film scanner

[LaMancha]

hi,
I am aware that this might not be the exact right place to ask this question. I am confused about what type of film scanner to buy. There are some that are normal film scanners for $500-1000 range and there are some flat-bed ones with a handle for film scanning. I am confused because:

1) the normal film scanners are not available anywhere, and you can buy it only by internet which I would rather not if I have another option. you can buy a flatbed scanner that has film scanning capabilities from several shops like best buy.

2) the dpi for flatbed scanners seem more than the dedicated film scanners !! Now, this is really confusing. So are they better than the dedicated ones for film scanning? I am not talking about the interpolation dpi.

3) from the specs, the only advantage of dedicated ones (some of them) is the APS capability. Do you know any flatbed that has that capability?

Overall, would you recommend buying a flatbed one with film scanning capabilities or buy a dedicated film scanner?
Thanks,

 

[matofthemint]

If you want quality, you will need a film scanner. Flat-bed scanners are just not good at scanning film. regardless of the dpi stated. If a film scanner will scan at 2000 dpi it is 2000 dpi, for a flat bed it is most likely interpolation if they say 2000. But even if it is true dpi, the film scanner will give far better results.

Might I suggest that you consider the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III; under $500 and very good. And there are many others. Check out the various makers web sites.

 

[LaMancha]

thank you,

do you know if any of them are available on normal stores? I had some bad experience with internet shopping many times, I am quite scared.

 

[matofthemint]

I've never noticed any film scanners locally, but then I haven't been looking for one. I order all of my photo equipment and supplies, and most of my digital equipment and supplies. In fact, every thing except my computer.

You might ask one of you local stores if they will order one for you. If you go to the Minolta site, then to digital film scanners, there is a "where to buy" option. Try that. It gave me several stores within a 20 mile radius. Other companies probably have the same thing.

 

[mbroumbe]

Don't know if you're an amateur or how sophisticated you are with photography and Photoshop. I am using a Prime Film 1800u Scanner that costs arount $150 or less. Gives me good photo's from 35mm slides

 

[matofthemint]

mbroumbe,

the cheapest Prime Film 1800u I've seen is $229.95 (list $349.99). Where did you find one for "around $150 or less"?

I also notice that they advise not enlarging greater than 5x7. Have you been able to beat that?

And if you are asking me, I have been a professional photographer for many years, and have used Photoshop for several year.

 

[LaMancha]

by the way, the MINOLTA sImage scan dual III does not have APS for less than $300, you have to buy that option as an accessory for $100+ more, so it comes to the range of more expensive CANON or others with both types of film capability. For me APS is a definite must. So do you know anything that is good for both types of film, and also at a reasonable price like about 300-500 range and with good quality of color depth, dpi, etc and also automation. I have many films, I am not a pro, however I give a lot of importance for the quality of the pictures.

What is the automation level on these machines? Can you scan all the strip at once? Then processing hopefully does not take a long time and effort?

 

[matofthemint]

You can get the Minolta for $289.95 plus $129.95 for the APS, $419.90.

The Pacific Image 1800AFL, $299.95, will batch scan but has no APS.

If you must have both, you will just have to go the various makers sites and see what thay have.

 

[mbroumbe]

Sorry for my presumptions. To be honest, I thought that the figure I quoted is about what I paid. Will check and get back to you. I scan into Photoshop and get great 8 x 10's on my HP 1215 printer.

 

[mbroumbe]

Check this URL - - -

http://pricingcentral.pricegrabber....73/search=film%20scanners/ut=8d9d61a959e869f2

I was slightly off on my price. It's about $170.

 

[matofthemint]

Just checked the instructions for the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual II (no longer available, but as the III is the replacement it should be the same) and it will scan a strip of film (or 4 slides) or a roll of APS at once. I've never used it for 'batch scanning' so I wasn't aware that it would do it. Minolta call it 'Index Scanning'. After the index scan, it will scan a full strip of 6, or 4 slides/APS roll or selected frames.

mbroumbe, You really weren't too far off the price - it jumps all over the place. And I thought an 1800 scan should give more than 5x7. With the Minolta one can pick a scan dpi then an output dpi; is it the same with the PrimeFilm 1800u?