to scan, netgative scan, or go digital!

rob1891

I was almost set on getting a digital scanner until I came across a thread here about negative scanners during a random search, how lucky I am!

Before, I had a choice of scanning in developed photos or dumping the old slr and getting something plastic and digital. I figured the digital was the best option cause scanning volumes would be boring, and paying for volumes to be developed is equally boring!

But now! Negative scanners, they sound awfully hassle free, I've read quality is much better than scanning a photo, and I will still be able to look cool with my old camera!

So my question is, would it be a good move to buy one? I am thinking definitely over buying a digital (my slr would be so much better than whatever cheap digital I would be able to afford), but what about a dedicated negative scanner versus a regular flatbed with the ability to do negatives? Considering with a regular flatbed I'll also be able to scan arses and boobs and what not ... (I don't do any drawing so I can't think of any other uses but I'm sure if I had the flatbed I would!)

The only link in the thread I was reading was to scan.co.uk can I can't find negative scanners in there, just some epsons with special adapters for negatives.

"HP Photo Smart Negative scanner" is the first thing that google spits out, and I love the pictures the guy has on his page (http://etischer.com/negscan/hp_negscanner.html)!! Any recommendations on good models and irish/uk retailers?

thanks,

rob

Samson

Originally posted by rob1891
So my question is, would it be a good move to buy one?

Yes.

Originally posted by rob1891
but what about a dedicated negative scanner versus a regular flatbed with the ability to do negatives?

Go for a dedicated film scanner as opposed to a flatbed with a transparency hood, better quality.

Originally posted by rob1891
Any recommendations on good models and irish/uk retailers?

If you can afford it go for the Nikon coolscan IV with "Digital ICE3" (Image Correction & Enhancement) @ €850.00 (online price).
If you cannot afford the Nikon consider a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual II @ €440.00 (online price), it's a good scanner (I have one) but it does not have the Digital ICE technology (which I long for).

Probably your best bet for purchasing such an item would be to try Image Supply Systems, Liberty Lane (I think) in Dublin.
Or, buy on the web.
Try:
http://www.ny-camera.com/language/english/index.htm
I have bought from them a few times, good prices.

If you would consider secondhand try:
www.ffordes.co.uk
They have:
Film Scanners (prices in sterling).
4000T Artixscan[Microtek] Mint £499.00
Dual Scan[Minolta] Mint £169.00
Dual Scan[Minolta] Mint- £169.00
Dual Scan II[Minolta] Mint £249.00
FS2710 Film Scanner[Canon] Mint- £225.00
LS2000 Scanner[Nikon] Mint £549.00
LS2000 Scanner[Nikon] Mint £599.00
LS20E Film Scanner[Nikon] E++ £399.00
Scan Dual II (Demo)[Minolta] Ex Demo £199.00
Scan Speed (Demo)[Minolta] Ex Demo £249.00

rob1891

If you can afford it go for the Nikon coolscan IV with "Digital ICE3" (Image Correction & Enhancement) @ €850.00 (online price).

ooooh, I have the money at the minute (new job ) but that's a lot to spend on photos, more than my camera is worth! That HP is in itdirect, but ~500 euros. I was kind of lead astray by the website extoling the merits of the scsi HP Photosmart, at only 150 dollars s/h but the minolta 2nd hand is quite reasonable too, I'll probably be getting it from ffordes!

thanks for your help,

rob

Monkey

How much does it cost to pay someone to scan the negaitves for you ? And how much for prints from the scan ?

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

Samson

In my experience, most of these places that offer negative or slide scanning to CD do not do a very good job at all.
I have seen some very poor scans, I reckon doing it yourself is by far, the better option.