[KungPOW]

I've started to look for a scanner. I know next to nothing about scanners, but I do know what I want to do. I am hoping someone could help me out with some advice and/or some examples.

* I plan to scan film (135 format), primarily B/W. usually ISO 200-400
* I might want to scan slides, and colour film, but this is a low priority.
* The digital output will primarily be used on the web.
* If I need a high quality scan, I will get it done at a Lab.


I would like to spend less then $250.00. This I expect will limit me to flatbed scanners. I'm not expecting a flatbed to perform like a $600.00 slide scanner, and I don't think I need that level of resolution with the negatives I plan to scan.

At the moment the top contender is the Epson V500. In another thread, I saw some examples of B/W scanned output, and it looked good to me.

Anyone have experience with this scanner? How is the software? Does anyone have any other exapmles they could share? Any other models I should consider?

Thanks in advance,

Eric.

[titrisol]

I would consider a used Minolta scanner for 35mm film
you can probably get them cheaper than $200 and use VueScan software with it.

If you plan to buy new go to VueScan and Silverfast websites and check the compatibility charts.

I've started to look for a scanner. I know next to nothing about scanners, but I do know what I want to do. I am hoping someone could help me out with some advice and/or some examples.

* I plan to scan film (135 format), primarily B/W. usually ISO 200-400
* I might want to scan slides, and colour film, but this is a low priority.
* The digital output will primarily be used on the web.
* If I need a high quality scan, I will get it done at a Lab.


I would like to spend less then $250.00. This I expect will limit me to flatbed scanners. I'm not expecting a flatbed to perform like a $600.00 slide scanner, and I don't think I need that level of resolution with the negatives I plan to scan.

At the moment the top contender is the Epson V500. In another thread, I saw some examples of B/W scanned output, and it looked good to me.

Anyone have experience with this scanner? How is the software? Does anyone have any other exapmles they could share? Any other models I should consider?

Thanks in advance,

Eric.

[Nico]

Dynamic range, in my opinion, is the most important specification to consider. V500's D-range is 3.4. Anything below 3.0 you might not get good details in the highlights and shadows. Scans from old Nikon LS20 (D-range around 2.4) was barely usable with high contrast images (B&W, E-6). Nikon V ED $550 has D-Range of 4.2. I do prefer dedicated film scanner but well designed flatbed scanners always produced good scans from film. V500 is $229-$50 (rebate) at B&H. If the scanning speed is reasonable sounds like the V500 is a winner to me.

[KungPOW]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I went with the V500. It was on sale at a price that was just too good to pass on. At the rate the local lab charges, I'll have it paid for in 3-4 rolls.

So far I really like it. Easy to set up, and I was scanning within minutes. I still need to try the various settings to polish the results, but I am very happy for a first go at it.

After I get a few scans under my belt, I'll post some examples.

Eric.