Hi folks,

I posted this over on the rec.photo.digital newsgroup earlier today
and within a few hours there were three helpful and informative reply
postings.

Thanks much.

One of them suggested that I try this newsgroup. So here it is - - -

I am new to film scanning and I am seeking advice on the purchase of a
film scanner.

I have hundreds of APS, 35mm, and 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 inch negatives that I
would like to scan.

I realize that the 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 inch requirement may be a problem.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

Jim Koehler

On 14 Oct 2003 12:06:38 -0700, koehler@btinternet.com (James E
Koehler) wrote:

It really depends on your budget.
For $350-400, I'd suggest an Epson 3200. It's a very good machine for
the price, even if I feel that using it for APS would stretch things a
bit (it does not have great resolving power, despite its 3200 dpi
sensor).

Fernando

James E Koehler wrote:


See: http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN1.HTM

Following is NOT cheap.
Minolta Dimage Scan Multi Pro:
"Multi-format, scans 6x9 cm down to 16mm! (Considerably updated version
of the original Dimage Scan Multi) 4800 dpi(!) (35mm and smaller), 3200
dpi (medium-format), Mac or PC, SCSI interface, slide or negative, 35mm
or APS film. Optional full-roll APS attachment and bulk 35mm slide
feeder. 48-bit A/D, Dmax not specified. $2999 estimated street price.
Excellent software covers needs of both beginners and experts well."

[[ This message was both posted and mailed: see
the "To," "Cc," and "Newsgroups" headers for details. ]]

Scanning needs for 35mm and APS differ considerably from those for
6x6cm format. The Epson 3200 flatbed scanner that was suggested earlier
does an outstanding job for 6x6 at the price, and a passable job for
35mm, but is only useful for APS format if you remove the film from the
cassette and cut it up, make a carrier for it. That destroys one of the
greatest benefits of APS format ... "hands off" film handling.

I would recommend still getting the Epson 3200 but using it primarily
for 6x6cm format. Dedicated film scanners that can handle 35mm and 6x6
are also available but they cost a lot, and I haven't seen any that
included options for APS. The Epson is cheap enough and does a good
enough job to make very acceptable 13x19" prints from 6x6 easily.

For 35mm and APS, you're better off with a dedicated film scanner that
can be operated in batch mode. For APS, a Minolta Scan Dual III with
the APS carrier is nearly ideal ... dust and scratching on APS format
is nearly nonexistent, you don't need IR dust and scratch removal, and
you can automate scanning an entire roll of APS film hands-off this
way. The Minolta is very reasonably priced (about $260 plus $110 for
the APS carrier).

For 35mm, though, you'll likely want to have the dust and scratch
removal capability. There I would suggest a Nikon Coolscan IV ED with
APS carrier option. That's one of the best made scanners on the market.
Canon's CanonScan F4000US is another option at not a lot more money,
although I think the Nikon is a better scanner.

Godfrey


In article <d75ce0f4.0310141106.af22448@posting.google.com> , James E
Koehler <koehler@btinternet.com> wrote: