Scanning with multi-function printer

pichur · 12-09-2013, 04:46 PM

I do not have the resources at this time to purchase a scanner for doing photos, but do have a multi-function printer. I have a group of B&W pics I want to scan to my computer, is it possible to do it with my printer and have them come out looking descent?

Jamey777 · 12-09-2013, 05:58 PM

Originally posted by pichur

I do not have the resources at this time to purchase a scanner for doing photos, but do have a multi-function printer. I have a group of B&W pics I want to scan to my computer, is it possible to do it with my printer and have them come out looking descent?

Absolutely, you should be fine. You most likely won't be able to do negatives or transparencies unless it has a light source in the hood as well as the bed. Scanning negatives is generally better but prints work too.

stevebrot · 12-09-2013, 06:23 PM

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Give your all-in-one a try and if you like the results, I guess it works.

Steve

**RGlasel** · 12-09-2013, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Jamey777

won't be able to do negatives or transparencies unless it has a light source in the hood

The Epson Artisan I have now doesn't have this, an HP All-In-One from about 6 years ago did, but it was unbelievably bad scanning slides and negatives, even with a holder. If you can't afford a decent film scanner, buy one of the cheap ones for less than $100 and spend some time with post-processing. You won't see the paper texture like you will with prints scanned on your AIO. Once you figure out what adjustments to make, you can get images suitable for 5x7 prints. (and fine for publishing to the web, unless you intend to post to a photography forum!)

Last edited by RGlasel; 12-09-2013 at 09:52 PM. Reason: added last point

12-09-2013, 04:46 PM	#1
pichur Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 63	Scanning with multi-function printer I do not have the resources at this time to purchase a scanner for doing photos, but do have a multi-function printer. I have a group of B&W pics I want to scan to my computer, is it possible to do it with my printer and have them come out looking descent?

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12-09-2013, 05:58 PM	#2
Jamey777 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Florida Posts: 426	Originally posted by pichur I do not have the resources at this time to purchase a scanner for doing photos, but do have a multi-function printer. I have a group of B&W pics I want to scan to my computer, is it possible to do it with my printer and have them come out looking descent? Absolutely, you should be fine. You most likely won't be able to do negatives or transparencies unless it has a light source in the hood as well as the bed. Scanning negatives is generally better but prints work too.

12-09-2013, 06:23 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Give your all-in-one a try and if you like the results, I guess it works. Steve

12-09-2013, 09:51 PM	#4
RGlasel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Saskatoon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,228	Originally posted by Jamey777 won't be able to do negatives or transparencies unless it has a light source in the hood The Epson Artisan I have now doesn't have this, an HP All-In-One from about 6 years ago did, but it was unbelievably bad scanning slides and negatives, even with a holder. If you can't afford a decent film scanner, buy one of the cheap ones for less than $100 and spend some time with post-processing. You won't see the paper texture like you will with prints scanned on your AIO. Once you figure out what adjustments to make, you can get images suitable for 5x7 prints. (and fine for publishing to the web, unless you intend to post to a photography forum!) Last edited by RGlasel; 12-09-2013 at 09:52 PM. Reason: added last point