Making a scanner with a DSLR

[Old-N-Feeble]

I wonder if one could use an enlarger to focus the film image on the image sensor of a DSLR laying on its back with the lens removed. That would eliminate the need for a macro lens since the enlarger lens is doing the focusing. Maybe one could rig a sliding platform for the DSLR. I suppose a longer-than-normal enlarging lens may be needed to prevent vignetting by the camera body. This would better align light transmission to the sensor too.

ETA: I should have searched the thread before posting... this was already mentioned way back in post #260.

[Peter De Smidt]

Sure. Plus enlarging lenses tend to make very good macro lenses, especially when reversed. From what I hear, they're best in the 4x - 5x magnification range.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Gosh darn it, Peter. You're gonna force me to sell a bunch of stuff and buy a Sigma SD1. I can build a fixed enlarging setup pretty cheaply/easily out of plain old wood. A really good EL is gonna cost though. For 8x10 film maybe a 450mm? Hey, I could reverse-mount a standard lens like a Nikkor-M and use that as an EL!! Better yet, I have a Rodenstock 240mm Apo-Graphigon that I can use and just enlarge half of an 8x10 at a time.

[Peter De Smidt]

Well, you could certainly do that. Why a Sigma Sd1, though? They're kinda pricey, and the reviews aren't all that good. Why such long lenses?

[Old-N-Feeble]

I only learned of the SD1 today. I've always been fascinated by the Foveon chip and assumed the new one would do miracles. Maybe I'm wrong... I'll research it more.

The reason for the SD1 is its 46MP resolution (equivalent). They are pricey, indeed.

The reason for the longer lens is to eliminate mechanical vignetting at the front of the camera by decreasing acuteness of the angle of light exiting the enlarging lens... but that may not be necessary. A longer lens also makes a straighter light path to the sensor. From what I've read Image sensors very much prefer light to hit them straight-on.

[Peter De Smidt]

Don't let me stop you! By all means give it a try and let us know.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Hey, Peter...

I might just do that. But keep in mind I'm a diseased old car with a V12 running on 4 cylinders these days. I promise nothing but muddy messed up data delivered very untimely.

Mike

[Peter De Smidt]

Hey Mike, that's all that I promise as well!

[marfa boomboom tx]

for those of you with a Coolscan, try this: modify an FH-869s (the 120 holder) by removing the left-hand side bar. That is the side used to tension the film. Remove the screws; lift out the flap. A 4x5 'almost' fits. Luckily the can be "ground" to permit the film to slide into that ground slot. This doesn't interfere with the CS driver, it is those ribs along the right side.

The coolscan thinks you have 120 film in. Scan twice. Paste once. Courage my hearties, courage. Jump. You can always buy another scanner ... Well, at least the FH is available from B&H...

later... off to the rodeo

[Ben Syverson]

And if you don't have a Coolscan 8000 or 9000, be prepared to shell out $4000-5000.

To me, that's borderline insane. You can get four drum scanners for that money.