Topic: Scanning and Spoonfeeding

[choppert]

Hello all,

Been taking me a couple of weeks to pluck up courage to post such a divvy question.

I have a digital camera (boo!) which I can snap away with, fiddle with in PS and then get printed out and the snaps look ok. 

Now I'm getting back into the wonderful world of film but was unsure how to turn my negatives into digital files good enough to play about with in PS and still get printed out to a fair size (say 12" by 10").

How do I do it?

You lot all debate clever things like VueScan v Silversomething and I'm just a bit lost at the mo with the basics.

Can I get a decent flat-bed scanner which will give me printable images? 
Is there a Scanning for Starters post that someone can point me to?

Am I missing the point somewhere?

Thanks,


Chops

[Francois]

Just get yourself a good Epson scanner (like the 4490 or better).
The software that comes with it will be plenty good for you.

Get a copy of the free scancalc; it will help a lot.

[moominsean]

my only real complaint with the 4490 is that the lid doesn't flatten prints and polaroids very well. you can see the shadowing and wobbly edges on your scans. i use a heavy book now over a white piece of paper when i scan.

[Mike (happyforest)]

This is scan from the epson 4490 of a 120 (6x4.5 sized) negative.

I have had this since the beginning of the year and am please with the results.  Its even got me getting some prints of some pictures to hang on the wall at home.

The film is expired TMax 100 developed in Ilfosol S.

This was scanned using the epson provided software, in professional mode.  It was also one of my first scans using this scanner so was mainly the default settings.

Regards

Mike

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[Phil Bebbington]

I have had the Epson V750 since Christmas and have to say I am very pleased with the results. I scan with all adjustments turned off, do it all in photoshop and it is FAB. I'm sure that there are better options but I have no complaints. I am at present scanning 10" @ 400 dpi which is giving me a 45 meg file ish.

Yea it is a nice scanner

[Pete_R]

What size negs do you want to scan? If 120 and larger then a flatbed is OK but if 35mm, then I suggest a dedicated film scanner.

[choppert]

Peter,

Mostly 35mm but with some 120 thrown in for extra awkwardness!


Chops

[Pete_R]

Mostly 35mm but with some 120 thrown in for extra awkwardness!

Probably better to stick with a flatbed for now then and maybe consider a dedicated one for 35mm later. This has been discussed before but the biggest problem I find with the flatbed is the lack of focus and that becomes more of a problem with the greater enlargement of 35mm.

I suggest the 4990 but the 4490 is rated as well. Don't know if these are still current or not. I also agree sticking with the supplied software to start with is best. Consider Viewscan if you're unhappy with what the supplied software gives you.