Who scans their own 35mm negatives and with what?

[groovyone]

I decided I may have to spring for a film scanner. My CanoScan 8800F works incredibly well for non-transparent stuff, but does a passable job on transparents. The Canon FARE system is decent but DOES NOT work with SilverFast software.

So, what are you using and why? How good is your system's dust and scratch removal? How does it do on resoration?

Thanks all. I have been reading until my brain hurts on scanners, but I really could use some real world input.

[ggeen]

Yes, I've used my Canon 8800F to scan slides and negatives. It performs extremely well. If you use the holders that should have come with your scanner, the images will come out reasonably straight and you will be able to scan multiple images at once, sending them to separate files.

I am converting some of my parents photo albums to digital format and sharing the results with the extended family -- scattered across the globe.

P.S.
I send groups of scanned images to CaptureNX2 for color correction and clean up. Just saying this to let you know that the image editor is configurable and not limited to just a few products.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by ggeen

Yes, I've used my Canon 8800F to scan slides and negatives. It performs extremely well. If you use the holders that should have come with your scanner, the images will come out reasonably straight and you will be able to scan multiple images at once, sending them to separate files.

I am converting some of my parents photo albums to digital format and sharing the results with the extended family -- scattered across the globe.

What settings have you found work the best? Are you using the Canon software of SilverFast?

[groovyone]

Okay, good scan or no, I need help.

(Click for full size)
Indoor shot, ISO 400 B&W Kodak film
From the Photo Lab, only complaint is the very low resolution:


CanoScan 8800F - Canon Twain into PSE7, 3600dpi:


CanoScan 8800F - SilverFast (Trial, so ignore the watermarks)4800 dpi, multiexposure scan, iSRD correction:


Outdoor shot, same film:
From the Photo Lab, only complaint is the very low resolution:


CanoScan 8800F - Canon Twain into PSE7, 3600dpi:


CanoScan 8800F - SilverFast (Trial, so ignore the watermarks)4800 dpi, multiexposure scan, iSRD correction:


I have a few others for comparison, but these two should get the point across.

[srwatters]

How about the Epson V700 or V750...

This is from a 120 B&W



Full size image at this link.

I also had good luck with the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000.

[zebulus]

I use a Canonscan 5000F.

I use the film trays and it gives me descent scans.

[groovyone]

That's a great one, Scott! What software do you use with it? I looked at the Epson V700/V750 when I bought my Canon, but the LED Canon swayed me. I kind of wish I had stuck with my initial thought.

Am I asking too much from scanning at 4800dpi on a flatbed? Should I keep it lower to get a better result?

[Dobick]

I scan with a canoscan 8600, and mine have never been soft like the examples you posted were. The contrast and brightness can be easily adjusted, but the softness in the eyes of the first portrait that you posted is what would trouble me. I'll see if I can't find a scan or two that I have made on mine.

[iCe]

I've got a Epson Expression 10000 XL. It came with the negative scanning attachment but all I've ever scanned are photos. It does a great job on those. One of these days I'll have to scan a negative and see what it can do...

[KJ Smith]

Keith,

Are you using the holders?

Maybe the height needs to be adjusted.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Dobick

I scan with a canoscan 8600, and mine have never been soft like the examples you posted were. The contrast and brightness can be easily adjusted, but the softness in the eyes of the first portrait that you posted is what would trouble me. I'll see if I can't find a scan or two that I have made on mine.

That IS what is driving me insane. I cannot seem to get a good in focus scan from it. I was not sure if it was a software thing, a hardware issue, or even just the way scanning goes.

I am using the holders.

This scanner works great with non-transparent items, but I have never gotten a negative scan from it I have been happy with. I guess it may be a good time to pick up the Plustek or something.

I'll double check and post my settings when I get home, but I saw the smae softness with both software setups and pretty much every option I have tried.

[groovyone]

Anyone with a flatbed scanner, is there a way to adjust the focus on them?

[crackhead]

No, flatbed scanners don't have AF adjustment. However, a dedicated 35mm film scanner can autofocus. That's why they are preferred.

Try scanning the negatives directly on the glass without the holder and see what you get.

Also are your negatives kept sufficiently flat by these holders? Film curve can lessen sharpness.

Try scanning emulsion side down, so you have a reversed image. Is it sharper that way?

Betterscanning sells glass neg carriers that keep film flat and free of Newton rings.

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by groovyone

Anyone with a flatbed scanner, is there a way to adjust the focus on them?

ON some yes. Thats why we keep asking if you are using holders.

I have a V700 and you can adjust their height for focus.

There are holders made that are adjustable for other scanners.

Look here.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by crackhead

No, flatbed scanners don't have AF adjustment.

Mine does. It auto-focus's and allows for manual adjustment.