Can any of the existing flatbed scanners by microtek or epson be used for 8x10 scanning.
My output image size is 24 x 30
Can any of the existing flatbed scanners by microtek or epson be used for 8x10 scanning.
My output image size is 24 x 30
The old Agfa Duoscans (Duoscan Solo, T1200, T2400, and Hi-D) handle 8x10" and are fairly cheap on the used market, but require a SCSI interface (also not too expensive to add, if you don't already have one). The Hi-D has the highest Dmax, if you can find one.
The Microtek Artixscan 2500 f can scan 8x10 at up to 1250 ppi. I often use mine to proof 4 4x5's at a time, like a contact sheet, at 300 ppi. It saves a lot of time when dealing with negatives.
At 1250 ppi, you should be able to get really excellent quality in a 24x30 print from an 8x10 transparency or negative.
At that size, it scans through the glass, which requires a little more care naturally, to avoid dust, and to make sure the film lies flat. For 4x5 and below, it scans without glass, and holds the images flat in dedicated holders.
I strongly recommend VueScan software, to get the most from the scanner. As I have pointed out many times, the Microtek and SilverFast drivers are strangely limited, with regards to tonal range and resolution, respectively.
The Epson 1680 is excellent and a good bit less expensive than the 2500s mentioned above.
Another Microtek is the 1800 f which they claim gives 1800 ppi.
I got the 2500 model because they claim it delivers 2500 ppi. I'm not sure about that. I suspect it gets somewhere around 60% of that.
The 1800 probably delivers 1250. Just a guess, of course. But as I mentioned, for 8x10, that's enough to get you the print size you are seeking. Just make sure you have a calibrated monitor and a profiled printer/ink/paper combination and you're good to go. Factor that into your cost equation. The final prints should look awesome !
and the microtek 1800f which will scan (their figures) at 1800ppi for 8x10
http://www.microtekusa.com/as1800f.html
I've compared it to the similarish Epson 1680 and it seems a much better machine. For a flatbed, very very nice scans from 8x10
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Additionally, if you want slightly older and thus less expensive technology, look at the UMax Powerlook Series. Especially the PowerLook III which, if still available, will cost you around 650 with the transparancy lid. For this as for the Microteck scanners you will need a SCSI interface.
Re the Atrixscan 2500, Microtek says it's a 10,000 pixel CCD. Seems that the 4" wide high resolution strip would then be a true 2500 pixels per inch.
I scan 8x10 negatives with a Linoscan 1400. They are no longer made but appear on the used market from time to time. Mine cost around $1,000 new, I don't know what the used price is but it must be a lot less.
Brian Ellis
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Doug - thanks for the info, which i s encouraging. I guess I ought to do another test. Last time, I compared a 1250 ppi scan against a 2500ppi scan, and it seemed that when I simply up-sized the 1250 to 2500, the two were virtually indistinguishable. This time I will can try a different negative.
Perhaps this image and this detail section would make a good test.
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