Negative Scanner? Best one?

[ClickClick]

Hi,

I am looking for input on purchasing a scanner to scan my old negatives to place on my hard drive. I have never used one and just starting my research on this subject and would welcome some input.

Some things to consider :

** I have about 2000 negatives that are 10-15 years old. After scanning these I won't have any more ever again. So I don't want to spend a lot of money on a machine that will just sit around unused after the last one is scanned.

** Some of the negatives are black and white. (Not sure if this matters, but wanted to include as much info as I can)

** I have some slides I would like to scan as well, but not really as important as the negatives. If the machine could scan slides that would be a plus, if not then so be it.

Many thanks for the advice on what to look at on the market today.

[crn3371]

Do you have a budget? A good dedicated slide/negative scanner (assuming 35mm) such as the Nikon Coolscan is going to run you about $1,100. You can do negatives and slides on a flatbed scanner starting around $200. I just purchased the Epson v700 scanner ($500) to digitize all of my old slides and prints.

[Hogloff]

Take a look at the ScanCafe website. They will scan you negatives for you at $0.29 each. Might be worth looking into.

[bohdank]

All I can say, having done scanning in the past, is the thought of having to scan 2000 of them makes me want to puke ;-)

How good of a scan do you want ? ScanCafe does 3000dpi. I had a 24dpi HP scanner waaaay back that produced crappy results and later a 4000dpi Canon one that produced great output. I don't think 3000dpi is enough...again depending what you plan on doing with the scans.

Look for some reviews for ScanCafe if only not to have to do 2000 scans on your own.

[CxThree]

I bought the Canon Canoscan 8800F and have been REALLY happy with it. Look it up on Amazon.com and check out the user pictures they ahve for it. It does a great job scanning.

I looked at scancafe, but some of my negatives were the only pictures of family members that we had. I did not feel good about sending them off.

[Bob_A]

Hi,

I am looking for input on purchasing a scanner to scan my old negatives to place on my hard drive. I have never used one and just starting my research on this subject and would welcome some input.

Some things to consider :

** I have about 2000 negatives that are 10-15 years old. After scanning these I won't have any more ever again. So I don't want to spend a lot of money on a machine that will just sit around unused after the last one is scanned.

** Some of the negatives are black and white. (Not sure if this matters, but wanted to include as much info as I can)

** I have some slides I would like to scan as well, but not really as important as the negatives. If the machine could scan slides that would be a plus, if not then so be it.

Many thanks for the advice on what to look at on the market today.

I have a Nikon SuperCoolScan 5000ED which is one of the best destop 35mm neg scanners on the market. It does a fantastic job:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/310477-REG/Nikon_9238_Super_Coolscan_5000_ED.html

However, really think about the commitment to scan and make decent images out of 2000 negs. I'm doing the same thing and started the project 2 years ago. Scanning is not fast and I remember scanning every spare moment I had for 4 months straight, for about 1/2 my negs. After that the correction process in Photoshop starts (straighten, cropping, color correction, grain removal, curves) which takes even more time than the scanning process. I'm slowly post processing them, a couple of rolls per month.

Some things to consider if you go with scanning yourself:

1. A scanner supporting Digital ICE is a must for color scans unless you want to spend a lifetime removing dust spots and scratches. Digital ICE is amazing, but it only works for color negs. Digital ICE also doesn't work very well with Kodachrome (loss of detail and poor color).

2. Doing grain removal during the scan with Digital GEM adds too much to the scan time IMO. I have the Kodak plugin for PS and do it there instead.

3. I don't like the results for color correction/fading given by Digital ROC and get better results using the tools in PS.

4. Same goes for Digital DEE and other corrections. I do contrast adjustments, etc. in PS for better results.

5. Scan at the highest resolution with 4X multisampling to eliminate noise. IMO the newer scanners don't benefit at higher than 4X and going higher just increases scan time.

6. If the image is important to you (a wall hanger) or if it's difficult to retain the shadow and highlight detail, scan to TIFF.

7. B&W scans take way more time than color to get a good, useable image mainly because you need to remove scratches and dust spots manually in Photoshop. I'm sure there are some clever PS wizards that have better workflow but after cropping and straightening I blow the image up to Actual size and remove spots and scratches using the Spot Healing Brush and my Wacom tablet.


Many of my negs were shot in the late 70's and many had problems with fading and deterioration of the emulsion. Here's a couple of samples of what I've been able to produce:

Color samples:

http://bobanderson.smugmug.com/Scanned/Colour-Negatives-and-Slides/1109839_9pDua#447610022_V8ajS

B&W samples:

http://bobanderson.smugmug.com/Scanned/BW-Scans/1079335_Y9NeR#439971661_prKYs

[bohdank]

Bob pretty much summed it up but I would like to add..... if you do go and buy a scanner I would highly recommend you buy Vuescan to do the actual scanning. It is well worth the modest price, considering the flexibility and output it gives you.

Although it will add to the scanning time, get a scanner that can do multi pass (more than one scan of the same negative/slide). Actually it is essential if you want automated dust removal. Digital Ice, if it comes with the scanner or Vuescan, if it doesn't. You will regret buying a scanner that cannot do this.

