[GateCityRadio]

Hi all.
I've been scanning my negatives with a Epson v600 flatbed for a while now and I like the results with 120 film but I just don't like the quality I'm seeing with 35mm. The images just seem muddy to me. The question I have is would I benefit from getting a dedicated film scanner like a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV? I was looking at the nikon coolscans and pacific image scanners and they are way out of my budget right now.

[stevebrot]

I have never used the Epson v600 and cannot comment regarding the quality with 35mm. A dedicated film scanner may improve your results, though as always, YMMV. If you are looking at the Konica/Minolta models, I would suggest Scan Elite 5400 II. It has image quality competitive with the Nikon Coolscan 5000.


Steve

[Miguel]

How many negatives are you planning on scanning?

M

[GateCityRadio]

How many negatives are you planning on scanning?

M

I shoot film on a regular basis, so a bunch lol. Right now I'm just scanning everything on my v600 so its not like a have a box full that I need to scan right away or anything.

[MD Optofonik]

I would wait and save a bit for the PIE XA or XE (35mm only).

Here are three of my Tri-X scans. I'm still just learning the ins and outs of the hardware and software but I'm happy with the early results:







And here's a Flickriver of the XA:
Flickriver: Searching for photos matching 'primefilm xa'

And the XE:
Flickriver: Searching for photos matching 'primefilm xe'

Either the XA or XE coupled with Vuescan is the way to go if you're expending the time and effort to shoot film. Again, I would just wait and save the money, that's what I did and I'm a happy camper.

[Miguel]

I have that Scan Dual IV model. I also have an Epson 4990 which is just a bit below the 600 in quality. It's questionable how much improvement you will get & whether it is worth the money and time I'm rarely satisfied with scanning 135mm film as it just seems too small, plus the dust removal etc. takes time for what I view as a limited reward.

I'd suggest continuing doing what you are doing so you can pick out the five star shots. Then have these commercially scanned for your output needs. Probably worthy of a mini cost benefit analysis.

M

[wombat2go]

I have V600 here and i agree, it is just OK for C41 6x9 , with rather excellent fidelity for scanning wet print enlargements, but no good at all for C41 35mm.

So I now have a PrimeFilm120Pro. Expensive, but excellent for 35mm and up to 6x9. You get what you pay for, in my opinion.
The way i see it, we get top class film gear for cents in dollar, so we may enjoy it by purchasing top class scanners.

I tried to explain this logic to wife, but it doesn't work,... so now I am trying martyr - a rusty car with a flat tire.....

[GateCityRadio]

I shoot mostly B&W, I find the v600 good for 120 film, even C41, but the 35mm scanning leaves something to be desired in both b&w and C41. I feel like the minolta is cheap enough and may be worth a shot.

[Swift1]

Hi all.
I've been scanning my negatives with a Epson v600 flatbed for a while now and I like the results with 120 film but I just don't like the quality I'm seeing with 35mm. The images just seem muddy to me. The question I have is would I benefit from getting a dedicated film scanner like a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV? I was looking at the nikon coolscans and pacific image scanners and they are way out of my budget right now.

I have an Epson V500 as well as a Minolta Scan Dual IV, and for the most part I prefer my V500.
At 100% zoom, the Scan Dual definitely has better resolution, but I prefer the Epson Software, and the digital ICE feature is a huge plus.

[MD Optofonik]

The way i see it, we get top class film gear for cents in dollar, so we may enjoy it by purchasing top class scanners.

Very true. My PIE PF XA was less than either of my DSLR cameras. It's not a Hassy but I think it produces scans that are as good as the oft recommended Nikons.

[AquaDome]

I have the Epson V600. My sister has the Epson 4990. I can confirm that they are both great for negatives and slides from 120 film, but never quite satisfactory for 35mm negatives. Hang on to yours until you can get something better.

[GateCityRadio]

I'm going to hang on to the V600 for scanning 120 and prints. I'm going to give the minolta a shot on 35mm.