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wittenbn's picture
Submitted By: wittenbn
Joined: Jan 9 2007
Posts:
Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 9, 2007 - 2:41pm

Scanner for 6x6 and larger (4x5). I have 2 film scanners Microtek 120tf & a Nikon Super Coolscan 9000 (using Silverfast). Not happy with either. Any suggestions about a good flatbed scanner. I need to make large photos (11x14). I had trouble with the Microtek's software although it is faster than the Coolscan. The Coolscan, even with Silverfast, is not easy to use. Both units are used with a Mac G-4. We have a super computer tech who specializes in Apple and is having difficulties with both.

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David B. Brooks's picture
Submitted By: David B. Brooks
Joined: Apr 19 2011
Posts:
#1
Re: Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 9, 2007 - 3:19pm

It would be a lot easier to possibly suggest alternatives if in fact it was known what specifically is making you unhappy. Is it hardware, software or?????

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xvvvz's picture
Submitted By: xvvvz
Joined: Jul 13 2006
Posts:
#2
Re: Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 10, 2007 - 11:50am

>>Not happy with either. Any suggestions about a good flatbed scanner.<<

I don't believe you are going to find a flatbed scanner that will perform like a Nikon 9000 at the large print sizes you intend to make. Some people might suggest an Imacon but when you negate the auto sharpening it does by default I don't think it is any better for its much higher cost. The next step up is a drum scanner although that is going to be much more difficult to master than the Nikon 9000.

Doug
---
www.BetterScanning.com

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DaveBelew's picture
Submitted By: DaveBelew
Joined: Mar 16 2005
Posts:
#3
Re: Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 11, 2007 - 5:35pm

Hi,
You might take a look at David Brooks review of the i800Pro Microtek scanner this month. It is a flat bed, but since you are having trouble with both Microtek's software and the other software, I really don't know how to help you on this.

Since you are only going to 11 x 14 from medium format and 4 x 5 negs and tranparencies, it's not really a matter of resolution, but looks like it's the learning curve of the software drivers.

I also suggest that you contact David Brooks via this site and fully explain what exactly the problems are.

Scanning film is not like using a copy machine. It will take a bit of learning on your part, no matter which scanner and software you use.

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BobF's picture
Submitted By: BobF
Location: Oshawa, Canada
Joined: Mar 27 2005
Posts:
#4
Re: Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 26, 2007 - 7:21am

Without going to a drum scanner, for 4x5 a flatbed is about the only way to go. You might look at the Epson V750. It's received very good reviews both from Photo-i and David (if I recall correctly). Vincent at Photo-i did some comparisons with a Nikon film scanner (forget which one) and the results were quite favourable.

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DaveBelew's picture
Submitted By: DaveBelew
Joined: Mar 16 2005
Posts:
#5
Re: Digital darkroom-scanners
Posted: January 26, 2007 - 4:10pm

Hi,
For scanning 4 x 5 negs, I have been using an old Microtek
ScanMaker X12, which is only 1200 ppi. However, even 1200 ppi on that size image yields a pretty large file and is
good for at least an 11 x 14 print without interpolation.
One trick I have learned with flat beds and large negs is to scan with the emulsion side down and then flip the image in PS or similar. I also lay a sheet of glass on top of the neg to insure flatness. This procedure pretty much eliminates problems inherent with scanning base side down.
I also use this procedure for 5 x 7 glass plate negs.

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