Advice on basic scanner for 120mm (645) colour TPs

Hi,

 

I need to scan about 2000 colour TPs (120mm – 645).

 

They are mostly single pieces (few are as strips).

 

My need is not for high-end results, but to get scans that are decent enough to refer to, to know what I have.

 

The scans will come together as a digital archive, with keywords and reference to the sleeve number in which the TP sits. This way I can quickly find TPs, and, if need be, make selections for high-res scanning in instances where I might need to make professional prints, or for distribution, etc.

 

Once this project is over, I will not have need for the scanner.

 

Any advice on something low cost that will get the job done would be really appreciated.

 

Many thanks in advance!

Read up on DSLR scanning and go for the cheapest solution, in case you really don't want to shoot digital.

Hey Jochen, thanks for your quick response. I am not looking to shoot digital – but seeking a scanner for the job!

What is TP?

A google search for Colour TP return results showing colourful toilet paper.

TP = transparency?

 

The OP would do well to look into using a digital camera to photograph the slides on a light box. Once it's set up it's much quicker than scanning, and the quality required should be easily achievable.

TP = transparency?

thanks John.

 

I agree that camera scanning is the way to go. I don't know of any 120 scanner that is cheap. An Epson V600 flatbed perhaps, but you need patience. For bulk scanning you will have to put a price on your time when considering a solution.

Photographing the slides on a light box with a handheld smartphone could be sufficient for your needs.

I apologise!

TP = transparency is an abbreviation commonly used in India!

 

This is wise advice. Yes, I had looked at the V600, but even that seemed way over my output needs.

 

So there really is no cheap and quick scanner that could be recommended?

What macro capable cameras, to place over a light box, could you most easily access? While I am absolutely not enthusiastic about shooting my Android devices, the tablet here could do the job, especially if I built a wooden structure to place it on. The awful point and wait cameras people shot before switching to smartphones were quite macro capable too, in some cases. Unfortunately most times on the wide ends of their zooms.

For 35mm film there were USB webcam based "scanners" in the 20€ range but I haven't seen such for MF.

Hey Niels, John, Jochen – I decided to go with building a cardboard box to place over a small light box, upon which I will place an iPhone, and quickly photograph the transparencies one at a time.

 

Thanks for your inputs!

There are flatbed scanners that will do a good-enough-for-government-work for medium format film. My old Canoscan 9000F still serves me faithfully for anything 6x6 cm or larger.

This 6x6 cm Ektachrome slide was scanned on an even more simple Epson..

Salvage crew on bull-dozed site area

 

Flatbeds, however, are notorious for overstating their resolution, and may not be that great for archival, forensic work.

Along with the Canoscan 9000F recommended above I think the Epson Perfection V600 Flatbed Color Photo, Film and Slides Scanner is probably the best bang for the buck currently available.