Scanning Negs

onion · Apr 9th, 2005, 11:13 AM

I'm scanning a ton of negatives (mostly medium format) and I'm having lots of issues. Firstly, I'm using a Beige running 10.3.5 (through ex-post facto) and X does not support my scanner (Agfa DuoScan T1200) on a Beige. So, I'm scanning in 9.2.1 and then photoshopping in X.

Secondly, the Agfa DuoScan has a glass plate that accomaodates transparent media of all types but, when i put my negs on the plate they curl (a little) which distorts my scan. The little (flimsy) template the scanner comes with keeps the negative flat but a) over crops the images and b) means that i have to re-preview for every image (rather then just doing it once for a whole strip) which makes for a very time consuming process.

The optional dedicated film carriers that are designed for this machine don't accomodate strips of 6X6 just individual 6X9 negs (meaning i'd have to cut down each negative that i want to use. . . ). Altogether very frusterating when processing a lot of negs.

Does anyone a) have any advice on using this particular device or b) have a not too expensive scanner that they'd recommend that does a very good job scanning medium format negs?

many thanks. onion

scootsandludes · Apr 9th, 2005, 01:56 PM

The problem with 2 1/4 film is that it's a pro format, which leads to using a pro quality scanner, which will be a pro price. The best affordable scanner is probably the epson 4XXX series, they can scan up to 8x10, but you'll be in the $6XX range I think, not sure what they're going for now, though probably a lot cheaper that your DuoScan was. I also don't think they allow batch scanning, which would defeat the purpose for you in getting another scanner. Best bet if you're in a hurry, send it out to a lab, you'll get better scans than any flatbed scanner. If you have a lot you might even qualify for bulk discount. Otherwise, you're better off just taking your time with them, it's a PITA, but there really isn't a cheap solution for batch scanning 2 1/4.

vince

MacDoc · Apr 9th, 2005, 02:43 PM

The excellent Epsons are well down in the price now - the 4180 will do the job at $345 and reall close to a dedicated film scanner especially for your neg size.

But on a beige??? ........

moonsocket · Apr 9th, 2005, 02:58 PM

how many negs do you have? It might be better to just go to a photo place and have them scanned. We do all sizes at our store. I dont know the price as I just work the lab and thed counter where they price

onion · Apr 9th, 2005, 04:07 PM

	Quote:
	But on a beige??? ........

what wrong with the beige you sold me????

MacDoc · Apr 9th, 2005, 04:41 PM

We DON'T support X on Beige and it's not appropriate to do heavy colour work. We love beiges, but on 9 and not for heavy lifting.
Not with a mini at $629.
Appropriate tools n all..........