What scanner to buy

[arnulf]

Hello people

My old flatbed scanner died on me recently and I need to get a new one. As a photographer I'm mostly doing digital, but I'm intending to start doing a roll of film every now and again, so I thought it would be a good idea to get a scanner that can do negatives as well. I already have a Nikon LS-50 and that's a pretty good performer, but it only takes 35 mm and I would like to have the possibility to do medium format scans as well. Since I'm mainly digital I can't reach for the really good and expensive stuff, but I was wondering whether for instance the Epson V750 would be a good choice. Can anyone help me out? How does it perform comparing to the LS-50, for example?

 

[bobby_novatron]

Man, that's a big question you're asking! There's multiple threads here on RFF if you search using Google ... you can probably find lots of info and comparisons about scanners.

I did tons and tons of research before I bought my Epson v700, and I've been insanely happy with it. It's not perfect, by any means -- but it does a great job for the price. The Epson v750 is very similar to the v700, but somewhat more expensive. It's up to you whether you want to pay the extra $$$ for things like wet-mounting capability and a slightly better glass platten design.

For me I didn't care about that -- the v700 is really quite phenomenal. It does 35mm, 6x6 6x7 and 6x9 medium format, as well as 4x5 large format. Or, you can set your own custom scan sizes and scan whatever kinds of neg's you want.

The enclosed software with the Epson is pretty good -- it's not perfect (again), but it's easy to learn and does a super job of multi-scanning a roll of neg's. I put a roll of 24 negatives into the Epson negative holder, cut into 6-frame strips, and set the software to the parameters I want. The Epson software does all the thumbnails, all the scanning, including digital ICE dust removal, etc. ... and I'm upstairs in my kitchen drinking coffee. I come back a few minutes later, and I've got a fresh batch of HQ scans. It's great.

About the Nikon -- I haven't used it. The Nikon products all get great reviews, especially the ones with ED glass. Unfortunately Nikon has pretty much exited the scanner market, so these units are not that easy to find, or they're getting expensive.

The Canoscan line also does well, the Canoscan 9000-series is comparable to the Epson, I think.

The Plustek gets good review for the scan quality, almost up there with the Nikon high-end stuff, but at a fraction of the price. But batch scanning on these units is slow, from what I understand -- and the enclosed software isn't that great -- which necessitates getting a 3rd party software package like VueSoft or SilverScan.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. I went through all this about 18 months ago, so I know what you're going through! Good luck with your search.

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[bobby_novatron]

One more thing -- the Epson film holders are great ... as long as your film isn't curvy or otherwise un-flat. Most film doesn't dry perfectly flat, and some kinds of B&W film are absolutely screwy and concave when they dry.

The solution to this is to buy a 3rd party scanning glass holder, like the 'betterscanning.com' ones ... they're pretty good. I have the medium format one.

Another alternative: I went to a frame shop that does picture framing, and requested two 8x10 inch pieces of museum-quality non-reflective framing glass in 2 millimeter thickness. I put my negatives between these two sheets of glass and scan them using the Epson software. The difference in quality absolutely blew me away. It's a bit more work and fuss to scan this way, but the quality (to my eyes) is almost equivalent to a Nikon 9000ED scanner, which goes for $3500 on the used market.

When using these scan 'sandwiches' you have to watch out for newton ring formation, especially with 35mm film. It's much less noticeable with medium format or bigger.

I only mention this because with any flat-bed scanner, you have to spend a bit of time learning how to maximize the properties of the scanner to get the look you want. Many people get frustrated because their scans don't look sharp enough ... these things always boil down to film height along the scanning plane, or film curvature. I know it took me a few weeks of fooling around to figure out what to do.

This kind of phenomenon would be present in whatever flat-bed scanner you went with, whether it's Epson or Canon or whatever. The dedicated film scanners like the Plustek or Nikon don't have this failing, but they have their own compromises as well (price, speed, versatility, etc.).

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[arnulf]

Thanks for the insight Bobby. Really appreciate it🙂

Sounds like the Epson is a good choice. Other views are welcome too.

 

[maddoc]

I am just now scanning a roll of Tri-X with my Epson V700 (using the original Epson film holder) and are suprised about the high quality of the scans. If ulimate grain resolution is not the main purpose of scanning the films then the Epson will perform well enough given a) flat films and b) some carefull tests with respect to the adjustable height of the film-holder.

 

[franswa]

The V750 is a great choice. I am quite happy with the results I get from that scanner. I use the better scanning glass for optimal output. Great quality for the money.

 

[David_Manning]

I'm astounded by the ability of my Plustek 7600...there is no comparison to any flatbed I've ever used...

 

[arnulf]

David, that looks pretty good. What kind of film is it?

 

[arnulf]

And btw, does the Plustek take 120 film?

 

[doolittle]

And btw, does the Plustek take 120 film?

Sadly not, strictly 35mm...

 

[franswa]

Here's an untouched straight scan(no adjustments on scanning software) from 120 film on the V750M Pro.

**warning - large file**

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5992076478_cf59e27460_o.jpg

 

[David_Manning]

Thanks.

It's Tri-X (labeled Arista Premium 400).

 

[arnulf]

Ok, I ended up ordering the Epson 750. Guess I'll be receiving it in a couple of days. Can't wait. Thanks a lot for the help, guys 🙂

 

[LKeithR]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 750. I've had mine for a couple years and I'm very happy with it, and, of course, it's much more versatile than a film only scanner. Like any other piece of equipment, it takes a bit of time and effort to learn how to get the most out of it but it's well worth it...

 

[franswa]

Congrats...you made a good choice. Don't forget to look into better scanning glass!

http://www.betterscanning.com/

 

[arnulf]

Thanks a lot for the link, Francis. I'll have a look.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Epson V750 is a no brainer scanner, it is not as a drum scanner or Nikon coolscan, but it is not a bad choice at all, doing MF and LF with this Epson is a big plus, can't wait to scan 8x10 one day in the future.