DSLR Images from 4x5 Negatives?

[Bart B]

Having recently got a Super Speed Graphic, I've thought about laying negatives on a light table then using my Nikon D700 to photograph them as I don't have a scanner (yet?). A full-frame image would be about 10 MP (2832 x 3540) so it should make a decent 16x20 inch print.

Anyone done such a thing?

[IanG]

The theory isn't really matched by practice. I've tried.

Ian

[Sevo]

Well, I once tried to set up a considerably more professional version of that topic, consisting of a Laborator with the CLS head reversed on the base as the negative illuminator and a Phaseone scan back in the Durst copy camera head. This rig just about managed to get somewhat less than 10MP resolution out of the 12MP scan head, probably as much as possible. You'll fare much worse with an improvised stand, no proper light source and probably no true macro lens either.

But not even the theoretical 12MP limit would be remotely decent compared to any old transparency scanner - and you can get some ten each of the latter for the price of a decent reproduction stand or any of the current Micro Nikkor AF's.

[BetterSense]

I've wondered about this myself. I especially would like to try 'scanning' 35mm slides with a DSLR and a macro lens, since it's so hard to scan them on affordable (flatbed) scanners. Alas I don't have an DSLR or macro lens to try it with.

[IanG]

35mm is relatively easy if you have a slide copier (attachment). I can fit my Pentax bellows onto a DSLR and use an enlarger lens, there's a slide copying attachment that fits on the bellows rail. The only issue is sensor size, and the need to use a shorter copying lens if uts APS size rather than full frame.

Ian

[bdkphoto]

There is a nice resource here for camera scanning basics and techniques here:

http://dpbestflow.org/camera/camera-scanning

[ic-racer]

Your results will be subject matter dependent. If you are using Aero-Ektars with abstract subject matter, the 16x20 might turn out just fine.

[Darin Boville]

Anyone ever figure out a good stitched workflow?

--Darin

[Bart B]

Thanks to those who responded. My only large format lens is the original, a Graflex Optar/Rodenstock 135mm f/4.5 with Graflex 1000 shutter. I'll probably end up getting an Epson V750 or something like that.

[venchka]

Anyone ever figure out a good stitched workflow?

--Darin

Microsoft ICE stitches files that GAG Photoshop CS4. The latest version reads RAW files. There are 3 flat stitching variations built in.
Best part: It's FREE!