What to do to improve scan quality? (wet mount vs. dedicated)

[yeknom02]

Hi all,

Right now I use an Epson V700 with the stock film holders and Vuescan. My scans of 4x5 film are fantastic, while I think my 120 and 35mm film scans are suffering because the film is not lying flat. Or at least I suspect that's the case.

I shoot about 80-90% 35mm, maybe 9-14% Medium Format, with the last little bit being 4x5. My primary goal is to increase the quality of select 35mm scans. I have two options I'm looking at: (1) Purchasing a Plustek 8100 (or 8200) dedicated scanner, and (2) Getting a Betterscanning.com wet mount station for fluid mounting.

Right now I just want to know what the quality difference between these two solutions would be. I realize that I've got a lot of other options to weigh: ease of use, price (including the recurring price of mylar and Kami fluid), and the limitation to one of three formats I shoot on a regular basis.

So, have there been any comparisons between a wet-mounted flatbed scan and a dedicated 35mm scanner?

Thanks,
-Dan

 

[pschwart]

There's a third option, and it will get you the biggest return for the least expenditure: replace the stock Epson holders with Better Scanning holders with ANR glass. Replacing the stock holders is a no-brainer, but since you are shooting 80-90% 35mm, I think it makes sense to get a dedicated film scanner, especially if you want to print 11x14 or larger from 35mm scans.

 

[yeknom02]

Thanks for the recommendation, Philip. I don't see any 35mm Betterscanning holders, although they do make one for medium format that looks quite appealing. They do offer some 35mm ANR Glass pieces, although they seem to be designed for use with Epson's original holders.

Anyway, it sounds like you're saying the better quality 35mm scans would come from a Plustek dedicated scanner rather than trying to wet mount in a V700?

I could get a dedicated scanner and then follow up with a Betterscanning medium format holder and that would solve both of my problems, since my 4x5 scans are good as is.

 

[pschwart]

Yes, a dedicated film scanner is going to provide better results for sizable enlargements from 35mm. You might also consider a used Nikon 9000 or a new Plustek OpticFilm 120 for scanning both 35mm and medium format film, but that's a much more expensive solution. Note that even dedicated scanners benefit significantly from glass holders -- if your film is not flat no scanner is going to give you a scan that sharp edge to edge.

 

[GRHazelton]

There's a third option, and it will get you the biggest return for the least expenditure: replace the stock Epson holders with Better Scanning holders with ANR glass. Replacing the stock holders is a no-brainer, but since you are shooting 80-90% 35mm, I think it makes sense to get a dedicated film scanner, especially if you want to print 11x14 or larger from 35mm scans.

I got the Better Scanning holders for 120 and also the Anti Newton's Rings glass, and it has made an enormous difference. 120 film stock tends to sag in the stock holders; the Better Scanning with the ANR flattens the negatives, and the holders allow continuous height adjustments. A fiddly process, but well worth it. My scans from 120 are now sharp corner to corner. Gotta watch for dust, though.

I wish that Better Scanning would bring out a 35mm holder! Are you listening, Doug? I guess I'll get the ANR glass for 35mm, although proper height adjusters would probably help 35mm scanning, too.

 

[Pioneer]

I use the Plustek 7600i for my 35mm scans and the Epson V500 with the Better Scanning holder for my medium format. Still do the large format work the analogue way.

I am sure there are better solutions but this works for me and the price was right.