What brand 120mm scanner do I need

I have thousands of 120mm transparencies, and would like to scan them as digital. You would not believe what the local camera wants to scan them. Can anyone suggest a good 120mm transparency scanner that I could purchase? The scanner that I have scanned all of my 120mm negatives. Thanks in advance. Nick.

Whats your budget and what quality do you need? Just for web or archical? Making any prints?

The difference is thousands and thousands and thousands. .. So those expensive scans wont sound so expensive if they were using a high end drum scanner.


If you're on a budget the best way is to use your digital camera as a scanner. You'll get better quality than with a sub $800 scanner.
Scanning is one of the most annoying things in the world, I wish I did have the funds to just have a lab do it for me. Im still 3 years behind on scanning.

The Epson V700 will scan transparencies up to 8x10 inches. I have one and it works well.

maverick75 wrote in post #17960478
Whats your budget and what quality do you need? Just for web or archical? Making any prints?

The difference is thousands and thousands and thousands. .. So those expensive scans wont sound so expensive if they were using a high end drum scanner.


If you're on a budget the best way is to use your digital camera as a scanner. You'll get better quality than with a sub $800 scanner.
Scanning is one of the most annoying things in the world, I wish I did have the funds to just have a lab do it for me. Im still 3 years behind on scanning.

I have just started in 120 film and am using a digital camera to scan with. SOOOO much better than my local photo shop could do.

Using your DSLR is a good idea; see if this will work:

http://petapixel.com …lm-negatives-with-a-dslr/

BTW, 120 isn't a dimension (i.e. not 120mm).

urbanfreestyle wrote in post #17960560
I have just started in 120 film and am using a digital camera to scan with. SOOOO much better than my local photo shop could do.

What is your setup for this? I bought a Nikon 55mm f3.5 to use with my Sony ɑ6000 and want to try this, I have a lot of old film shots and hate my Epson V700.

i went with ipad for light source with a sheet of white paper to soften it, then film, then glass from picture frame, and shooting with my A6K and 18-105 f4 G lens. i could probably get a better lens for it. shooting just one frame per negative but on ones i want to edit i'm shooting 4 per frame.

urbanfreestyle wrote in post #17960646
i went with ipad for light source with a sheet of white paper to soften it, then film, then glass from picture frame, and shooting with my A6K and 18-105 f4 G lens. i could probably get a better lens for it. shooting just one frame per negative but on ones i want to edit i'm shooting 4 per frame.

Emulsion side down? Glass on top of the shiny side? Do you get Newton rings?

I have Epson V500, they are not expensive at all. Scans up to 6x9, fast and will do good job with dust, scratches removal. No additional software is required. The only thing I would recommend for this scanner if thousands of 120 needed to be scanned is better frame from this manufacturer. http://www.betterscann​ing.com/scanning/vb_mf​holder.html
The Epson made which comes with scanner also works, but it takes some time to get film into it.

Thanks, I have to try this, I have the 18-105 also and an iPad. I was planning to get a copy stand but it seems that it is not needed.
I have a good scanner for 35mm but only a flatbed for anything larger.

Can't say i have had any issues with newton rings, It's very cheap picture frame glass so not sure if it is so think it doesn't make a difference haha!

urbanfreestyle wrote in post #17960684
Can't say i have had any issues with newton rings, It's very cheap picture frame glass so not sure if it is so think it doesn't make a difference haha!

Newton rings are interference patterns that occur when two shiny surfaces are in close contact, and when the air space between those surfaces varies a bit in size across the surface. They are the bane of printers who use glass negative carriers, and for that reason, enlargers usually use glassless neg carriers. Newton rings are not affected by the thickness of the glass (nor by moisture, even if the effect might look a bit watery).

The Newton ring phenomenon is similar to the effect of colored patterns made by thin oil layers on water.

So basically, by putting a glass sheet on the shiny side of the neg, you are most likely creating Newton rings. Sometimes they are subtle and not easily noticed.

There is special anti-Newton ring glass made. But the best way to avoid them is to go glassless.

Your choices are limited. Epson V500, V600, or V700/V750. Or Canon 9000f. They would produce OK results. If you are aftering quality scans, prepare to budget yourself around $2k. Plustek makes a 120 scanner. DSLR scanning is tricky and too many details to work out in order to produce good scans. I DSLR scan my medium format negatives but the process is pretty tedious and slow. I don't mind since all I need is a good macro lens in order to produce sharp scans....the sharpness would rival all Nikon scanners. The DR and shadow details can be tricky to master. And the color conversion process.......tedious.​.

Can't say i have noticed any issue, will post a copy tomorrow if you like to see if you can spot any

urbanfreestyle wrote in post #17960754
Can't say i have noticed any issue, will post a copy tomorrow if you like to see if you can spot any

Sure, you can post an example, but what matters is that the process works for you.

Or take this as a heads-up so you don't copy 1000 negs to discover afterwards that many are embellished with these mysterious ring-like patterns.

Look for the artifact in areas of uniform tone, like skies.