Choosing a scanner

Draveur · Feb 8, 2015

I've been reading for a while about the newest scanners (2014/15) at a point where I feel more confused than informed : so many people with all sorts of problems and bad experiences (Epson holders, color redition with the Plustek, and so on). And I dont have an unlimited budget (ie.: Imakon).

I would like to confront my way of "drilling down" my choice (might help others to make theirs) :

I would go for the Epson V800 (or V850) mainly for its flexibility + better scanning holders :
- I will scan mainly medium format (I'm selling all my 35mm at this time);
- the idea of shooting 4X5 one day is appealing;
- with medium format, your scanner does not have to be "the best" because of the size of the negative;
- I can scan the Printfile to obtain quickly a contact sheet (all in one scanner).

In other words, a flatbed like the Epson would be a good choice considering the size of MF film for "normal size" prints; if I need to print something "big" I can go to the pros for a "huge scan".

The choice of better scanning holders would be for flatness; «T» bars (users have different experiences with the ARN glass).

Does this make sense?

bellyface · Mar 30, 2015

I too am curious about this. I have minolta dimage scanner that handles 35mm, but I'd really like something that can handle medium format and large format. I found some of my old scans where I worked and we had a howtek drum scanner and was floored at the amazing quality.. something tells me it's almost impossible to get that kind of quality from a flatbed.

Trail Images · Mar 30, 2015

As a very LONG time user of Microtek units I've been extremely happy with using their products. I've been using the i900 for almost 10 years now. I use to scan 35mm, but it's all MF & LF for the last 8 years now. I think the i900 was replaced by the M1 unit. Many of the Microtek units have an open bay to slide the film holders into and then there is no glass between the film and the scanning element. It was a key buying point for me at the time of my very first Microtek unit. Not sure where you're at but here is a link to the USA group.
http://www.microtekusa.com/

nevintagefilms · Apr 6, 2015

Hello,

Anyone who has real world experience with the v800 or v850 would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to purchase this scanner but would love to hear about experiences or even see example scans. I understand that predecessor v700 and v750 were renowned for being excellent scanners, but that newer doesn't always mean better.

Thanks for any feedback!

teejay · Aug 4, 2015

Hi nevintagefilms - I have recently purchased a V850 and really like - I'm still experimenting with different settings and would definitely recommend it - please see my flickr site for examples:

I've down sampled some of these to 72 dpi - if you'd like any full scans sending just let me know.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/teejay-liverpool

Sceptic · Aug 22, 2015

I have been contemplating the same thing, I have been using the Epson v600 since I started. I have been happy so far, using glass inserts I purchased separately because the plastic trays are no good.

These are my images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/89288157@N07/

I have managed to scan my rarely shot 4x5 in two sections and then stitching them in photoshop. I mostly shoot MF.

Thinking an upgrade may be needed.

Helios 1984 · Dec 21, 2016

I'm currently looking for a film scanner, I'll probably try to snag a Minolta DiMage for the right price or get a Epson V550.

Helios 1984 · Dec 21, 2016

I'm currently looking for a film scanner, I'll probably try to snag a Minolta DiMage for the right price or get a Epson V550.

Anon Ymous · Dec 22, 2016

Helios 1984 said:
I'm currently looking for a film scanner, I'll probably try to snag a Minolta DiMage for the right price or get a Epson V550.

The Epson V550 scans both 135 and 120, but that's probably the only good thing about it. I've seen quite a bit of full resolution scans on-line from several midrange Epson scanners and I'm unimpressed. Ok, they might give acceptable results with 120 film, but when scanning 135 they show their limitations. The true optical resolution of the V550 scanner might be about 1600dpi, considering a test for the newer V600. On the other hand, I've been using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III for a year and I'm quite pleased with the results I get. This is an "only" 2820dpi scanner, but the true resolution is probably very close to the claimed, making it a good scanner for 135 film. The only drawback about it is the lack of IR scanning, so dust and scratches can't be automatically removed. Of course, this isn't a problem when scanning BW film (such a feature would be useless), but when scanning C41 and E6 this could help quite a lot.

Anyway, IMHO buying any Minolta scanner from Scan Dual III and newer would be the right choice. But then, it's obviously just my 2c.

