Where can I buy a nice Film scanner in Sydney, Australia?

NathanBell · Apr 8, 2008

Hi All,
I'm fed up with paying through the nose to have my film scanned (generally at pretty poor resolution) and have decided to invest in a scanner.
I figure it'll pay for itself within 100 rolls.

Where is a good place in Sydney to get one, and what would I expect to pay?
I was hoping to spend not much more than about $1000au.

Are there any specific brands or models you would recomend?

I'll be mainly scanning B&W negs, and occasionally colour. All 35mm.

Thanks!

keithwms · Apr 8, 2008

For that price, why not get a new Nikon film scanner.

I doubt anyone's going to go to work finding a good deal for you, the prices and resellers are pretty accessible online

NathanBell · Apr 11, 2008

yeah I'm not expecting anyone to go bargain hunting for me...
I just have no idea where to start as far as make & models go. So I was basically after advice on what scanner would suit my needs and budget best... Either from you guys here, or a store that I can go to and get some advice etc...

keithwms · Apr 11, 2008

What format(s) are you scanning?

NathanBell · Apr 14, 2008

keithwms said:
What format(s) are you scanning?

Just 35mm, 70% of which is B&W, 30% Colour...

Helen B · Apr 14, 2008

I quite like the Minolta Elite 5400 for scanning 35 mm B&W. I prefer it to the Nikon 5000 for that, although it is very slow. I bought two to improve matters in that respect. I bought both of mine for about $300, used. I wish that I had 'discovered' the 5400 before I did. The results aren't all that different from the Imacon 949 I also use.

Best,
Helen

keithwms · Apr 14, 2008

NathanBell said:
Just 35mm, 70% of which is B&W, 30% Colour...

If these are print films then you'd be good to go with a dedicated film scanner. The new Nikons are very affordable and reputable, and will severely outperform any of the flatbeds for 35mm and give you the ability to do a decent job on slides.

I used to have a Minolta Dimage somethingorother for 35mm- it was fine even for [intentionally, slightly overexposed] slide, though the software was a real pill. If you plan to scan 35mm slide then take the time to read up on Dmax.

NathanBell · Apr 15, 2008

Yeah Nikon has been the general recomendation so I might look into them.
I also think a dedicated 35mm scanner would be better. If I change formats down the track, I can always buy a flatbed, or have them scanned in a lab.
How have you found the Nikon software to use?

keithwms · Apr 15, 2008

Nathan, I think you will want to check out inexpensive third-party scan software like vuescan. The Nikon software isn't necessarily optimal. I think you can get a vuescan trial and see if you prefer it.

N.b. there is a learning curve associated with scanning, and the techniques can be quite different depending on whether you're doing print film or slides. Some people prefer different software for different kinds of scans. I have an epson flatbed and use their software for print film but I use use vuescan for slides.

Helen B · Apr 15, 2008

I have the Nikon 4000, 5000, 8000 and 9000 and I use Nikonscan with all of them. Before that I used Silverfast with my old Polaroid 4000 and more recently with the Microtek M1, and there are some things about Silverfast that I prefer over Nikonscan. I've tried Vuescan, but haven't adopted it. Overall I'm quite happy with Nikonscan. I often have to scan negatives as positives and invert in the Nikonscan curves tool, but that is no big deal. The negative setting may not allow you to get the full density range of the film, the positive setting will.

Best,
Helen

NathanBell · Apr 15, 2008

Helen Bach said:
I often have to scan negatives as positives and invert in the Nikonscan curves tool, but that is no big deal. The negative setting may not allow you to get the full density range of the film, the positive setting will.

Good Idea! I'll remember that!

I've been recomended the Nikon 5000ED by a few people now (outside of here and APUG aswell) so I think I'll save my pennies and go with that, and like you guys sugested, I'll try a few different softwares.

aartvocado · May 1, 2008

http://www.shopbot.com.au/c-103-0-0-1.html

Where can I buy a nice Film scanner in Sydney, Australia?

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