Thread: Negative scanner

I've been scanning a few negs (and slides) of late using a Plustek Opticfilm 7200, the model will be superseded now but I've had good results so recommend the brand.


Negative from 1985


Slide scan from 1985

Obviously the condition of the original negative/slide will have a great bearing on the final product

Martyn

I have been using a cheap 5 megapixel scanner (can't remember the name), but have found that despite the unit's limitations, the results are almost always limited by the original slides or negatives. Very few of the originals approach the resolution of the original slides and negatives.

While I have not used one, I believe there are some expensive scanners that use aan IR image of the slide or negative to remove dust and fungus. This would be well worthwhile, as would be a scanner that will take large format originals.

I find that almost all scans need attention using post processing software (I use The Gimp) due to colour change of dyes and dust, fungus and scratches.

One point that is very apparent is the different lasting qualities of different film brands!

(originals are mostly 1960 - 2005, but a few go back to the 1920s.)

John

If you have a lot to do, have a look at the Epson V700

Just back to JDNSW comment re scratches/mould etc. The IR facility on scanners is pretty good at removing a lot of the 'clutter' caused by mould etc but the price of the scanner probably goes up by an order of magnitude (~$2K)


Lot of work needed to get this neglected 1977 neg looking good.


Martyn

Originally was looking at the canon 9000f, but reviews tend to push towards the pulsetek and epson units.

Thanks for the input, a little bit more research to do, will probably go for the pulstek 8200i.

(scan's from bushie seem to have come out good...thanks)

I recently purchased a Digitech XC4881.
Good results.
Pic below was a slide taken in 1977 using a Pentax on tripod and timer.
I was on my own, bush bashing as usual.

Bushie Any idea how much that scanner cost?

Without hunting out the receipt (I think) it was around $240.

Have a look here

Martyn