Consideing you have 2000 negatives/slides....buy a "good" scanner then sell it when you are done. That is what I did. Whatever you lose on the sale is far less than what you would have paid to get good scans done by a third party. Or better still, look for a used one, then sell it.

One more thing. 4000dpi scans will spit out 120meg files. You should also buy 2 hard drives, 1 of which would be for backup/archiving. You woudn't want to lose all this work because of a hard drive failure :-)

[ClickClick]

Thanks for all the replies on here. All very good advice.

I am not really looking to spend a big chunk of money on a scanner. As the photos I am scanning will never ever be printed. I would say out of 2000 negatives, maybe 4-5 will be printed and those will be printed as 4"x6" size. The purpose is just to get them on my hard drive for personal viewing.

I would like to stay around or under the $300 range. I don't mind the time it takes to scan and process. There is no rush or deadline and I can do a few at a time while sitting around watching tv or playing the Xbox.

Actually the Canon Canoscan 8800F that was mentioned in a previous post looks excellent (from what I can see which is not really saying much, just like the price mostly).

The Epson Perfection 4490 Photo Scanner and the Epson Perfection V500 & V600 look nice as well and come with Digital ICE too.




Now no matter which scanner I go with, will I need some kind of accessories for it? I have read on here people have problems or disliking the film tray (??) that comes with the lower end models. Will I need to order another thing for it?

[daver22]

Nothing new on advice - but I bought a used Nikon CoolScan IV about 2 years ago. Someone bought it new to do their negatives then didnt need it. I bought it for #300 which included the 35mm auto feeder (critical!!) I am using VueScan software which is great. As a matter of fact, I came across this as I sit working on our negatives. 10+ years worth of kids pictures. I am scanning all, then will post process favorites later. The kids have had a riot seeing them in Picasa - we don't have that many in albums.

Hard work, but in the end will result in all scanned. I do other things around the room, let another strip of 4 pics scan, etc. Not hard, just have to find the time, but I knew this would take a couple years of very part time effort.

I have several friends that said they would buy the scanner from me when I am done. I figure I can get half what I paid for it. Not bad...

[Bob_A]

Thanks for all the replies on here. All very good advice.

I am not really looking to spend a big chunk of money on a scanner. As the photos I am scanning will never ever be printed. I would say out of 2000 negatives, maybe 4-5 will be printed and those will be printed as 4"x6" size. The purpose is just to get them on my hard drive for personal viewing.

I would like to stay around or under the $300 range. I don't mind the time it takes to scan and process. There is no rush or deadline and I can do a few at a time while sitting around watching tv or playing the Xbox.

Actually the Canon Canoscan 8800F that was mentioned in a previous post looks excellent (from what I can see which is not really saying much, just like the price mostly).

The Epson Perfection 4490 Photo Scanner and the Epson Perfection V500 & V600 look nice as well and come with Digital ICE too.




Now no matter which scanner I go with, will I need some kind of accessories for it? I have read on here people have problems or disliking the film tray (??) that comes with the lower end models. Will I need to order another thing for it?

My Canon 8400F does an OK job scanning negs, but something like this will be fine for you if you don't really care about high image quality. Honestly I'd look at a scanning service like ScanCafe instead. For $0.29 per image you'll end up with much higher quality scans than from a 8800F with 1% of the hassle. You can even pick the 4-5 images you may want to print large and pay $0.57 each to get them at 4000 DPI and in TIFF.

[bohdank]

Scancafe .29c x 2000 = $580

Buy a really good used scanner, Vuescan, use it, then sell it. Bound to come out cheaper and you'll get much better quality.

[Kasrielle]

I have an epson V500 - works like a charm. Easy and very good quality scans.

[shaftmaster]

All I can say, having done scanning in the past, is the thought of having to scan 2000 of them makes me want to puke ;-)

How good of a scan do you want ? ScanCafe does 3000dpi. I had a 24dpi HP scanner waaaay back that produced crappy results and later a 4000dpi Canon one that produced great output. I don't think 3000dpi is enough...again depending what you plan on doing with the scans.

Look for some reviews for ScanCafe if only not to have to do 2000 scans on your own.

I've thought about using ScanCafe, but wasn't aware that 3000dpi scans might not be good enough. Can you elaborate? Would I get a decent 8x10 or 11x14 print from a 3000dpi scan of a 35mm negative?

[bohdank]

In my opinion you would be hard pressed to get a "good" 8 x 10 from a 3000dpi scan. I base that on 2400 scans which were crap and 4000 scans which are good. 3000 is a lot closer to 2400 than it is to 4000 ;-)

[Hogloff]

Scancafe .29c x 2000 = $580

Buy a really good used scanner, Vuescan, use it, then sell it. Bound to come out cheaper and you'll get much better quality.

Cheaper only if you do not value your time. To me, my time is very valuable and I don't really find it being productive sitting waiting for the scanner to do its thing. Been there...done that.

