Cheapest possible scanner for 120 film

[bob_estremera]

<p>Hello, <br>

I'm going to be assembling a presentation book, approx. 8"X8" of architecture shot on 6X6 film.<br>

I need only a reasonably good scan, from which to layout the book. I'm aware of the Epson 700 but even that quality is not necessary for this preliminary stage.<br>

Are there any of the cheap, $100-$150 scanners that can take MF film holder that are designed to at least provide a scan that will look good at the 8X8 (or so) size?<br>

Thanks, Bob</p>

[marc_bergman1]

<p>An Epson 4490 would do the trick. It is about $150.</p>

[richterjw]

<p>It's a little higher than your range, but I have used the Epson V500 and have been really pleased. Amazon.com has it listed at $199. JR</p>

[starvy]

<p>medium format scans very well with even the cheapest of flatbeds. do invest in vuescan and play with the settings. you might surprise yourself at how good the results can be!</p>

[lauvernier_dominique]

<p>All of them will work well, as soon as your negs are not in the highest rang of contrast; but beware of the newton rings, I am unable to scan my 6x6 or 6x7 colour negs with my flat Epson Perfection scanner ... !</p>

 

[bob_estremera]

<p>Thanks guys,<br>

THat's what I needed to know!<br>

Bob</p>

[matthew_newton]

<p>I'll second the 4490. Its pretty decent (should actually get you scans almost as good as the V700/750), and very cheap. I can print 8x12"s that look very nice from 35mm film, so you should be more then set with 8x8" from 6x6 medium format scans.</p>

[marc_bergman1]

<p>Newton rings shouldn't be a problem if you use the film holders that come with the 4490.</p>

[ken_kuzenski1]

<p>I just got a V500 a few weeks ago, refurbished, for $150, from Epson's "clearance center"--easy to find on the web if you like. It's a big improvement on my old Epson and a heck of a bargain at the price. I haven't made any prints from 6x6 yet but casual snapshots for the album from 6x6 come out great. I scanned a few 35mm slides last week and sent them off for 11x14" prints, and they came out pretty well. FWIW.</p>

[mwmcbroom]

<p>Well, it's been a few months since this question was asked, but I'm thinking I should add a comment here. Yes, the 4490 is an excellent choice, but if you're on a really tight budget, you can find an excellent scanner for medium format on the used market that typically goes for much less -- the Epson Perfection 3170. I own one, and I've scanned lots of medium format negatives and slides with it, and it really does an excellent job. For medium format I typically scan at 2400 dpi (indicated) and the scans hold together very well, even at 100% magnification.<br>

I've seen 3170s on Craigslist and eBay for as little as $40. Just make sure it includes the film holders.</p>