Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/01/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Aaron, There is an Epson Perfection 4870 which I think is the current "state of the art" in flatbed scanners for MF film. I would look ONLY at optical resolution; and the other major parameter is dynamic range. Things like digital ICE etc. are IMO not very useful, unless you routinely abuse your negatives and slides. My film scanner has it but I have never used it, even when scanning E6. There is no free lunch, and you always introduce some additional softness when using digital dust removal. Better to make sure that the film is clean to begin with. Nathan Aaron Sandler wrote: > With apologies to those who couldn't care less about this topic: > > I read the recent thread on flatbed scanners with interest, because I > need to buy one. I have it narrowed down to three models...if anyone > has experience with one or all, I'd appreciate your input. > > Planned use: medium format negs (120, mostly traditional B&W) for > printing up to 8x10. (I imagine getting outside scans for anything much > larger.) No 35mm film. I can't afford a MF film scanner, so please > don't suggest it! > > 1) Microtek ScanMaker 6800. $190 after rebate. 4800x2400 dpi (optical > res. 2400), Transparency area 4"x5", WITH DIGITAL ICE. > 2) Epson Perfection 4180. $185. 4800x9600 dpi (optical res. 4800). > Transparency area 2.6"x9". No dust correction. > 3) Canon CanoScan 8400F. $140. 3200x6400 dpi (optcial res 3200). > Transparency area sounds like the Epson, judging by the description. FARE. > > All three are supported by VueScan, have enough res to make 8x10s at > 360dpi, and use USB2.0, my planned interface. > > The Microtek sounds nice with digital ICE (in case I do some C-41) and > future possibility of scanning 4x5 (in case I go that route). Plus my > 35mm film scanner is a Mircotek and I like it. But I do get sucked into > thinking more resolution would be better. > > Any thoughts/experiences would be most welcome. > Aaron > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information > > -- Nathan Wajsman Almere, The Netherlands General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com