stompyq
Well-known
Ok so here's some background before i go in to the specific question. It all started when i was getting frustrated with the wideangle options on DX digital (yes i have a 12-24mm) and ended up getting a bessa L and 15mm CV lens. I love the combo and it's earned a place in my bag as my superwide option (i seem to be using it quite a bit). I also shoot a fair amount of 4x5 which i scan on a old epson 1640 scanner. The scans are fine for 8x10 prints and i end up sending them to a imacon scan for anything bigger (if i ever want to). I've been going around everywhere here in rochester looking for someone who dosen't give me junk as a scan. My average cost has been about $20 per reel vs 0nly $2.00 to just get them developed as negs only. So over time i figured i'll be better served by just getting my own scanner. I also have a large stack of 35mm negatives from my film days that i'd like to get scanned.
I've done some research and don't want to get a epson flatbed (i'am happy with my current one) and want to get a dedicated 35mm scanner (i have no intention of going to medium format or the wet darkroom). I've narrowed down my choices to 3 nikon coolscans
Either a coolscan IV, 4000ED or coolscan V. I can't find comparisons on these specific scanners agaisnst each other. Obviously the V is more expensive but i'am not sure i'll be getting my moneys worth (plus i'll have to wait another month or 2 to get the money ready for that). Th IV i can get immediatly (i've been looking at ebay). Time spent on scanning is perfectly fine i'd rather spend the time on a few frames than mindlessly digitize a huge amount. Just as a comparision i spent hours on single images from my digital captures as well as my 4x5's. Qualitywise as long as i get 8x10 and at most 16x20 i'd be very happy.
As a side note i used to own a minolta dimage scandual IV and (i got it to scan my 35mm collection) hated it. I could not get a single scan that i was satisfied with from it. Certainly nowhere near that from even my nikon D70. I'am assuming all these coolscans are much better than the minolta?
I've done some research and don't want to get a epson flatbed (i'am happy with my current one) and want to get a dedicated 35mm scanner (i have no intention of going to medium format or the wet darkroom). I've narrowed down my choices to 3 nikon coolscans
Either a coolscan IV, 4000ED or coolscan V. I can't find comparisons on these specific scanners agaisnst each other. Obviously the V is more expensive but i'am not sure i'll be getting my moneys worth (plus i'll have to wait another month or 2 to get the money ready for that). Th IV i can get immediatly (i've been looking at ebay). Time spent on scanning is perfectly fine i'd rather spend the time on a few frames than mindlessly digitize a huge amount. Just as a comparision i spent hours on single images from my digital captures as well as my 4x5's. Qualitywise as long as i get 8x10 and at most 16x20 i'd be very happy.
As a side note i used to own a minolta dimage scandual IV and (i got it to scan my 35mm collection) hated it. I could not get a single scan that i was satisfied with from it. Certainly nowhere near that from even my nikon D70. I'am assuming all these coolscans are much better than the minolta?
JayC
5 kids,3 dogs,only 1 wife
I have a IV that I want to sell. I can provide you with links to scans if you want. Or answer any specific questions.
chrishayton
Well-known
I have a IV and its fantastic, far better than the flatbed (epson 4990)
Pretty cheap too compared to other nikons.
Pretty cheap too compared to other nikons.
stompyq
Well-known
I'am interested. So how do you find the quality? prinets and on screen? The only comparative yardstick that i can think of is a DSLR image. can you compare?