G. Crook wrote:
Perhaps the wrong site but, here's my question: I have found, literally, a suitcase full of various sizes of slides and negatives, both color and BW (they belonged to my parents). Probably at least 2,000 slides alone with at least that many negatives. I want to digitize them but sending them out would bankrupt me. Any thoughts on a scanner that won't cost me a small fortune? Thanks in advance.
A reasonably priced scanner is the Epson V600, which retails for under $240, and can be had for around $169 at times. Epsons are reliable, and they have really good software (if you take the time to learn how to use it, which some impatient people don't know how to do). Scan times are long, but the software can do SOME of the post processing for you (dust and scratch removal, sharpening, negative image reversal, color correction or restoration...). You'll still need to tweak images later, if you're picky.
The biggest advantage of the flatbed scanner is that it will convert prints, slides, black-and-white negatives, and color negatives. The V600 will work with 8x10 and smaller prints, or 120/220/620 size film up to 6x22cm. If you have larger negatives, you need one of the high end Epsons.
The other method you'll find is macrophotography and full manual post-processing. This involves:
• A suitable, color-correct, full-spectrum light source
• A suitable slide or negative holder to keep the film flat
• Film cleaning supplies (PEC-12 film cleaner, PEC Pads, Staticmaster brush, Dust-Off, Giotto Rocket Blower, Ilford Anti-Staticum... I use 'em all)
• A device to align the camera with the film so the image is plano-parallel with the sensor
• A suitable macro lens capable of 1:1 reproduction, or an enlarging lens on a bellows
• DARK surroundings to keep flare under control
• A dSLR or mirrorless camera compatible with the macro lens
• Post-processing software such as Lightroom, Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Capture One Pro...
Short of using a $25,700 Hasselblad Flextight, I've found the macrophotography method to yield the best results. Capture is instantaneous (1/125 second or so), but post-processing takes time and skill. I always save raw images. I have to invert the curves on negatives, and then do cropping, color correction, dust spotting, sharpening... It takes a while for a batch of images. So I have to do it selectively.
If you're just starting out, the Epson V-series flatbeds are the best compromises for the money. Most of the cheaper scanners are pretty awful. The $100 ones are for "snap shooters" who don't care about quality. Heck, if you're that cheap, you can make a slide copier from your smartphone and a piece of PVC pipe with a couple of slots in it! There are videos on YouTube that show you how.
The three samples below were macrophotographed with a 30mm f/2.8 Lumix lens on a Panasonic GH4, using a homemade rig. Post-processing in Adobe Lightroom CC 2015 and/or Photoshop CC 2017.
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