advice on scanning 8 x 10 transparencies

[chrisjonesinlondon]

Hi there,

I've tried searching through the threads, but it's a miasma, and I wonder if anyone could offer some distilled advice on the current best method to scan 8 x 10 transparencies at home.

I'll be printing mural-sized fine art, but what i would like to do is be able to scan these images at home first, in order to get to know the file, before splurging for the expensive drum scans that will be used for the actual prints.

Cheers
Chris

[Walter Calahan]

I use an Epson V750 with Silverfast software, and a plate of anti-newton ring glass to scan my 8x10s. An Epson 4990 will work just as fine. The secret it the glass to keep the film flat.

http://fpointinc.com/glass.htm

[Doug Fisher]

>>An Epson 4990 will work just as fine<<

I agree with Walter for some film sizes but when it comes to films like 8x10 that are so large they must be scanned off the scanner's glass, the V Series definitely has an edge because of the second lens which is supposed to be focused right at the glass bed level. The 4990 has one lens and a relatively large depth of field but it is a compromise in terms of focus.

Doug
---
www.BetterScanning.com

[Brian Ellis]

>>An Epson 4990 will work just as fine<<

I agree with Walter for some film sizes but when it comes to films like 8x10 that are so large they must be scanned off the scanner's glass, the V Series definitely has an edge because of the second lens which is supposed to be focused right at the glass bed level. The 4990 has one lens and a relatively large depth of field but it is a compromise in terms of focus.

Doug
---
www.BetterScanning.com

Hmmm. That's interesting. I've scanned a whole bunch of 8x10 b&w negatives on my 4990 and never noticed a problem with focus.

[fstop]

I've been using my i900 from Microtek where the light comes from the bottom so no scan through glass. Lately, I've started using Scanscience fluid on the glass carrier and getting exceptional results.

[IanMazursky]

For the best quality scan, you will need a drum scan.
I have scanned hundreds of 8x10 negs and chromes a year for various clients.
I would try a local lab that has a drum scanner. It is amazing the amount of detail you can pull from an 8x10.
If you cant find a local lab, please pm me.

[Lenny Eiger]

I would try a local lab that has a drum scanner.
If you cant find a local lab, please pm me.

We also do 8x10's here. I agree a drum scan is the way to go. However, I don't think a local lab is the answer. Their business model is based upon paying someone very little and charging a lot for something. I think what you need is a relationship with an experienced scanner operator who will scan it the way you want it... The relationship is what makes things work.

Lenny

EigerStudios

[Brian Ellis]

For the best quality scan, you will need a drum scan.
I have scanned hundreds of 8x10 negs and chromes a year for various clients.
I would try a local lab that has a drum scanner. It is amazing the amount of detail you can pull from an 8x10.
If you cant find a local lab, please pm me.

Maybe you should try reading his message before you promote your business. He said he just wants to scan at home to get the file in shape, not to make his final murals.

[Kirk Gittings]

Hmmm. That's interesting. I've scanned a whole bunch of 8x10 b&w negatives on my 4990 and never noticed a problem with focus.

Doug is absolutely right, the 4990's focus is fixed and optimized above the glass at the filmholder height, but the difference would only be noticeable on larger prints.

[Ted Harris]

To go back to Chris' original question. Virtually any of the current generation consumer flatbed scanners that have the size capability to handle 8x10 will work just fine for the intended use. the same also holds true for a number of previous generations of these scanners. Even some older scanners that can ow be found very inexpensively will do the job (e.g. UMax Powerlook III, Agfa Duoscan's, etc.)

[chrisjonesinlondon]

Thanks everyone for the mass of info. It gave me some leads to follow up.

It seems to me that all flatbed scanners, although they differ in quality, will have the same problems, this being the focus plane / newton rings conundrum.

So I think i will go for the least expensive option. From the images made with preliminary scans, I'll choose an exhibition and splurge for drumscans on those choices.

I would almost go for an old Duoscan which is on sale here in the UK for next to nothing, - but it only has SCSI connectors. Or perhaps an older Epson Precision, but it might be on its last legs.

So I think a newer Epson 4990 will be best.

Glad to see they have made the light panel of these newer generations of cheaper flatbeds big enough to illuminate 8x10!!

Thanks again everyone.

Chris