Nikon ES-2 on APS-C body

[Laci Toth]

Hi all,

I’m thinking to get a Nikon ES-2 and use it on a D3200 with a Nikkor-Micro 55mm f3.5. I use extension rings as well as I currently use this setup for scanning negatives. I’d like to speed up the process as the ‘traditional’ (tripod/negative holder) way is slow and moreover I’ve to compose after every shot.
The first thing I’m interested in has anyone use it on a body with APS-C sensor? Would you share your opinion?
Is it compatible with the D3200 and what’s your setup?
I’ve seen that one can even slide the negatives closer or farther from the lens and my second question is formed; can it hold the negatives enough in place so when I move the negs to the next frame it won’t move closer or farther from the lens?
Is it worth to invest or do you know some alternative method instead? I’m thinking using a square filter holder and find a negative holder which can slide through the holder. I don’t know I’m just wondering.

 

[benveniste]

The ES-2 is designed to work out of the box with the 40mm f/2.8 DX Micro lens for APS-C bodies and the manual states that if you use a 55mm or 60mm lens with it on a DX camera it will crop out the edges of the film. That said, it's possible that a combination of extension tubes and accessory close-up lenses would allow you to use the 55mm. For color negatives, you would also have to apply the usual color correction -- I use VueScan to do so.

Here's something to think about, though. An ES-2 is $140, and a 40mm f/2.8 DX is about $200 used and $275 new. Depending on how many negatives you wish to scan and how you value your time, a scanning service may be a reasonable alternative.

 

[Laci Toth]

The ES-2 is designed to work out of the box with the 40mm f/2.8 DX Micro lens for APS-C bodies and the manual states that if you use a 55mm or 60mm lens with it on a DX camera it will crop out the edges of the film. That said, it's possible that a combination of extension tubes and accessory close-up lenses would allow you to use the 55mm. For color negatives, you would also have to apply the usual color correction -- I use VueScan to do so.

Here's something to think about, though. An ES-2 is $140, and a 40mm f/2.8 DX is about $200 used and $275 new. Depending on how many negatives you wish to scan and how you value your time, a scanning service may be a reasonable alternative.

Thanks for yor response and infos!
The advantages and speed which cone with this devices are irresistable for me and the fact that I can take it almost anywhere along with a lightbox and is so convenient moreover the film and the camera sensor are parallel and also I don’t have to worry about the shutter speed as the film is attached to the lens. These are really awesome despite the price is ridiculous.
There’s no possibility at all to scan the films in the city I live, nobody is in shooting film anymore and even the surrounding cities are out of this business.

 

[drmoss_ca]

I have used the ES-2 with a the kit zoom on an Olympus OM-D (one of the adapters it comes with is the right size for the filter threads) and that's got a smaller 4/3 sensor, but it does give nicer results on a full frame camera. For web posting, ordinary prints and suchlike you'll be fine with APS-C.
My only beef about the ES-2 is the price they charge for what is just a piece of flimsy plastic.

 

[Laci Toth]

I have used the ES-2 with a the kit zoom on an Olympus OM-D (one of the adapters it comes with is the right size for the filter threads) and that's got a smaller 4/3 sensor, but it does give nicer results on a full frame camera. For web posting, ordinary prints and suchlike you'll be fine with APS-C.
My only beef about the ES-2 is the price they charge for what is just a piece of flimsy plastic.

Yes, my biggest concern is the price which is high indeed.
Since then I found a solution I’ve tested it and it works. Needed a bit of time to think how to bridge this and it’s okay now.
I use a negative holder from an enlarger and I’ve sticked rubber feet on the bottom to be able to place my iphone under it so I can use it’s light as light source. I’ve cut a piece of glass which one side is acid etched to avoid to see the pixels. It’s all okay and flat I’ve checked it against a bubble tube, maybe I get a Kaiser Slimlite Plano or similar later on.