Choosing a scanner

[Draveur]

I've been reading for a while about the newest scanners (2014/15) at a point where I feel more confused than informed : so many people with all sorts of problems and bad experiences (Epson holders, color redition with the Plustek, and so on). And I dont have an unlimited budget (ie.: Imakon).

I would like to confront my way of "drilling down" my choice (might help others to make theirs) :

I would go for the Epson V800 (or V850) mainly for its flexibility + better scanning holders :
- I will scan mainly medium format (I'm selling all my 35mm at this time);
- the idea of shooting 4X5 one day is appealing;
- with medium format, your scanner does not have to be "the best" because of the size of the negative;
- I can scan the Printfile to obtain quickly a contact sheet (all in one scanner).

In other words, a flatbed like the Epson would be a good choice considering the size of MF film for "normal size" prints; if I need to print something "big" I can go to the pros for a "huge scan".

The choice of better scanning holders would be for flatness; «T» bars (users have different experiences with the ARN glass).

Does this make sense?

 

[bellyface]

I too am curious about this. I have minolta dimage scanner that handles 35mm, but I'd really like something that can handle medium format and large format. I found some of my old scans where I worked and we had a howtek drum scanner and was floored at the amazing quality.. something tells me it's almost impossible to get that kind of quality from a flatbed.

 

[Trail Images]

As a very LONG time user of Microtek units I've been extremely happy with using their products. I've been using the i900 for almost 10 years now. I use to scan 35mm, but it's all MF & LF for the last 8 years now. I think the i900 was replaced by the M1 unit. Many of the Microtek units have an open bay to slide the film holders into and then there is no glass between the film and the scanning element. It was a key buying point for me at the time of my very first Microtek unit. Not sure where you're at but here is a link to the USA group.
http://www.microtekusa.com/

 

[nevintagefilms]

Hello,

Anyone who has real world experience with the v800 or v850 would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to purchase this scanner but would love to hear about experiences or even see example scans. I understand that predecessor v700 and v750 were renowned for being excellent scanners, but that newer doesn't always mean better.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[teejay]

Hi (there was a url link here which no longer exists) - I have recently purchased a V850 and really like - I'm still experimenting with different settings and would definitely recommend it - please see my flickr site for examples:

I've down sampled some of these to 72 dpi - if you'd like any full scans sending just let me know.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/teejay-liverpool

 

[Sceptic]

I have been contemplating the same thing, I have been using the Epson v600 since I started. I have been happy so far, using glass inserts I purchased separately because the plastic trays are no good.

These are my images:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/89288157@N07/

I have managed to scan my rarely shot 4x5 in two sections and then stitching them in photoshop. I mostly shoot MF.

Thinking an upgrade may be needed.