Suggest a good scanner under $250?

[hyokjae]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a (new/used) scanner with which I can scan 35mm negatives (b&w 80%, color 20%) - probably a few rolls of 36 exp per month. My budget is max. $250. As there are so many scanners to choose from, I am seeking a collective wisdom of RFF members. Would you please suggest a scanner for me?

Thanks.
-hyokjae

 

[Twigs]

The Epson 4490 is decent enough for 135 and amazing for 120. It's an especially good choice if you're only scanning to post online, because at higher resolutions it is quite slow.

 

[Ronald_H]

Epson V500? Or is that too obvious.

It's GREAT for 120, but as I have a Nikon Coolscan V for 35mm I haven't tried the V500 for 35mm yet, but people say it is pretty decent.

 

[hyokjae]

OK.. Epson 4490 & V500 are on my list. Thanks for your suggestions.
It looks like some RFF useres are using Canoscan 8800f. Any opinion on this scanner for 35mm negative scan?

Thanks,
-hyokjae

 

[5:00 PM]

I have an 8800f and it's very impressive with 120; I've done a bit of 35mm B&W on it and have no complaints. Here's an example made from a VERY bad, very old Tri-X negative: http://tinyurl.com/cgjw4s

 

[Uncle Bill]

Another vote for the Epson V500, I picked one up when I got my new laptop and a real bargin as has Photoshop Elements bundled with it for free.

So far I am blown away at the quality of the scans.

 

[Bruin]

Look for a used Minolta Scan Dual IV. Since you're doing mostly 35mm B&W it would be perfect for your needs. Be patient...you can still get them for around $250.

 

[hjfischer]

Check out a Plustek 7500 scanner. One model got an excellent review in "Shutterbug".

 

[Pablito]

I do not recommend Minolta because the scanning software is outdated. If you are using a newer OS you might have problems. You will probably end up using VueScan which also can be problematic. You can't go wrong with Epson.

 

[novum]

I have a V500 and it's okay. I had a 4490 and the glass deck collapsed on me--slowly, no shards of glass flying everywhere! I use a betterscanning.com MF holder and both a 35mm and 120 ANR glass insert. More often than not I'll just scan negatives right on the glass with the ANR insert holding the negative down and flat. Good enough for the web.

 

[WDPictures]

From experience I found the Epson 4490 quite acceptable. It is well below your budget especially if you snag the refurbished one on Epson's website ($110). The V500 is probably a new version of the 4490 or similar so you'll have to check the specs. Keep in mind more dpi and such isn't necessarily better but it definately means larger file sizes so if you have gigs and gigs of hard drive storage...
I upgraded to the Epson V700 for large format capability which also includes much nicer negative carriers, for example I can run on 24 exp roll of film in a single scanner load, etc...
Convenience, speed and ease of use are more important to me because I can always re-scan a special image at super-duper resolution later but just getting a roll into the computer must be quick and pain free.

 

[bucks11]

It's been mentioned, but the Epson 4490 is a good scanner for the low price. Snag one from Epson's site and you won't be sorry. It handles 120 very well, and the 35mm holder is a little flimsy, but usable.

 

[hyokjae]

Thanks for all your suggestions.
I decided to go with either Epson 4490 or V500. Does any of you know any difference in quality of the film holders between the two models?

Thanks again.
-hyokjae

 

[wray]

There is little or no difference in the film holders. By the way what part of the state are you located in? Since I bought my Epson V700 my V500 is looking for a new home!

 

[hyokjae]

Ray,

Thanks for the info.
I am in Camarillo, CA. BTW, you didn't like your v500? May I ask why you upgraded to V700?

Thanks,
-hyokjae

 

[wray]

Ray,

Thanks for the info.
I am in Camarillo, CA. BTW, you didn't like your v500? May I ask why you upgraded to V700?

Thanks,
-hyokjae

The V500 was fine. I'm looking to buy a 4X5 camera in the near future so I picked up a refurb V700 from Epson.

 

[hyokjae]

Thanks to you all for your suggestions.
I just ordered a 4490 refurbished from Epson'w web site.

Thanks,
-hyokjae

 

[wray]

Thanks to you all for your suggestions.
I just ordered a 4490 refurbished from Epson'w web site.

Thanks,
-hyokjae

It's hard to beat that price! My refurb from Epson has operated flawlessly. Enjoy!

 

[Ronald_H]

"Vuescan can be problematic"

You know, that's the first time I ever heard anyone mention that. I have four scanners in the house, spanning 11 years. They all work without a hitch with Vuescan.