Scanners

[steve_clark1]

In order to save valuable darkroom time, I am interested in using a flatbed scanner to scan pages of negatives, {35mm thru 5x7} for proofs and work prints. What will it take to do this without investing a lot of money. The prints need to be good enough to decide if the negative is worth the time in the darkroom.

Thanks,Steve

[noshir_patel]

I own an Epson 2450 Photo which is good enough to do a nice 24x20

color print from a 4x5 original transparency. I expect it could do a

decent (maybe slightly soft) 8x10 from 35mm, but I haven't tried it

since I have a Nikon Coolscan 4000ED for 35mm. Costs around $400.

If sharpness isn't a big issue for your test prints from 35mm, Epson

has lower resolution versions that are otherwise fairly similar from

what I understand (haven't used them personally). On any of these

Epson "Photo" scanner models, I would consider the true resolution to

be half the stated resolution (so I consider the supposedly 2400 dpi

scanner I have to be a 1200 dpi scanner effectively). There are

technical reasons for this that I won't go into... Just remember,

you get what you pay for.

[pete_caluori]

Greetings,

 

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I prefer traditional methods, but recently started experimenting with

digital for the same reasons you mentioned. After reading many

positive comments, I purchase the Epson 2450 and can second the

previous posters response. If you search around on the WEB you can

find prices as low as $339.

 

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Regards,

[rainer_viertlboeck]

really interesting this thing with the half resolution........i am

planning to buy such an epson too, but to scan my 6x18cm panorama

shots, which cant do my polaroid ultra45 scanner. is this resolution

thing the reason a.e. for the high price of such an 4x5" scanner as

my polaroid is, he makes 2500 dpi and i believe that they are real

2500 dpi.....for such aprice the scanner has........? i really was

thinking to sell him if the difference between the epson is so little

as epson describe his scanner from the data sheet.....

[david_f._stein]

Why this fixation on the Epson 2540, albeit a fine product. For

about $600-700, maybe a bit more, you can get a quality UMax

Powerlook III or Linocolor 1400-professional level scanner with a

full 8x10 transparency bed. Now, you can scan a whole sheet of

negs, not to mention prepping several medium format, even 4x5

negs at a time. These are value priced right now because of the

higher dpi scanners that have come out-but with hardware 1200

you can still do a lot. Even an old Epson Expression scanner

that has 8x10 transparency area may be better suited to what you

need. Check the Epson Refurbished and Clearance Sale page

or someone like www.refurbdepot.com. GOOD LUCK and

COMPARISION SHOP.

[avron_l._gordon]

I also use the Epson 2450 for scanning all negatives. It's a great

device. I'v been using digital output, however. Why not go all the

way? I've had negatives made from scans and made darkroom prints of

the digital image. Side by side, the digital print( using the Cone

hextone inks and software) looks much better.

[louis_jensen]

The adds for the 2450 claim it has a 4x9 transparancy adaptor. Is

this correct or is it an 8x10 adaptor?

 

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Louis

[michael_feldman1]

According to the Epson web site, it's 4" x 9". They repeated this

spec several times, so it's probably correct.

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/index.jsp

[gary_meader]

I agree that you shouldn't buy something that you need TODAY.

Buy a scanner with the idea in mind that your needs will change

very quickly. In other words; buy for TOMORROW. The UMAX is a

great choice. No doubt you'll be doing transparencies soon.

[dean_cookson]

It's really 4x9.