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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Film Scanner
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 12/29/2003 08:47:55 PM · #1
Does anyone have an advice on film scanner's?

Looking at buying one, not just for me, but my whole family.

Do most of them have the capability of scanning medium format film as well? What would you suggest as a reasonably priced film scanner with 35mm and medium format capabilties, that still scans well enough?

Lee
 12/29/2003 09:07:15 PM · #2
This might not be what you're looking for, but about 14 months ago I bought a HP 3570C for just under $150. It has a backlit area that holds slides and 35 mm negatives in the lid/cover/top. I think it does a nice job with the slides and negatives. Here are six examples from my portfolio (there are about 18 I have there that are scans):



I don't think it holds medium format slides, though. But for the price, it (or its successor model, if it has been replaced) might just do the trick.

Message edited by author 2003-12-29 21:07:54.
 12/29/2003 09:11:27 PM · #3
In my opinion (and we know what those are worth ;-}) Nikon makes the best film scanner...but be prepared to spend some money on one. They are about to come out with a whole new line...I think the one you will be interested in...the one that does medium format, will be called the Cool Scan 9000. It will replace the one currently on the market the CoolScan 8000. But I am not sure that it will be worth while to try and get an 8000 used. Supposedly, the 9000 is going to be much faster and cheaper than the 8000. Anyway, the main thing you want in a scanner is to make sure it has Digital Ice. That is something in the scanner that will remove dust and scratches from you scan. Essential in a film scanner, as the light source is hard to get to and unlike a flat bed you can't just wipe it clean...and dust loves to get in there. The Nikon also had ROC (restores old Color) and GEM (grain something management) The ROC in particular works great. I use an 8000 at work, and it does a great job. There have been some minor issues with mechanical parts, but I am hoping that the new ones out will be better. But I still think it is the best one out there.
 12/29/2003 09:13:33 PM · #4
Short answer, you're gonna want to stick with flatbed, in order to get both 35mm and medium format scanning in a true film scanner, you're into very big bucks. Flatbeds will not have the same performance as a good film scanner, however.
For 35mm only, I love my old Nikon Coolscan LS-30, which is now available very cheaply, but is a SCSI device, and 35mm only. It also requires 3rd party software, e.g. Ed Hamrick's VueScan software to get the best out of it. I very much recommend taking a browse at Ed's site, he has alot of info on scanners. Also take a gander at Imaging Resource.
If you purchase a scanner, do take a look at VueScan, it's a great piece of software!
 12/29/2003 09:39:16 PM · #5
I own a Nikon 8000 film scanner and love it. I use it for 35mm, 6x6, XPan, and more. I noticed that there is a huge rebate program in the USA for this scanner as they (Nikon) clear out inventory in preparation for the soon to be shipped 9000. I can recommend this scanner as a superb machine that has performed amazingly well for me. I just use it for home and for fun. So, maybe others who use it for more serious efforts may be able to offer you some better input. I agree strongly with the recommendation to buy a unit with digital ICE.

There are many wonderful flatbed scanners at low prices that will do the job too and offer flexibility. I use the Agfa, but from what I have seen, the new Epson models are incredible. The DMAX may not be as good and the resolution may not be as high, but from a price versus performance evaluation, it is a suitable alternative if your budget is restricted.
 12/29/2003 10:10:27 PM · #6
Morgan is right, if you want to go less expensive, the Epson 3200 flatbed is an excellent choice, and it will also do trasparencies
 12/29/2003 10:11:08 PM · #7
However, scanning is VERY boring, and that's why I don't use film anymore!!
 12/29/2003 11:20:45 PM · #8
The Nikon CoolScan IV ED is priced fairly inexpensively. I just ordered mine from the company below, and it should be here tomorrow.

//www.hotbuyselectronics.com/item_detail.php?item_id=3128

If you look on Ebay, this company has refurbished IV ED's for about $400. The CoolScan V ED is becoming available as well, although the only difference is it has a little better resolution, quicker scan time, and a newer version of the Digital ICE/ROC/GEM software. Also, the IV is USB 1.1 & the V is USB 2.0, but cost a couple hundred dollars more. The one thing I don't like about either of these "ED" scanners, is there is no bulk slide loader, so you can only scan slides one at a time.

Edit: Also, from all my research into the film/slide scanners, you can not beat the quality of the Nikon scanners. Also, I do not think this scanner will do medium format slides/film. If you have any questions about this scanner, Lee, let me know and I will let you know what ever I find out once I get it set up. Feel free to PM me.

Message edited by author 2003-12-29 23:24:24.
 12/29/2003 11:32:14 PM · #9
I have a Canoscan FS 4000 US and love it. canoscan 4000

It wont do medium format.

Tim
 12/30/2003 12:03:23 AM · #10
Originally posted by Shelley:
In my opinion (and we know what those are worth ;-}) Nikon makes the best film scanner...but be prepared to spend some money on one. They are about to come out with a whole new line...I think the one you will be interested in...the one that does medium format, will be called the Cool Scan 9000. It will replace the one currently on the market the CoolScan 8000. But I am not sure that it will be worth while to try and get an 8000 used. Supposedly, the 9000 is going to be much faster and cheaper than the 8000. Anyway, the main thing you want in a scanner is to make sure it has Digital Ice. That is something in the scanner that will remove dust and scratches from you scan. Essential in a film scanner, as the light source is hard to get to and unlike a flat bed you can't just wipe it clean...and dust loves to get in there. The Nikon also had ROC (restores old Color) and GEM (grain something management) The ROC in particular works great. I use an 8000 at work, and it does a great job. There have been some minor issues with mechanical parts, but I am hoping that the new ones out will be better. But I still think it is the best one out there.


Actually Imacon would make the best film scanners for the money, but they're still kind of pricey...
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