Largobob

First, let me apologize in advance if this question is misplaced or is inappropriate for this forum. If so, please suggest a more appropriate place/way for me to get answers. Yes, I have 'Googled' and have done some research, but am looking for first-hand advice.

Background: I began shooting film at about age 14 (box and bellows cameras, large & medium format, 35mm)....was an early adopter of digital (Nikon Coolpix, D200, D810)....and continue to enjoy the digital world. Recently, my 'Itch' to return to gelatin/film has motivated me to acquire some very nice 120 (6x7cm) format equipment. I have a fresh supply of a variety of B&W, color negative and color positive films. I DO NOT want to return to darkroom/wet-lab practices. I do know that there are companies such as 'THE DARKROOM' that will process, scan/digitize, (etc), for a relatively reasonable cost.

Questions:
1) Once I have a digitized negative of B&W or Color film, is there any common software that will convert/invert those images from negative to positive, capable of being further Post Processed?

2) Are there recommendations for preferred:
Companies that will do the film processing/digitizing? (I already know of THE DARKROOM)
Any preferred film base (negative or positive) that will result in the best quality images?
What is the minimum scan resolution required, to help ensure a quality final result?

Thank you in advance for any and all assistance you may provide.

Bison Bud

My Epson flatbed scanner does negatives and turns them into .jpegs. While not as flexible as "RAW" files, .jegs can be further processed with a quite a number of programs available.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The Darkroom, and all other scanning service providers, will return your negative scans already converted to positive. You can process these scans just like any other jpeg image file with whatever PP software you choose. Just be sure to request "High Resolution" scans so you actually get a large enough file to print at a satisfactory size.

Largobob

Thank you so much, MT Shooter. I see that THE DARKROOM offers Standard (4.5mb); optional Enhanced (18mb) for a $4 uncharge; and a Super Scan (87mb) for a $9 upcharge. Would you think the Enhanced would be sufficient resolution?

As always, I value your judgement and assistance.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The "Enhanced" scan will get you to about a 20x24 print front a 6x7 negative. If you might want larger go for the Super.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

The Darkroom has very high prices. Has anyone out there used a company to digitize B/W negatives at a reasonable price. I have a shoebox of negative strips and The Darkroom prices are from $1 to $4 per negative. I will be searching the topic now.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I've only used two scanners and the software for both converted the negs to positives. So I don't think you need to worry about that. If you're going to be doing a lot, I think you'll find it cheaper to purchase a scanner instead of sending them out. And yes, get the largest scan you can afford if sending them out. My current scanner is the Nikon 9000. it's no longer supported by Nikon and one has to figure out how to do a "work around" for drivers for current operating systems. But I think it's the best scanner, if you can find one! You don't mention what size of film you'll be using. That might make a difference.

Largobob

If I understand you correctly, your negatives are already processed. THE DARKROOM prices include developing/processing, scanning, uploading to web and return of your negatives (in sleeves) with a CD of the scans????

I believe there are services that simply digitize film at far cheaper prices.

Largobob

Thanks, AzPicLady. I value your advice. I will be putting one toe into the water at a time....but will likely go to scanning at home. I am using 120 roll film, on a Bronica GS-1, with 6x7cm format backs.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yes, years ago I purchased a (35mm) slide/negative scanner and did them myself.

Largobob

Thanks Longshadow. I am currently researching scanners, too. Seems that there are many options for scanning 35mm....but more limited options for scanners capable of medium format (120 film, 6x7cm format).....and they tend to be outrageously expensive.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I use the Epson V600 Photo for all my medium format scans in the store. Great results, thousands of scans on it with never a failure, and only $200. If you want to do your own its the best option. Does 35mm great too.

Largobob

Thanks again, MT Shooter. I will investigate that scanner as an option. Does it convert negative to positive? Is the resolution high enough for larger prints?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Both answer are definite yes.

Largobob

Thanks again, my friend.