what scanner do you trust your precious negs with?

[ibrando]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct forum, but you all have been very helpful in my pursuit of an M system...

I'm venturing into the realm of developing my own B&W film and was wondering what you use as a 35mm film scanner for your precious negatives?

I've seen good reviews about the Minolta Dimage 5400, but I'm sure there are more good scanners out there...

Cheers,
B.

 

[Scarpia]

I use a Minolta DualScan IV and am very happy with it. However I very recently bought a Canon Canoscan 8600 F flatbed for my summer home and the results have very pleasantly surprised me. Very easy to use and fairly fast as well I will try an attachment scanned at 4800 dpi, processed both in Arc Soft Photo Studio (included with the scanner) and Picassa. Photoshop Elements 4 is also included. Total cost at Adorama $159.95 plus tax.
Kurt M.

 

[Scarpia]

Oh, the photo was taken with a Zorki 4 and a 53mm F2.8 Industar 61. It is on the corner where I live in Queens, NY
Kurt M.

 

[ibrando]

Thanks scarpia!

I have thought about a flatbed, but the last time I had one was in the early 90's and I was not impressed with the 35mm neg results. Maybe I should look into the new ones..

Cheers,
Brandon.

 

[ibrando]

Oh sorry, I should also mention that I use OSX (Mac) so if there are any recommendations and they work with Mac it's all the better. 🙂

Cheers,
Brandon.

 

[Scarpia]

I use PC's but the instructions for the Canon 8600 F indicate that it works with a Mac as well.
Kurt M.
PS The attachment was greatly downsized in order to post it/ The original scan which I sharpened a little is very sharp for a flatbed scan. They are geting better.

 

[robert blu]

I recently bought the Nikon coolscan 5000 ed. Did not yet use it so much but for the moment I'm very positive impressed, specially when scanning XP2 (cromogenic B&W).
It is connected to an i-mac. I have many HP5 film but i have not yet work with them seriously, but I heard it is ok anyway.
robert

 

[ibrando]

Thanks robert blu, I was told to look at Nikon. Also thanks Scarpia, I'll check out the flatbeds too.

Now I have something to go on...

Cheers,
Brandon.

 

[nightfly]

I use a Epson 4990 photo. I bought it to use for medium format primarily but I find it works fairly well for 35mm as well although many will disagree.

I print up to 13 x 19 with it and don't see any problems even using fairly grainy black and white films like Tri-X and Neopan 400 and 1600. I'm sure a dedicated negative scanner is a bit sharper but I haven't had the opportunity to use one..

With medium format I find it to be excellent.

 

[Nikon Bob]

I shoot mostly colour print film and use a Minolta 5400. It has not been made for a few years and mores the pity as far as I am concerned. I am sure currently available Nikon and Epson models do a fine job too.

Bob

 

[JNewell]

The Minoltas were fabulous - but for new purchases, or even for used, Nikon is IMO the only game remaining in town. I include used because support is an issue if you plan to own the scanner for any period of time. The Coolscan V is relatively affordable and an excellent machine. The 5000 is faster, but more money.

 

[topoxforddoc]

Minolta 5400 with Vuescan

Charlie

 

[ibrando]

Thank you for all your replies!
Looks like I"ll be on the look out for a Nikon or Minolta...

Cheers,
Brandon.

 

[Tim Gray]

I'd just spring for it and buy a new Nikon V. I just got mine and am very happy with it.

 

[kaiyen]

Well, Minolta is out of the business so the only current models are Nikons. I use a Nikon IV (only 2900 dpi, poor old me) for 35mm, and an Epson 4490 for MF, all using Vuescan. Software can be just as important as the scanner.

allan

 

[pizzahut88]

Flatbeds are no match.

Flatbeds are no match.

I've intensively tried the Canon 8600F, and they are no where as sharp and dynamic range as good as the Minolta Dual Scan IV.

Bottom of the line, for my next new scanner,
it's a Nikon Coolscan for sure.


Plus, one thing I would want to remind everyone of,
we should support Nikon Coolscan.
If Nikon stops making dedicated scanners,
I don't think there is much left in the market. (with Minolta gone)
We need to do our part to help maintain the market.
Our choices for dedicated scanners are dwindling.
(Or is my survey of the market incorrect?)

Cheaper flatbeds get the job done, but surely not as good.
I've not tried Epson, so I can't say much about Epson.


The goodness of our equipment is only as good as the weakest chain in our workflow.
So no matter how this and that lens is, the scanner must extract that amount of quality.
hew . . . . boy that's long.

 

[KM-25]

Nikon 9000ED on Mac Pro with 12 GB of ram and twin 10,000 RPM boot drives, stripe raid for CS3.....and a friend's Hasselblad X5.

 

[Chris101]

I use a Microtech i800 large format flatbed. It scans to 4800 and is as good as any scan I have seen, although the software leaves something to be desired. I like the Epson software for the 4990 (or even the bargain priced 4490) better.

The thing I really like about large bed scanners is the ability to scan contact sheets in one shot.

 

[Nikon Bob]

For anyone having a Min 5400 some support is available through Sony, I believe.

Bob

 

[rich815]

I use a Nikon LS-4000 and despite online comments about it's light source not being ideal for B&W I have no problems getting gorgeous scans myself.

See my links below, practically everything in 35mm format in those links were scanned with my LS-4000.