I am in the market for a film scanner, can anybody recommend one? Also, when a negative is scanned, does that need to be converted into a positive image? Or will it be a normal image? Will photoshop work with negatives?
I have a CanoScan FS4000US - awesome. Just awesome. This is a pretty high-end scanner - but if you are looking for accurate scans at a great resolution, this is the baby for you.
I scanned this pic of my wife on our honeymoon - after cropping it it down I printed it at 60" wide (thats 5 feet to you and me) - that is from a 35mm negative.
Get a scanner that has an infrared channel - you can use it to automatically remove any dust/hair from the image. I did this image before I realized it could do this - it took me hours to touch it up. It is totally amazing how well it works once you figure it out. It will save you hours if you do much printing.
That looks like an infrared photograph too. Nicely exposed. I do a lot of work with Kodak Infrared, currently using an infrared flash for taking pictures in subdued light conditions without disturbing the people I'm shooting.
I haven't played with the CanoScan, but I'd recommend taking a close look at the Nikon CoolScan line. They go up to scanners that accept medium format negatives I believe. Nikon optics are absolutely amazing as well, clearly some of the best. I scan in all of my work on a CoolScan IV.
Be prepared to spend extra on adapters for auto feed strip negative feeders, etc. The CoolScans have FireWire, as I'm sure the CanoScans do.
an image I scanned on a coolscan IV. A photograph of my cousin's adopted "little brother" attending my cousin's wedding.
<strong>That looks like an infrared photograph too. Nicely exposed. I do a lot of work with Kodak Infrared, currently using an infrared flash for taking pictures in subdued light conditions without disturbing the people I'm shooting.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Infrared is definitely my favorite. I am going to be going to the Yucatan in a month for a little vacation - looking forward to playing some more.
Infrared flash - wow. I haven't heard of that before. That sounds pretty cool.
I know the above may make you think it's just your average scanner but in reality, this scanner beets the crap out of most film scanners (except for the really expensive medium format or drum/laser ones [the drum scanners from imacon are truly amazing]). Not to mention the many uses it brings to the table.
Infrared is definitely my favorite. I am going to be going to the Yucatan in a month for a little vacation - looking forward to playing some more.
Infrared flash - wow. I haven't heard of that before. That sounds pretty cool.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's a really well done exposure, but I'm sure you know that. It's worth saying again though A beautiful image...
For Infrared Flash, I've got a Nikon F100 with an SB-80DX Speedlight. I tape a Kodak Wratten 87C filter around the flash, and it throws infrared light instead of visible light. This has a distinct advantage for working in subdued light conditions when photographing people, as they can't see the flash go off at all.
<strong>It's a really well done exposure, but I'm sure you know that. It's worth saying again though A beautiful image...</strong><hr></blockquote>
Thank you Most people who see it in our house do a triple-take when/if they find out it is actually a shot of my wife. They think I have a big poster framed really nicely on the wall
That speedlight idea is great - I had never thought of doing something like that. I will definitely have to try it sometime.
[ 02-03-2003: Message edited by: The Pie Man ]</p>
Comments
The Software for most film scanners will automatically invert the image to correct colors, but Photoshop can also do this.
I scanned this pic of my wife on our honeymoon - after cropping it it down I printed it at 60" wide (thats 5 feet to you and me) - that is from a 35mm negative.
Get a scanner that has an infrared channel - you can use it to automatically remove any dust/hair from the image. I did this image before I realized it could do this - it took me hours to touch it up. It is totally amazing how well it works once you figure it out. It will save you hours if you do much printing.
I haven't played with the CanoScan, but I'd recommend taking a close look at the Nikon CoolScan line. They go up to scanners that accept medium format negatives I believe. Nikon optics are absolutely amazing as well, clearly some of the best. I scan in all of my work on a CoolScan IV.
Be prepared to spend extra on adapters for auto feed strip negative feeders, etc. The CoolScans have FireWire, as I'm sure the CanoScans do.
an image I scanned on a coolscan IV. A photograph of my cousin's adopted "little brother" attending my cousin's wedding.
[ 02-02-2003: Message edited by: M3D Jack ]</p>
<strong>That looks like an infrared photograph too. Nicely exposed. I do a lot of work with Kodak Infrared, currently using an infrared flash for taking pictures in subdued light conditions without disturbing the people I'm shooting.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Infrared is definitely my favorite. I am going to be going to the Yucatan in a month for a little vacation - looking forward to playing some more.
Infrared flash - wow. I haven't heard of that before. That sounds pretty cool.
I know the above may make you think it's just your average scanner but in reality, this scanner beets the crap out of most film scanners (except for the really expensive medium format or drum/laser ones [the drum scanners from imacon are truly amazing]). Not to mention the many uses it brings to the table.
Epson's website also has <a href="http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductQuickSpec.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1209841745.1 044253329@@@@&BV_EngineID=dadcggeigdjlbfdmcfjgckid nk.0&oid=9679213&category=Scanners" target="_blank">this scanner.</a> I haven't use it, though.
As for the software, Epson's solutions are quite wonderful (OS 9).
I hope the above helps.
<strong>
Infrared is definitely my favorite. I am going to be going to the Yucatan in a month for a little vacation - looking forward to playing some more.
Infrared flash - wow. I haven't heard of that before. That sounds pretty cool.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's a really well done exposure, but I'm sure you know that. It's worth saying again though
For Infrared Flash, I've got a Nikon F100 with an SB-80DX Speedlight. I tape a Kodak Wratten 87C filter around the flash, and it throws infrared light instead of visible light. This has a distinct advantage for working in subdued light conditions when photographing people, as they can't see the flash go off at all.
<strong>It's a really well done exposure, but I'm sure you know that. It's worth saying again though
Thank you
That speedlight idea is great - I had never thought of doing something like that. I will definitely have to try it sometime.
[ 02-03-2003: Message edited by: The Pie Man ]</p>