Should I Have 2 Scanners?

[nation_of_pomation]

Hi everyone!
I've found I shoot a lot of different formats, and in the beginning I was fine with just the Epson Perfection V600. I was (and still am) ignorant about scanning when I first bought it, but I had used a V750 before at my university and figured the V600 had high enough resolution and a scanner that could take the regular and panoramic 35mm and medium format shots I was taking. I do like it, but I have often wondered if I shouldn't see about getting a different scanner for 35mm, as I shoot it most and fiddling with Newton rings and the film holder can be a pain. Would it be crazy to get another? My budget is low enough that it would need to be around what the V600 cost, for reference.

 

[Wburgess]

I did the same and got a canon fs4000.

Ancient, but knocks the socks off the v500.

Maybe a plustek?

 

[VertovSvilova]

I think it depends on what your final uses are going to be. I use the Epson V750 for making digital contact sheets from 35mm film for proofing and record keeping, and I also use it for proof scanning sheet film (4x5.) I also have a dedicated 35mm scanner for 35mm roll film (Nikon Coolscan.) That said, scanning sheet film with the Epson is acceptable for smaller 'everyday' prints and the same with 35mm film with the Coolscan. I have the Coolscan only because I bought it way back when they were relatively inexpensive and the majority of people were still using film. And the Epson is used pretty much just for proofing and record keeping of all my film. Personally, I wouldn't buy a dedicated film scanner today. I'd use a service instead.

But for scanning to view on a monitor or web based imagery, then all the current scanners are fine. You can even make reasonably good prints; depending on size and type of print and paper (i.e., inkjet or digital laser RA-4, etc..) So, if you are just doing scans for monitor/web use or 'everyday' smaller prints, you'll be fine with either the Epson and/or an inexpensive film scanner (e.g., Plustek.)

But if you are only going to do prints once in a while or just want to have a good quality scan/print on occasion then consider doing it with a service bureau. You have to weigh the cost and time of doing scans yourself with consumer equipment compared to using a service selectively for your printing needs. And if it's an exhibition, you'll probably want to hire a service to scan and print the project anyway for the highest possible quality.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that buying scanners and scanning equipment/software, etc.., is very dependent on what your primary output is going to be. That money which is not spent on consumer scanning equipment might be better used for having commercial scans done instead. Just something you probably should evaluate first and then make a decision depending on your personal needs, etc..

 

[Chris Bail]

I've been asking myself the same question...

I'm taking less MF film pictures and more 35mm, and finding the my V500 is not nearly as good as the old Epson Perfection 2480 I was using for 35mm film before...which I gave away.

I will keep the V500 for it's competent scanning of Medium Format, and am considering my options for a dedicated 35mm scanner...right now I'm leaning toward a Plustek 8100 or 8200. I understand there are better, older scanners that are now a little long in the tooth, or more expensive scanners, current that may do a better job...but I'm not really sure that I'd notice a difference.

 

[jammcat]

I upgraded from the V500 to the V700-- I bought the V700 used on CL for $300 CAD, so it seemed like the right move. I enjoy being able to scan my 4x5s for reference, and the fact that I can scan almost a whole roll of 35mm in one go makes it pretty worthwhile.

I would highly recommend the upgrade.

I still want to look into getting a piece of glass or anti newton glass to flatten my negs. I feel like I can def get some extra sharpness out of my negs.

We have a handful of flextights at school and they're just so much nicer than the epsons... but the price is just undoable for me.

 

[Ranchu]

It's very comforting to have more than one.