Kb-negative scanning = zero copy?

canned · 2005-05-05T12:17:11+00:00

hallo liebes forum, ich wende mich in sachen digitalkram hier bewusst an trainierte augen mit spitzenansprüchen. was für voraussetzungen sind nötig, um ein...

canned

Hello everyone, I’m deliberately turning to the experts here with their keen eyes and high standards when it comes to digital stuff. What equipment is needed to produce a perfect copy by scanning from 35mm negatives and slides? Does anyone have a recommendation for a scanner (price range max. €200) that produces colour-accurate scans and faithful light/dark contrasts? What can I expect from an amateur scanner? What does a professional scanner offer? Best regards and thanks for any suggestions, canned

rherz

Hi, Well, I’ll answer as a hybrid photographer (I shoot on film, then process the images digitally): 1. You’ll need more money – for 200

canned

Thanks for the helpful discussion. What do you think of these two products in reference to your criteria: Plustek OpticFilm 7200 -> http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90111843.asp Epson Perfection 4180 -> http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90119153.asp Am I mistaken, or is a photo scanner for €200 more likely to meet the points mentioned than a flatbed scanner? Regards, canned

canned

As I haven’t had much luck with my photo lab (old equipment), I only need the scanner to ‘play around’ with the negatives a bit – i.e. to determine the best image formats or select specific sections – so that I can then have the final print made at a professional lab. How should I generally assess the specifications of the Plustek OpticFilm 7200, taking into account the comments made so far in this thread? Plustek OpticFilm 7200 CCD Scanner (from €175): - 3.3 D…x (density?) - Optical resolution: 7200x7200 dpi - Interpolated resolution: 24000 dpi - Colour depth: 48-bit - Software included: SilverFast SE 6

rherz

Well, I’d steer clear of both scanners – why? The Epson is a flatbed scanner – by design, it scans through a glass pane. This negates the actual resolution of the scanning line. The maximum resolution is likely to be around 2200 dpi. That’s not enough for 35mm film. Things look a bit better with larger formats. I use an Epson 4870 for my 4x5" negatives – though 1100 dpi is actually enough for an A3 print ;) The Plustek was tested some time ago in ‘Naturfoto’ alongside other scanners. It falls far short of the stated resolution and the colour reproduction wasn’t exactly brilliant either. Silverfast SE is the stripped-down version – no calibration required. It’s certainly fine just for seeing what’s on the negative – the question is whether that’s all it’s good for. Best regards Robert

canned

Hi Robert! How do you get your photos onto paper? What sort of printer do you use? The Plustek OpticFilm 7200 film scanner is actually being phased out ;) -> http://www.filmscanner.info/PlustekOpticFilm7200.html Best wishes, canned

rherz

Hi, Epson 2100 with Niagara II central ink supply and European Ink CarboPrint inks. There’s no need to talk about the initial cost – it’s enormous. However, after two years of struggling with software from image processors, I was desperate enough to swallow the expense. The printing costs are reasonable – provided the first print comes out right. (Calibrated monitor) By the way, the only real advantage of digitisation: once dust has been removed via image editing, it’s gone for good – for good. ;) Best regards, Robert