DSLR as a scanner

clay

Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2002
Messages
1,335
Location
Asheville, N
Format
Multi Format
I have done a little 'scanning with a camera' to capture some old family photos on Kodachrome slides. It is far faster to sit at a light table with a DSLR and snap away than to load a scanner. The quality is plenty good enough for a decent 8x10ish sized print if you get your exposure and f-stop worked out properly to take into account the curved film. Here is a recent article by Peter Krogh that he has posted on the web outlining some of the advantages to this approach:

http://thedambook.com/downloads/Camera_Scanning_Krogh.pdf
 

pellicle

Member
Joined
May 25, 2006
Messages
1,175
Location
Finland
Format
4x5 Format
Clay

a very interesting read, thanks for the link. I share his issues with C-41 negative (which represents much of what I have and expose) but disagree with his costs if applied to 35mm (you don't need to spend 5000).

I see he identifies film transport as an issue in digitization by camera, this is underplayed and represents a significant problem in bulk digitizations using camera. It makes me wonder if his objectivity is more inclined towards using the DSLR.

Still ... if I had a 5dII and didn't have a LS-4000 and an Epson I'd perhaps go that way ...
 

df cardwell

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
3,357
Location
Dearborn,Mic
Format
Multi Format
Peter Krogh has summarized the problem and solutions quite nicely.

Using a manual focus lens with most DSLRs introduces focus error to the system, but with a newer camera with LiveView that shouldn't be a problem.

For my own needs, a Canon 30D with an EF 60 macro lens proofs and digitizes all my 4x5 and 8x10 film very well.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…