Do you scan your film? What do you use?

[filmamigo]

I'm in the market for a good/cheap scanner. (I know those two things don't usually go together.)

I would love to have a Nikon scanner, especially the 9000 for medium format and 35mm. But even the 35mm-only models are out of my budget.

I am considering the Epson V500. Seems like a reasonable choice to scan 35mm and 120 film for about $170.

What do you use to scan your film? Are you happy?

[pasipasi]

I've used my father's cheap canon scanner for my 35mm negs with decent results. I believe it's the 4200f model.

[Clicker]

Epson CX7800 AIO, scans 35 and 6x6, along with it's printing capabilities.

[titrisol]

Get a used Minolta Elite scanner... can not praise those enough

[jgredline]

I use an HP SCANNER model G3010 with VueScan software.
I am very happy with my combo.

[Nesster]

Epson 4490, VueScan. There's a learning curve with VueScan

I've heard good things about the V500, and even better the V700

[J.Scott]

I just got an Epson V500 and so far - so good! I am experimenting with different settings using the OEM software and Vuescan. Like the man says - I am on the upward side of the learning curve. But the results are pretty damn good. Nice resolution at 4800 dpi for some 30 + year old slides. It scanned medium format negs quite well also. Sorry I can't be more precise, but like I mentioned, I am still experimenting.

It cost $250 but I also got a $30 in-store reduction, and a $50 mail-in coupon; so all told, not a bad deal.

[rayallen]

Originally Posted by titrisol

Get a used Minolta Elite scanner... can not praise those enough

I agree. I use the Scan Elite 5400 Model 1 with Silverfast Ai. I also use Vuescan sometimes but Silverfast is more versatile.

Sadly, these scanners are no longer made after Sony took over Konica-Minolta but if you can find a used one you can't go wrong.

[tranq78]

Originally Posted by J.Scott

I just got an Epson V500 and so far - so good! I am experimenting with different settings using the OEM software and Vuescan. Like the man says - I am on the upward side of the learning curve. But the results are pretty damn good. Nice resolution at 4800 dpi for some 30 + year old slides. It scanned medium format negs quite well also. Sorry I can't be more precise, but like I mentioned, I am still experimenting.

It cost $250 but I also got a $30 in-store reduction, and a $50 mail-in coupon; so all told, not a bad deal.

I've been thinking of getting this same scanner for my film and slides. Please let me/us know your conclusions, if you don't mind.

I've read a some complaints on the 'net about the V500 about operating and software problems but I'm not sure how much credibility to give to these types of comments.

Thanks, George

[Buffy]

I'm lucky enough to work in a lab with a professional scanner, a Kodak HR 500+ with gates for all manner of film sizes, slide carousels, and a 35mm roll feeder. It generates a ~22 megapixel image from a 35mm frame. Kodak doesn't make them anymore but I have seen them on eBay with one or two gates for about $3,000. If I was in the market for a scanner, though, I'd probably be saving up for the Nikon 9000.

[KungPOW]

I bought the V500 about a month ago. I too am on the upward learning curve. It is my first scanner, and so far I am very happy with how it performs. But then I have nothing to compair it to. The software it came with works. The setup was problem free. It looks good, and in my opinion works better.

I am getting better results then I was getting from my local photo lab.

From the V500:




From the lab:



The scan res was about the same, although I don't remember what it was right now. 4200 dpi maybe? Both are 100% crops.

Eric.

[Lowell Goudge]

I use a minolta Dimage II scanner 2880 DPI 40 bit color depth.

It has impressed me with durability More han 20K images scanned but not so with speed. Just as well you can walk away from it and leave it to scan 6 negatives or 4 slides