Scanner Recommendation for ~$300

filmfan · 09-06-2008

I will be scanning 35mm because I heard dedicated 35mm scanners are better quality for my price range and that is where my priority is. I also have a medium format camera, so one scanner that would do both would be nice too, but too expensive...
I am planning on spending no more than $350.

spiderfrank · 09-06-2008

I have an Epson V500, and must say it works very well on 35mm neg and slides, and medium format

mfogiel · 09-06-2008

Sell your MF cameras, and buy Nikon CS5000

tedwin · 09-06-2008

Do you own a DSLR? If so I get good results using a macro lens. Have tried various contraptions, but current method by far my favorite. Old enlarger head (this ones a Durst F60) removed from post. Inverted, lens removed. Macro lens rests against lens mount, can zoom in or out using enlargers focus adjustment, negative evenly illuminated from rear - autofocus accurate and no reflections on negative surface. There is plenty of light, so you can stop down the macro lens to an optimum f stop, not using flash you can use any shutter speed to maintain exposure.
Its amazing how much of a good scanned image is down to image processing. Whatever your scanning method. I used to own a coolscan, but found that this method matched the colour scans and made less issue of grain with black and white. On colour and slides I do miss digital ICE, and if I was rich would own both. Scanning with digital camera a lot quicker than a coolscan.

Of course you can scan whatever format the enlarger could enlarge, this one peaks at 6 X 6, but luckily for me thats the largest format I use.

Ted.

filmfan · 09-06-2008

I am liking the V500, as well as the price.

shimo-kitasnap · 09-06-2008

I have the plustek 7200 which I got for $200, works great. I'm thinking of selling it though because I'm giving up film. PM me if your interested.

marke · 09-06-2008

I have the plustek 7200 that shimo-kitashap mentioned. You can't go wrong with this scanner for the price.

shimo-kitasnap · 09-06-2008

I do wish they made archival negative pages that were 6 frames across though instead of 5.

jmkelly · 09-06-2008

I have the Epson V500 and the Plustek 7200 - both are great scanners for the money. I give the edge to the Plustek for 35mm, but the Epson is close, and the Epson software is better than the lite Silverfast that comes with the Plustek.

marke · 09-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmkelly

I have the Epson V500 and the Plustek 7200 - both are great scanners for the money. I give the edge to the Plustek for 35mm, but the Epson is close, and the Epson software is better than the lite Silverfast that comes with the Plustek.

Interesting, John. You are the first person I know that has said anything about prefering the plustek over the nikon. I have considered getting a nikon someday, but I wanted to know what I might gain. What specifically do you prefer that the plustek offers for 35mm?

amateriat · 09-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimo-kitasnap

I do wish they made archival negative pages that were 6 frames across though instead of 5.

I've never seen such, and that's why I've never used pages. Instead I've used these to hold an entire roll of film, with no issues:

As far as film scanners go, you might have a look at some of the better older scanners offered used (models like Minolta's top-end 5400 and late-model Nikons might still be out of your range, but I imagine Nikon IV/4000s are probably within your budget if you look around). These are likely built just a bit better than any current offerings at the same price.

- Barrett

kuzano · 09-07-2008

Not refurbed. I bought mine at Best Buy, but at the time, I saw it around on coupons and rebates for $200.

However, If you plan on doing any Medium Format, budget the other $100 for a Betterscanning MF holder. The MF holder that comes with the epson is unusable.

I am happy with the results on 35mm.

jmkelly · 09-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by marke

Interesting, John. You are the first person I know that has said anything about prefering the plustek over the nikon. I have considered getting a nikon someday, but I wanted to know what I might gain. What specifically do you prefer that the plustek offers for 35mm?

Um... no Nikon for comparison. I "somewhat" prefer the results from the dedicated 35mm Plustek (running upgraded Silverfast Ai software) over the results from scanning 35mm on the Epson flatbed.

Bijesh · 09-07-2008

Epson V500 is available in Amazon for $200 and there is a rebate of $50 on which brings the price down to $150.

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Perfecti.../dp/B000VG4AY0

filmfan · 09-07-2008

v500 it is.
thanks everyone for the advice.

imush · 09-09-2008

I would go for a used Nikon Coolscan.

With some patience you can find a used Nikon Coolscan IV on eBay for around $200. They tend to last very well; people often bought these to digitize their negatives and are selling after moving to digital altogether. I got one a year ago or so. You can find Coolscan V for slightly more than $300.

imush · 09-09-2008

Sorry, I did not notice that you also may want medium format.

The Nikon scanners that can eat MF are in a different league and cost way more than the cheaper 35mm ones.
If MF is important to you, there is no cheap alternative to Epson flatbeds. But if you are willing to buy a scanner just for 35mm, used Nikon would get my vote.