What do you need for setting up a camera scanning rig?

[nightfly]

I don't own a DSLR currently but I'm thinking of getting one just to use for digital scanning as I'm getting tired of the time and effort it take using a Epson flatbed.

Wondering if anyone has suggestions for an inexpensive used DSLR (or other digital camera) and lens to be used exclusively for scanning as well as what other things I will need for scanning film.

I've seen this which looks great:

http://www.filmtoaster.photography/

but assuming I can do it cheaper DIY.

Thanks.

 

[Shac]

If you haven't seen this thread it might help. The price of the film toaster seems very high IMO - and still depends on you using a digital camera.

 

[MJ Buckpitt]

Not sure if this link will work but it shows a bunch of different rigs.

https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/lets-see-your-dslr-film-scanning-setup/27

 

[madNbad]

The cost for a Filmtoaster makes the $139.95 for the Nikon ES-2 look like a bargain.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Getting started. Issues are the body, lens, lighting, and the rigging for the whole thing.

Body: I suggest mirrorless. Because in my experience, manual focusing is most convenient and reliable. I like Sony with focus magnification and focus peaking.

Lens: Any macro lens. Legacy lens with adapter is easy, but modern AF lens for your chosen body is even easier. Some enlarging lenses work perfectly (80 f/4 Componon-S, 50 f/2.8 El-Nikkor old version metal body & huge numerals, 80 f/4 APO Rodagon-N, 75 f/4 APO Rodagon-D 1x for 1:1 only). Other enlarging lenses may or may not work well.

Lighting: Tougher question. Some like a light panel or even an iPhone/iPad, but exposures are long 1/3 sec. I prefer a video light, shoot at 1/100th, but then you have to build a box and add diffusion. Google Skier CopyBox for a contraption to copy or buy. Electronic flash is excellent, but have to have some additional light to focus and position.

Rigging: Vertical setup with a camera on tripod pointed straight down. Copy stand. Reconfigure an old enlarger. Horizontal setup takes some work. You'll need to position the camera, film, and light, and keep everything rigid.

Easy quick solution: One of the excellent Nikon bellows with PS slide/film holder. Adapter for your camera body. Even easier, quicker, cheaper: pick your lens with smallest field of view at close focus, just shoot, then crop.

Avoid: Front of lens accessories (unless engineered specifically for your lens), standard lens on extension tubes. And, no, you don't want to reverse your lens, that's for shooting things less than 1cm in size.

Hope this is helpful.