Also, the quality from Scancafe is great. Have you even tried them?

[Hogloff]

In my opinion you would be hard pressed to get a "good" 8 x 10 from a 3000dpi scan. I base that on 2400 scans which were crap and 4000 scans which are good. 3000 is a lot closer to 2400 than it is to 4000 ;-)

What were you using to scan your negatives? A 3000dpi scan would easily generate a good 8x10 print. If 3000 dpi is not good enough, you can increase the dpi to 4000 for the negatives you might be thinking of printing larger.

ScanCafe uses the Nikon 5000 scanner for its 35mm films. This scanner is a top of the line scanner for 35mm. It produces outstanding results. It will blow away any flatbed scanner out there. I've used both, and still currently use the Epson 700 scanner for large format and prints. The quality difference between flatbeds and true 35mm scanners is night and day.

[bohdank]

I was never comparing to flatbeds. I have only used dedicated 35mm scanners. Originally a HP, model escapes me, later a Canon FS4000

[bohdank]

Cheaper only if you do not value your time. To me, my time is very valuable and I don't really find it being productive sitting waiting for the scanner to do its thing. Been there...done that.

Also, the quality from Scancafe is great. Have you even tried them?

Absolutely. I think I eluded to that (time) in my earlier post(s).

Never used them. I have nothing left to scan.

[Bob_A]

What were you using to scan your negatives? A 3000dpi scan would easily generate a good 8x10 print. If 3000 dpi is not good enough, you can increase the dpi to 4000 for the negatives you might be thinking of printing larger.

ScanCafe uses the Nikon 5000 scanner for its 35mm films. This scanner is a top of the line scanner for 35mm. It produces outstanding results. It will blow away any flatbed scanner out there. I've used both, and still currently use the Epson 700 scanner for large format and prints. The quality difference between flatbeds and true 35mm scanners is night and day.

I start with 4000 DPI but down-rez the edited version a bit before sharpening and saving. Seems to give a better result. And I have a 4000 DPI digital copy of my negative for archiving to boot.

Also, small scratches and dust spots on B&W are easy to fix on a 4000 DPI image.

You're correct though. 3000 DPI will be plenty for most, especially if they never intend to print large (11x14 or larger).

[Bob_A]

In my opinion you would be hard pressed to get a "good" 8 x 10 from a 3000dpi scan. I base that on 2400 scans which were crap and 4000 scans which are good. 3000 is a lot closer to 2400 than it is to 4000 ;-)

A 4000 PPI 35mm image is 3946x5959, yielding a 13.2"x19.9" image at 300 PPI. 3000 PPI would yield a 9.9"x14.9", so I'd think that with the correct PP and downsizing to 2400x3000 a good negative scanner like the 5000ED set at 3000 PPI should give a pretty decent 8x10.

The post processing is pretty critical though. If you obliterate the grain too much the image will be overly soft ... too little and it looks like crud, so grain reduction needs to be applied pretty carefully. And B&W's need to be edited at 100% removing every spot and scratch if you're going for maximum enlargement.

[ClickClick]

Scancafe sounds nice, however, I have certain umm.... "glamor" negatives that might not go over well there.

[MrChad]

Take a look at the ScanCafe website. They will scan you negatives for you at $0.29 each. Might be worth looking into.

Bingo my Konica-Minolta DiMage scanner died. Sent to Sony for repair and they sent me back a check. I used the check to purchase a new MP-980 Pixma all-in-one for prints and scans.

I had two carousels of kodachrome slides that needed scanning in the interim. I sent the trays off to ScanCafe and they did a better job then I have ever done with dust and touchup.

They will be my main choice for all scanning needs on batch jobs from now on. The all-in-one does a great job, but it's best for one or two slides at most IMO.

[aperkins]

I've used ScanCafe for some old 35mm slides and most recently a batch of APS cartridges. The quality is good and what makes them better than others (IMHO) is that you review the digitized images on-line and only select the ones you want. They of course send you back the original media (ie. slides, negative, etc) along with either a CD or DVD of the images you selected.

I've scanned slides before w/ my old Minolta Film Scanner and it was a time consuming and ultra boring task. I thought my time was put to better use by having someone else do it.

Catch ScanCafe when they offer discounts and you'll be that far ahead.

[ClickClick]

Ok, after thinking about this for the last couple days here is where I stand.

I am not going to print any of these pics. They are just for digital viewing only. If I ever do - which I probably won't - it will only be 4"x6" size.

Now when I say I have 2000 negatives, that is the overall guesstimate of all of them. Of course, some of these negatives are going to be crappy shots, bad shots, terrible shots, from a simply point and shoot and when I was first getting into photography. So I would say that roughly only about 900 MAX negatives need to be scanned.

Out of that 900 estimate, about 150 are images that I do not want scansafe or anyone else to view.

So... I am basically looking for a cheap scanner to do 150 images and then send the rest off to Scansafe.

Any options or opinions in light of this additional info?

[bohdank]

Based on what others have said about Scancafe and you not printing anything larger than 4 x 6... I would send them all to SC