Looking for scanner recommendations

mallik

Senior member
Dec 25, 2001
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Hi, I was looking for a scanner to scan photos and negatives and was looking at getting one of those flatbed scanners with the negative/slide attachments so that I could use the scanner for regular functions as well. Some people are saying that if I want to scan negatives to get one of those dedicated negative scanners like the Minolta Dimage because those are much much better. Can anybody provide recommendations on what to get? I'm looking to spend less than $300 but would spend more if it is warranted.
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
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Epson is always a good choice in scnners and many include negative and slide scanning features. Check their online clearance store for some good deals. The frequently offer free ground shipping too.

.bh.
 

mallik

Senior member
Dec 25, 2001
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Thanks for the info. I was thinking Epson as well but the more I read it seemed like these flatbed scanner with the negative attachments didn't scan the negatives very well.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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I've had an Epson Perfection 2450 Photo for a couple of years, and it does everything - film strips, slides, prints, color negs, B&W negs and 2.25 negs - all very well. It also does text and stuff for OCR work, but images are its strong point. Also, it has both 1394 and USB 2 connect.
 

Madwand1

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2006
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The biggest problem with film scanning is not the hardware but the time that it takes. Fiddling with colour correction, dust removal, grain reduction and sharpening all add to the time taken. (Some of this can be fun, and part of the game, but still it can still chew up much more time than deserved.)

If you get a not-so-great film scanner, you could end up disappointed by the results, get a better scanner, and do much of your scanning again.

So, if you're already sure that you want to get into scanning, I'd suggest increasing the budget, and "doing it right" -- e.g. with a Nikon V.

You can probably add a decent document scanner for around $40 if needed.

In any case, and esp. if you're not sure, you should be able to find many used film-capable scanners. At the low end, you might try to get a used Epson 2450 or 3000-something to get you started, and see if you can stand the time commitment and if the results are good enough for your usage -- this could also serve as your cheap document scanner, as mine currently does.

One notable problem with the 2450 and other cheap/old scanners is a lack of digital ICE -- this is very helpful for saving time.
 

mallik

Senior member
Dec 25, 2001
693
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76
I purchased a Canon 4200f, and while the scans that came from the negatives are good, there are a lot of artifacts on the pictures. It kind of looks like it came from one of those film strip reels. Is there a way to get rid of them, or should I get a better scanner? Also there were a few pictures on the strip there were a little faint and the scanner couldn't scan them. It just came out completely black.