Hope it helps.

Helios 1984 · Dec 22, 2016

Anon Ymous said:
The Epson V550 scans both 135 and 120, but that's probably the only good thing about it. I've seen quite a bit of full resolution scans on-line from several midrange Epson scanners and I'm unimpressed. Ok, they might give acceptable results with 120 film, but when scanning 135 they show their limitations. The true optical resolution of the V550 scanner might be about 1600dpi, considering a test for the newer V600. On the other hand, I've been using a Minolta DiMage Scan Dual III for a year and I'm quite pleased with the results I get. This is an "only" 2820dpi scanner, but the true resolution is probably very close to the claimed, making it a good scanner for 135 film. The only drawback about it is the lack of IR scanning, so dust and scratches can't be automatically removed. Of course, this isn't a problem when scanning BW film (such a feature would be useless), but when scanning C41 and E6 this could help quite a lot.

Anyway, IMHO buying any Minolta scanner from Scan Dual III and newer would be the right choice. But then, it's obviously just my 2c.

Hope it helps.

At first was like ''The results are not bad" than I thought "What is the point of sharpness if I lose it with a flatbed". I'll just have to be patient for the right deal :smile:

RattyMouse · Dec 22, 2016

I have never been impressed with flatbed scanning, but if you want 4 x 5 capability, that's what you have to go with.

Since I have high end cameras, I wanted a high end scanner and so I sprung for a Plustek OpticFilm 120. But then again, my needs stop at 6 x 9.

Thomas Bertilsson · Dec 22, 2016

I have used an Epson V700 for about ten years, and while I'm not an expert digital operator, I found that pixel peeping on a screen is different from looking at nice prints from a good inkjet printer.
I scanned some ISO 400 Foma 135 format that I printed on an Epson printer with nice inks and Hahnemuhle paper, and those prints were good enough that I sold a few. I thought they were absolutely beautiful prints, and those who bought the prints are still very happy with them.
So judge performance by the printed picture rather than studying what they look like on the screen. It makes a difference for sure. Just something I'd like to add to the discussion.

Thomas Bertilsson · Dec 22, 2016

RattyMouse said:
I have never been impressed with flatbed scanning, but if you want 4 x 5 capability, that's what you have to go with.

Since I have high end cameras, I wanted a high end scanner and so I sprung for a Plustek OpticFilm 120. But then again, my needs stop at 6 x 9.

How do you like working with this scanner? I've been eyeing a good film scanner for a few years, but haven't had the funds.

RattyMouse · Dec 22, 2016

Thomas Bertilsson said:
How do you like working with this scanner? I've been eyeing a good film scanner for a few years, but haven't had the funds.

The scanner itself is fine. I'm very happy with the results but I loathe the SilverFast software. I think I need to spring for Vuescan and get away from SilverFast. If you already know and understand Silverfast you might not have the issues that I have. The Plustek Scanner is really fine quality and I have no complaints at all about how it operates. The negative holders are simply wonderful. B & H dropped the price of the Plustek 120 by $300!!

RattyMouse · Dec 22, 2016

Thomas Bertilsson said:
I have used an Epson V700 for about ten years, and while I'm not an expert digital operator, I found that pixel peeping on a screen is different from looking at nice prints from a good inkjet printer.
I scanned some ISO 400 Foma 135 format that I printed on an Epson printer with nice inks and Hahnemuhle paper, and those prints were good enough that I sold a few. I thought they were absolutely beautiful prints, and those who bought the prints are still very happy with them.
So judge performance by the printed picture rather than studying what they look like on the screen. It makes a difference for sure. Just something I'd like to add to the discussion.

That's probably true, but neglects the fact that presentation in today's world is often on screen, and this is where flat bed scanners fall down hard.

Anon Ymous · Dec 22, 2016

Thomas Bertilsson said:
I have used an Epson V700 for about ten years, and while I'm not an expert digital operator, I found that pixel peeping on a screen is different from looking at nice prints from a good inkjet printer.
I scanned some ISO 400 Foma 135 format that I printed on an Epson printer with nice inks and Hahnemuhle paper, and those prints were good enough that I sold a few. I thought they were absolutely beautiful prints, and those who bought the prints are still very happy with them.
So judge performance by the printed picture rather than studying what they look like on the screen. It makes a difference for sure. Just something I'd like to add to the discussion.

