Negative Scanner Advice: I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with a decently priced negative scanner....I shoot mostly black and white film and would love to be able...

jules1476 Loc: Fort Worth, TX

I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with a decently priced negative scanner....I shoot mostly black and white film and would love to be able to scan my negatives to my laptop. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated!!

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I use an Epson V-600. It's a little pricy compared to cheap models but it will do an exceptional job for you. The software that come with the V-600 is worth the price of the scanner, it's exceptional.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647187-REG/Epson_B11B198011_Perfection_V600_Photo_Scanner.html

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

jules1476 wrote:

I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with a decently priced negative scanner....I shoot mostly black and white film and would love to be able to scan my negatives to my laptop. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated!!

I would stay away from any of the flat bed scanners if you're somewhat serious about scanning, look for a dedicated film scanner!
The latest Epson, the V850 ( a flat bed), shows they are pretty capable to deliver very decent scans, but its undeniable that nothing comes close to a dedicated one!!

otherbob Loc: Central Illinois

Try your public library. They might have a scanner you can use.

jules1476 Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of a dedicated negative scanner as opposed to a flatbed....

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

jules1476 wrote:

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of a dedicated negative scanner as opposed to a flatbed....

A decent negative scanner will cost you. Pacific Image and Plustek have some good scanners, but they also make junk - and price is not a reliable indication of quality.

Look here for some suggestions:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Film-Scanners/ci/1151/N/4077634573

SonyA580 Loc: FL in the winter & MN in the summer

WayneT wrote:

I use an Epson V-600. It's a little pricy compared to cheap models but it will do an exceptional job for you. The software that come with the V-600 is worth the price of the scanner, it's exceptional.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647187-REG/Epson_B11B198011_Perfection_V600_Photo_Scanner.html

If you do decide to go the "flatbed" route, check out the Epson refurbished models. Really good prices. With a scanner you also get a copier, and the ability produce .pdf files.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

My Plustek 8200i does a good job on B&W negatives.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

jules1476 wrote:

I was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with a decently priced negative scanner....I shoot mostly black and white film and would love to be able to scan my negatives to my laptop. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated!!

No question:

35mm

Pakon f135 non plus.

250-300 and worth every penny.

Medium format:
V600 used.
$150.00

Have you thought about printing them via darkroom? It really "finishes off" the film experience. Scanning is ok but it feels like you are only halfway there in my opinion.

It ups the fun factor 300%.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

jules1476 wrote:

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of a dedicated negative scanner as opposed to a flatbed....

Then trust me when I say; Pakon f135 non plus.

Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoxU2s-EudY

jules1476 Loc: Fort Worth, TX

I do also print in darkroom....but was wanting an additional quick way to archive the ones I don't print right away. :)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

jules1476 wrote:

I do also print in darkroom....but was wanting an additional quick way to archive the ones I don't print right away. :)

Well isn't that just awesome!

If you want...you can post a picture of your darkroom :)

jules1476 Loc: Fort Worth, TX

I have kind of a mobile situation - I set up in my bathroom when I want to do some printing. I plan on doing some this weekend so will snap some pics as I set up and post here. :)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

jules1476 wrote:

I have kind of a mobile situation - I set up in my bathroom when I want to do some printing. I plan on doing some this weekend so will snap some pics as I set up and post here. :)

No shame there! :)

That would be great to see it. When you do, I'll post a picture of mine but don't laugh at how messy it is.

jules1476 Loc: Fort Worth, TX

i won't laugh.....maybe.