Scanning Medium Format Film

[Recalcitrant Ron]

I know this is the large format forum, but you folks seem to known this stuff really well. I have my wedding negatives that I want to scan. They are medium format, but were individually cut by the photographer. What are my options in terms of scanning? I was thinking of getting a flatbed like the Epson 4990, 700 or Microtec M1. Any suggestions, pointers, tips ect?

Thanks in advance.

Ron

[Doug Dolde]

If I only scanned medium format I'd get a Nikon Coolscan ED 8000 or 9000 with the wet mounting kit. Forget a flatbed for medium format.

[David Luttmann]

Depends....if this is just one job, I'd suggest the Epson V700. If you intend on lots of scanning in the future, or if you want larger prints than 11x14, then the Nikon 9000 is a better choice.

[Doug Dolde]

If that's all you want to scan send them to West Coast Imaging and use their stock photo scanning service on their Creo iQsmart3. $10-12 per scan.

[Recalcitrant Ron]

I'll check out WCI, but I am nervous about mailing the negs

[venchka]

I'll check out WCI, but I am nervous about mailing the negs

Understandable. Mail the negatives in small batches. Don't put all the "keepers" in one batch.

[D. Bryant]

I know this is the large format forum, but you folks seem to known this stuff really well. I have my wedding negatives that I want to scan. They are medium format, but were individually cut by the photographer. What are my options in terms of scanning? I was thinking of getting a flatbed like the Epson 4990, 700 or Microtec M1. Any suggestions, pointers, tips ect?

Thanks in advance.

Ron

Take a look at the Minolta MF scanners. They aren't cheap (and they are out of production) but the produce very good scans. The Nikon 9000 is a good choice.

I just purchase a Polaroid Sprint Scan Pro for $400. It's actually a Microtek scanner and connects via Firewire or SCSI.

Don Bryant

[Wayne Crider]

If you sign up with WCI they send out email discounts quite often. Check their web site for what's available.

[cotdt]

actually I think the Nikon 9000 scanning medium format gives better results than the Epson V700 with 4x5 large format!

[Ken Lee]

How big do you plan to print ?

For a few hundred dollars, the Epson 4990 delivers around 2100 ppi, and will allow you to enlarge by a factor of around 6 or 7. That means a MF negative can be printed at around 8x10 or 11x14 and still have good quality.

For a few thousand dollars, the Nikon or Minolta scanners will give you 3000+ ppi, and will let you print up to 16x20 or better with critical sharpness. They will scan right down to the film grain and get everything there is to see.