Comments of slide scanners

We're talking about Epson scanners.

No, you are. "WE" are talking about scanners as the topic if you look is: "Comments of Slide Scanners." The original question asked before you arrived was "What are some of the upper level scanners available I should look at....??? The OP did not even mention Epson scanners. You did. The OP didn't request "WE" only discuss Epson scanners. DSLRs can be used to do this; got any experience with that process like 'we" (some of us) do?

Then you went off on all the technology in scanning that's been around for decades albeit not Epson scanners of which you own two and received that prestigious questionnaire from that company. Ever used anything else to scan film Alan??? Others here have and have opined based on their understanding and experience.

How many of those people would love for Epson to have a 4000bpi camera or traditional scanner with built-in ICE and auto-feed for 35mm, 120, and large format sheets?

How much would people spend on that machine?

Assume, then, of course, tell us your opinion. It would be very useful to your readers if you provided opinions based upon experience and understanding, rather than assumptions.

Edited April 29, 2022 by digitaldog

After all, someone, there is reading about all these people using expensive DSLR's to "scan" their film.

A DSLR isn't the ideal choice for reasons of mirror-slap - if using continuous illumination - and poor auto or manual focus performance in many cases. A MILC is a better choice and far more adaptable to any old (but optically good) macro lens/enlarging lens/bellows rig that falls to hand. They're available used across a wide price range, with 20 to 24 Megapixel sensor types being quite affordable, i.e. much cheaper than a new flatbed film scanner fitted with a mediocre lens.

 

In fact even some of those all-in-one 35mm slide copier attachments have better central definition than I've seen from many flatbed scanners. And they can often be bought for only a few ££/$$s.

Crop about 4.8mm wide from close to top-left edge of old Fujichrome slide. (Direct viewing with a 10x loupe reveals no more detail.)

 

The mask colour and density of colour negative film will always be an issue, since there are so many variations, even from the same manufacturer and subtley from film batch to batch. It was an issue in the Darkroom, and will continue to present any 'automatic' software with difficulties. Especially if the processing was below par, as regularly dished out by many cheap mini labs, and unfortunately some 'pro' labs on occasion!

But auto-feeders are not on Epson flatbed scanners currently, at least not the ones used for film like the V850 or V600.

RTFM

Placing Film or Slides

Notes on Setting Up a Batch Scan and Batch Scanning

You seem confused about the idea around batch scanning aka “auto feeding” sans food.:p

Edited April 29, 2022 by digitaldog

Hopefully with film sales picking up, there will be a need for new products with later technology.

 

Seriously???

Correcting you and illustrating your assumption on technology and commenting on the actual topic/questions asked isn't an attack. It's an observational reality.:( Your inability to answer simple questions about your scanning experience is again noted.

I'm sorry if I offended you with my experience, expertise, and common sense. Along with a request to stay on topic for the OP.

Edited April 29, 2022 by digitaldog

I see Andrew is devolving into his usual attacks against me. You can't have a discussion without him starting an argument and getting personal.

Well if we were to stay on topic the OP wants a $500-$600 scanner that does batch scanning with reasonable quality. I'd say the Epson V800 would suit his needs adequately, perhaps a second-hand one would do. Why go off on tangents about macros and digital cameras on enlarger stands ? Sounds to me that Steve just wants to get the job done with a minimum of fuss and complying with his short list of stated requirements which are not out of this world. The only doubt would be the 36 slide scans in one go, not sure how that could be achieved. The V800 does 12 at a time, ICE, batch scanning, and a quality that should easily do 11x14, depending on the quality of his exposures from the camera in the first place. A second slide holder would be beneficial to increase efficiency.

Well if we were to stay on topic the OP wants a $500-$600 scanner that does batch scanning with reasonable quality. I'd say the Epson V800 would suit his needs adequately, perhaps a second-hand one would do. Why go off on tangents about macros and digital cameras on enlarger stands ? Sounds to me that Steve just wants to get the job done with a minimum of fuss and complying with his short list of stated requirements which are not out of this world. The only doubt would be the 36 slide scans in one go, not sure how that could be achieved. The V800 does 12 at a time, ICE, batch scanning, and a quality that should easily do 11x14, depending on the quality of his exposures from the camera in the first place. A second slide holder would be beneficial to increase efficiency.

The V850 is sold with two sets of holders for each format. So while you're scanning the first 12 slides, for example, you can be setting up the next 12 to speed up the process. Also, Epson's parts distributors provide film holders to purchase singularly so you can get extras for the Epson V600 as well.

Why go off on tangents about macros and digital cameras on enlarger stands ? Sounds to me that Steve just wants to get the job done with a minimum of fuss and complying with his short list of stated requirements which are not out of this world.

I don't see suggesting alternative ways of digitising film as a tangent to the Op's question. Maybe just a degree or so of deviation.

 

The OP may already own a digital camera and lens capable of doing the job of digitising film perfectly well. With minimal additional hardware and outlay. Why not highlight that route, rather than suggest a scanner that will either be over budget or give inferior results to his aspirational 'ideal' of a Nikon Coolscan? Because there's no current scanner that equals the Coolscan's quality in the price range suggested.

Well if we were to stay on topic the OP wants a $500-$600 scanner that does batch scanning with reasonable quality. I'd say the Epson V800 would suit his needs adequately, perhaps a second-hand one would do.

Indeed, he does have such a budget.

The V850 is sold with two sets of holders for each format.

Well if we were to stay on topic the OP wants a $500-$600 scanner.... Indeed, he does:

 

The OP may already own a digital camera and lens capable of doing the job of digitising film perfectly well. With minimal additional hardware and outlay. Why not highlight that route, rather than suggest a scanner that will either be over budget or give inferior results to his aspirational 'ideal' of a Nikon Coolscan? Because there's no current scanner that equals the Coolscan's quality in the price range suggested.

 

A Nikon Coolscan would be over his budget, but here's the best buy presently on Ebay at US$1,000 + shipping, with bulk slide holder plus more. The OP would be well advised to find the extra funds and grab it. With an adapter, it will work on a later computer with Thunderbolt.

 

Link: EXC++ NIKON SUPER COOLSCAN 4000 ED SLIDE & FILM SCANNER +SA-21 SF-200 MA-20 &FH3 18208092826 | eBay

The V850 is sold with two sets of holders for each format. So while you're scanning the first 12 slides, for example, you can be setting up the next 12 to speed up the process.

This Heidelberg Tango Drum Scanner has another drum and mounting station. So while you're scanning the first drum, for example, you can be setting up the 2nd drum to speed up the process. Speaking from actual experience with both scanners, the Tango will provide much better scans than the V850.

Heidelberg Tango Drum Scanner | eBay

LinoType-Hell / Heidelberg Tango / Primescan Drum and Mounting Station | eBay