Scanning big prints

[Blighty]

Hi one and all!
I have a fairly basic question but can't seem to find an answer within the forum. I'm after a new flatbed scanner. Most of the prints I want to scan are 16"x12", but most scanners (at least the ones I can afford) will only take up to A4 document. I know I can scan portions of the print and stitch them together in PS - in fact this is what I used to do when I wanted to post on APUG. However, my current scanner - a really cheap 'n nasty Mustek model - has a slightly sunken glass plate. It's only recessed by a couple of mm, but it makes scanning big prints a pain because when I close the lid, those parts of the print nearest the edge are out of focus. Applying even a small amount of pressure on the lid (to ensure flatness) creates a crease on the print. Apologies for the long-winded explanation, but has anyone in Hybrid Land had the same problem and, if so, how did you work around it? Are there any flatbeds out there without a recessed document panel? Many thanks. Blighty

 

[Loris Medici]

For reproduction of large prints, I use a big print viewer (at friends' photo lab) or a softbox (at home) with a good digital camera with a good lens, and I get pretty usable results.

Of course, that may not apply for you, but wanted to mention anyway...

Regards,
Loris.

 

[PVia]

I've taken to photographing larger prints. I used to scan and match two sides of an 11x14, but the scans were never even enough. There was always a bit of color correction to do on the seam, etc. I had good results, but now I prefer to photograph them, and it helps in keeping the paper texture on alt prints from overwhelming the final digital display image.

 

[Loris Medici]

Ditto Paul. It's not worth the struggle. (I mean partial scanning and stitching...)

BTW, the correct term should have been "viewing station", not print viewer. (I did a literal translation, which, eventually was wrong.)

The unit I use at friends' lab is similar to this one, expect it also has a lightsource at the bottom.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I have a 12x17 flatbed , Epson expression 10000XL . I have been very happy with this scanner for flat art.

We tested this scanner against an inhouse phase back on hasselblad and the results we very good.

I am sure there are lots of this model on the used market.

 

[Loris Medici]

Bob, I concur that a scan will have much better detail, but Paul has point there; scanning will exaggerate surface texture with art papers... And todays prints are "usually" bigger than 12x17, at least the papers which they're printed on.

Regards,
Loris.

 

[imazursky]

I have been able to scan prints up to 16x20 on my Howtek 7500 drum scanner.
Because of the point light source, it can dig out detail in the shadows that flatbeds miss.

Its definitely harder on a drum scanner then on a flatbed, but it works extremely well and its fun!
You just need mylar large enough to cover the print with enough room for tape.
I would never put tape on the original print but years ago that was the norm at pre press shops. Scary i know.
But thankfully pre press have evolved.

I have also scanned a bunch of prints with my Dicomed scanning back an a 4x5 camera.
Its all about the lighting and what you want out of the print. You can exaggerate the surface details or make them flat.
A fun process at almost 30 minutes per exposure. The new Betterlight backs are much faster though.