Posted by DALE EDLEMAN on July 18, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Could some one advise me on photography scanners. I'm interested in one that will scan my 4x5 slide, sheet film. What brands do you suggest? Cost? etc.
Epson, specifically you'll need a V700/V750 (or possibly one of the older 4X5 capable models 4870, 4990, 3200, etc...). Unless you're looking to go with a drum scanner or high end flatbed $$$$. In that case, for drum scanners in the US, Howtek/Aztek is your best bet since they are still in business. ICG is also in business, but have better service for europe There are also a few options in flatbeds.
The V700 is somewhere around $550 new I think. The V750 is a bit more.
You can find a pretty comprehensive 18 page review of that scanner at photo-i.
Posted by Nat Coalson on July 19, 2009 at 12:38 AM
I also recommend the Epson v750-M Pro. With the right software (SilverFast Ai) this is truly equivalent to drum scans, for a fraction of the cost (and a way to avoid issues with legacy hardware/software for drum scanners).
I've used this scanner to digitize everything from film transparencies of original fine art paintings to nature/landscape photographs with superb results.
Posted by Nat Coalson on July 19, 2009 at 12:41 AM
I should also mention you will need Kami fluid, Photex scanner wipes and pure Mylar sheets; look at http://aztek.com/
That's a big stretch to say a V750 is nearing the quality of a drum scan, but it is a nice consumer scanner.
Posted by Laurent Baig on July 24, 2009 at 4:44 PM
I'd agree with Mel. The specs on the 700/750 aren't that much better than the older 4990, and there was a huge difference in optical sharpness between drum scans and the 4990. Sorry, Nat, I'm with Mel on that one.
Another scanner option is the Leafscan 45. You can sometimes find them on ebay. They are plenty sharp optically, and while not as good as a drum scanner, I've found it to be sharper than the epsons. Plus there's no glass to scratch.
http://www.leafstuff.com/
Discussion
8 repliesThe V700 is somewhere around $550 new I think. The V750 is a bit more.
A great deal seeing as they're usually priced at $550.
I've used this scanner to digitize everything from film transparencies of original fine art paintings to nature/landscape photographs with superb results.
Another scanner option is the Leafscan 45. You can sometimes find them on ebay. They are plenty sharp optically, and while not as good as a drum scanner, I've found it to be sharper than the epsons. Plus there's no glass to scratch.
http://www.leafstuff.com/