Thomas, the V700 was at the top end of the Epson scanner lineup and is much better than any of their midrange offerings. Considering a ~2300dpi true resolution, it's not strange that you find it adequate for printing from 135 film at reasonable sizes. You get roughly a 7MP scan from 135 film. In fact, I guess that a low resolution film like fomapan 400 can't actually give you much more information, if at all.

In any case, I think reading the film scanner tests over at filmscanner.info is good for anyone wanting to buy a scanner, used or new. By the way, their German test pages have tests for few more scanners.

RattyMouse · Dec 22, 2016

filmscanner.info is completely wrong about the Plustek 120. I dont know how they managed to get their scans so slow but they are 100% wrong on this. I would ignore that site as being unreliable with their information.

Mainecoonmaniac · Dec 22, 2016

I've owned an Epson V700 for 5 years. Despite their film holders not being the best, the scanner is versatile being able to do reflective scans and 8x10 negs. The dynamic range is pretty decent too. It's an older model that uses florescent tubes which requires warming up. I haven't bought better film holders yet. When I do, I'll buy them from http://www.betterscanning.com/

Good luck in finding your scanner.

Helios 1984 · Dec 22, 2016

Mainecoonmaniac said:
I've owned an Epson V700 for 5 years. Despite their film holders not being the best, the scanner is versatile being able to do reflective scans and 8x10 negs. The dynamic range is pretty decent too. It's an older model that uses florescent tubes which requires warming up. I haven't bought better film holders yet. When I do, I'll buy them from http://www.betterscanning.com/

Good luck in finding your scanner.

I've read good comments about the 'Negative Solutions' ones.

Helios 1984 · Dec 22, 2016

Well I'll be damned, I bought myself a 'New In Box' Minolta DiMage IV for less than the price of a cheap digital & shoot. (I hope it's not a scam...)

Helios 1984 · Jan 4, 2017

I received the scanner this morning, now I'm fiddling to install it on a Virtual Machine. So far, I've been unsuccessful : / I'll keep trying tomorrow.

Anon Ymous · Jan 5, 2017

Helios 1984 said:
I received the scanner this morning, now I'm fiddling to install it on a Virtual Machine. So far, I've been unsuccessful : / I'll keep trying tomorrow.

It should be supported by Vuescan, my Scan Dual III is and works fine under Windows 10.

Helios 1984 · Jan 5, 2017

I tried the demo yesterday, the scanner initialize for a moment then vuescan freeze during the loading.

Anon Ymous · Jan 5, 2017

Helios 1984 said:
I tried the demo yesterday, the scanner initialize for a moment then vuescan freeze during the loading.

That reminds me something... I had to try another USB port at my pc. It refused to work at the first port I used. After quite a bit of frustration, experimentation, reboots and software installs I tried another port and everything worked fine. Go figure... Vuescan will install a driver for your scanner and you shouldn't need to install Minolta's Software, although that shouldn't cause any problems. Finally there's an interesting paragraph here:

If you have problems with this scanner hanging, try replacing the USB cable with a newer USB cable, preferably a shorter one. This scanner came with a low-quality USB cable, and is also sensitive to USB timing on faster computers.

Helios 1984 · Jan 5, 2017

Anon, my friend!

I bought a newer and shorter USB-A to USB-B at Walmart for 6.95$, it did the trick. Vuescan is working directly in Win10, no virtual machine needed.

Group statistics

Latest photos

Hybrid Photo Group

Group information Group discussions Group photos Group members

Choosing a scanner

Draveur

bellyface

Trail Images

nevintagefilms

teejay

Sceptic

Helios 1984

Helios 1984

Anon Ymous

Helios 1984

RattyMouse

Thomas Bertilsson

Thomas Bertilsson

RattyMouse

RattyMouse

Anon Ymous

RattyMouse

Mainecoonmaniac

Helios 1984

Helios 1984

Helios 1984

Anon Ymous

Helios 1984

Anon Ymous

Helios 1984