On Dec 2, 2005, at 2:11 PM, Adam Maas wrote:
Does anyone have any opinions of, or experience with, "photo"
scanners like the Epson 3170 Photo? How do their film scanning
capabilities compare to a "real" film scanner?
The best flatbeds are passable with MF and decent with LF. There
isn't one that's even acceptable for 35mm. A Minolta Scan Dual IV
is in the same price range and quite a good dedicated scanner.
I've used a (cheap) Epson Perfection 2450 scanner for scanning Minox
to Hasselblad sized negatives. With good results.
Minox scanned with the 2450 makes satisfactory prints up to about
6x8", Hasselblad makes good prints even at 13x19". Obviously,
scanning and post processing need to be done well to achieve good
quality.
That said, the advantage of a dedicated film scanner is accurate
focusing and superior film handling. I also have a Minolta Scan Dual
II and, with the same Minox negatives, can get quite a bit more
detail out of the negatives. Both higher rez (4000, 2820 vs 2400ppi)
and improved optics in the scanner make a difference.
Godfrey
