Can any member advise on medium format scanning, as MF scanners are so costly I would appreciate any help. I do have a scanner for 35mm but I've just invested in a Fuji 690gsw111.

Julian

Hi Julian
Many people favour the Epson flatbed scanners for this type of work as they are cheaper than dedicated MF film scanners. The new Epson V700 has just been launched and you can find a detailed review of it (and other Epsons) at http://www.photo-i.co.uk/

I have had great luck with my Epson 4870 for scanning all sizes of negs.

Slide or negative? I find the Epson 4870 OK for black and white and color negatives, but the density of Velvia shows its limitations. For small enlargements it is sharp enough. I would wait for the reviews to come in on the new Epson 700/750 scanners before buying flatbed.

Wait for the Epson V750

The nikon coolscan 9000 does an excellent job, not cheap though.

I have been using the Microtek ArtixScan 120tf (http://www.publishingperfection.com/microtek/mtk299/) with SilverFast software for three years with much success. I scan 35mm, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. You could scan the 6x* panoramic format with not problem as well.

I have been using the Microtek ArtixScan 120tf (http://www.publishingperfection.com/microtek/mtk299/) with SilverFast software for three years with much success. I scan 35mm, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. You could scan the 6x* panoramic format with not problem as well.

I think this is the beast that I have, but mine is branded "Polaroid" and will take any size between 35mm and 5x4 at 2500. I brought it on Ebay (where else?) for about $500. The only problem I get is if I scan a 5x4 at full resolution, as it makes my computer creak a little.

I think this is the beast that I have, but mine is branded "Polaroid" and will take any size between 35mm and 5x4 at 2500.

Wow, can you tell me a little more about this scanner? Brand name/model number? How do you insert film/frames? Will it scan multiple frames off of one strip? What kind of interface it has (USB/SCSI/FW)?

I'd be really greatful, thanks.

It’s a Polaroid SprintScan 45 Ultra to give I it it’s full title. It has a SCSI connection and came with SilverFast software. It’s one draw back is that it will not accept film strips, only single negatives, not a problem with 5x4 of course. I guess it is primarily designed for slide scanning.
Checkout: Scanner (http://www.polaroid.com/global/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441760083&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574488338434&bmLocale=en_US)

If the link fails, then do a google, or checkout the Polaroid site.
Polaroid say they no longer make it.

How much do you want to spend?

You can get an Epson 3170 refurb for like $70 right now. Add Vuescan for $80, then Doug Fisher's holder for $40. With proper development of B&W, you can get scans that'll let you go to at least 11x11 or bigger, I think.

Of course, you can spend a lot more on the Nikon 9000, too.

allan

Can the new Epson V750 handle 4X5?

Never mind. I found it. Yes it does.

Bumping all mentions of the Epsons from 4870 on up to the new 700-750 series. I own both a NIKON 8000 and the 4870 and found suprisingly narrow quality margins between them. The new Epson 700-750 series promises to be even better.

You will be far happier with a dedicated film scanner than a flatbed. If you do get a flat bed the microtek's that utilize a the glassless film drawer are generally the best way to go.

The Polaroid SprintScan 120 and the Microtek 120 are the exact same hardware with the Microtek having an updated Firmware EEPROM. This is a great scanner, particularly with the Silverfast software. I have used one for the past 5 years and the scan quality is amazing. 35mm to 6x9 at a true 4000 optical dpi. If you are patient and have the time, you might luck upon one of th Polaroids on eBay at close to or slightly cheaper than the new epson flat beds which are not quite in the same league image quality wise.