Scanner recommendation requested

[BMG]

Hello everyone,

I've visited the forum on and off over the years but have never been active here. I'm posting now to kindly request your recommendation for a film scanner.

I would be scanning 35mm black and white negs, and probably would be selecting particular frames rather than scanning entire rolls. I would also like to scan black and white negs shot with a Hasselblad Xpan with the same scanner, if possible.

Though the primary reason for scanning would be to have digital copies of some of my work to show / share on-line, I might wish to print from these one day. I would like to have as high quality scans as possible (realizing that I won't be buying a drum scanner), and could spend up to $1,000.US. or possibly more if there was a really good model for not too much more than 1k.

Thanks in advance for any comments / suggestions.

 

[Lauffray]

Welcome to RFF 🙂
Not to sound rude, but this is a very popular topic with plenty of threads both here and elsewhere on the internet. Have you looked around for an idea on what to get ?

Every person will suggest what works for them.
I haven't been keeping up with scanners, but if you want to scan Xpan negatives, flatbeds can be a little difficult unless you find the right holders. That said, dedicated 35mm scanners are usually more expensive than good flatbeds, but with your budget you should be able to find something. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong). Even if you simply intend to print from time to time, I'd go for a dedicated if I had your budget.

Personally I have an old Epson V500 I got on special, it does scans for the web just fine and I've occasionally printed from scans at maxed out resolution and it's ok

 

[BMG]

Thanks for your reply. I have been researching the topic, and this thread is part of that research. 🙂

FWIW, a lot of info I have been turning up is dated, and given how quickly things digital change and evolve, I'd like to get as current opinions as possible. Also, this forum seemed particularly appropriate as I am shooting the same type of camera and film as many/most of you.

And thanks for the recommendation for a dedicated 35mm scanner. That was indeed where I felt I would be headed.

 

[Lauffray]

Yeah that's my problem too, I haven't kept up with the developments in scanner-world either, so I don't even know what's available in the dedicated scanner market now.

I forgot to mention, some people also have a DSLR setup to "scan" their negatives too, apparently it's cumbersome to setup, but once you're set, you can scan quite a bit relatively quickly.

 

[Aristophanes]

X-pan will need a flatbed like the Epson V750 or the Plustek 120.

The Epson + some wet scanning holders and you are good to go well within your budget.

Any older model scanner is a risk due to lack of serviceability.

 

[Lauffray]

Do you know if there are any "modern" dedicated scanners being made ?

 

[Shac]

Yes there are - just search B&H photo video for example