Topic: Dumb question...

[okayku]

I've been shooting film for only about a year now and have noticed it starting to put a small dent in my wallet  The main cost has been from getting prints made which can be as much as $15.  I inquired at the local camera store that I go to and they said that the processing would only cost $1.99.  I assume from there one would just scan the negatives into the computer.  I guess my question is, is this the workflow for many of you (at least for 35mm color)?  If so, what scanner do you use?  I've tried scanning negatives once and the color seemed completely off  Is there any better and cheaper workflow you would recommend?   Thanks much!

[Ed Wenn]

I suspect that most of us here who own a scanner have some version of an Epson Perfection flatbed. They seem to be the default choice for the majority of people I've discussed this topic with. I've had mine for a long time (maybe 6 years) and it's been great.

Until recently I haven't had prints done at the lab for years. I too couldn't afford the expense and quickly opted for processing only. Then I got into processing my own b/w films for a couple of years...until the kids came along and space grew tight around the house. Now I'm back with trips to the lab for most things other than 35mm C41 stuff which I have recently started shipping out to Truprint after a successful trial run. I can even afford to get prints done at Truprint because it's so cheap. Costs me around GBP11 for 3 films incl prints and 3 free 24 exp generic films for future use. Not a bad deal and the quality is easily good enough...not much use if you shoot b/w, E6, non-35mm formats or want cross-processing, but a great option for standard 35mm colour work.

[seekingfocus]

I think there are many people now who work in a type of hybrid environment as you described... shooting film, yet scanning and printing digitally. One thing is from every roll there is almost never a need to print every photo... so, if you get process only, scan the ones you want, make your correction, and then print from there you can save a bit.

Color correction is always tough and a skill that just has to be worked out... a good scanner and scanner software is a must though, and will put you back for the initial investment. I use an Epson 4990, but scan mostly medium format and large format. I wouldn't even bother scanning 35mm on it as the results are typically not worth much more than on screen viewing (at least in my opinion). If you are scanning primarily 35mm, look into a dedicated film scanner.

Another option to consider is that most labs now process film using digital workflows, and it can usually be scanned fairly inexpensively by the lab as it's processed. Depending on the size and quality of the scans you need it may or may not be worth it...

-Jason

[Pete_R]

I've been shooting film for only about a year now and have noticed it starting to put a small dent in my wallet  The main cost has been from getting prints made which can be as much as $15.

That isn't that much if you're talking occasional enlargements.

 I guess my question is, is this the workflow for many of you (at least for 35mm color)?  If so, what scanner do you use? 

Yes, it's my workflow. For 35mm I use a Minolta dedicated film scanner. No longer made but can be found on eeebabe.

 

I've tried scanning negatives once and the color seemed completely off 

These days, you shouldn't have such problems. Scanners and their software are generally pretty good now. Depends how fussy you are though. I use Vuescan and that does a decent job of colour negs (though I use it mainly for black and white).

 

Is there any better and cheaper workflow you would recommend?   Thanks much!

It depends what you want as a finished print, how large and how many. Scanning is cheap, but if you want a hard copy, it can still be expensive. I don't need many hard copies so, for me, buying and maintaining a printer would make the cost per print high, so I upload the edited files to a [good] digital lab and get them to make the prints. They can easily cost the sort of prices you are quoting but that works for me as I don't have many done. Someone else may find buying a printer and making their own prints cheaper.

I think you need to work out what different workflows would cost for you depending on your end requirements. No one here can do that for you.

[okayku]

Thanks all, your answers were very helpful and I think it's time for me to purchase a scanner.