matus,

Thanks for the detailed answer, I will look into what you said.

 

[bagdadchild]

Last edited by bagdadchild : 1 Minute Ago at 22:05.

 

[pauld111]

I am leaning towards Nikon 9000. The only thing that puts me off is the fact that I will have to scan an image twice and join in Photoshop.

 

[jamesdfloyd]

Having asked similar questions over the past month (because I am interested in getting back into 6x17 panoramic), I am leaning towards one of two options; 1) Epson v750 and master the scanning process or 2) Canoscan 9000f for proofing purposes and then sending the negatives / transparencies out for drum scanning. All bets would be off is Nikon could make a Coolscan 9000 type that could scan 6x12 or 6x17 without requiring two scans and stitching.

J.D.

 

[pauld111]

I purchased an Epson V750. What finally swayed me was that I already had the Nikon V - which I will keep and use for 35mm and the V750 now for panoramic, in one go as opposed to stiching. I was going to sell the Nikon V and get the 9000 but it is way to expensive and also a convoluted route.

 

[spanish_inquisition]

I am leaning towards Nikon 9000. The only thing that puts me off is the fact that I will have to scan an image twice and join in Photoshop.

There is nothing wrong with that approach. I used to scan widelux/horizon 35mm negatives with a Nikon CoolscanV and merge them in photoshop. Sometimes there might be a slight exposure change from one scan to the other, but you can use Vuescan or something like that to set the scan exposure manually (or correct directly in photoshop). The quality that a Coolscan 9000 will give you beats that of an Epson V750, but honestly, the V750 is quite good for medium format film scanning. It is a bit soft for 35mm, but even those scans are pretty decent. It all depends on what you want.

I sold my CoolscanV and now digitize my negatives with a dSLR and a 100mm macro lens and I am quite happy with the results because the largest size prints I ever make are ~13inches.

I would think a little before putting down $1000+ for one scanner.
Just my $0.05

 

[chris00nj]

Epson V500 will do 6x12

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I used an Epson Photo 4490 for 6x12 when I had such a camera. Worked just fine.

Phil Forrest