Scanning film - advice needed

kh_drew · 8th May 2008

Hi all,

I'm new to the digital format and hope that more experienced members can help me.

I've got lots of film, both 35mm and 120, dating from almost 30 years and I'd like to archive them in digital format for preservation. I would also like to have the option of printing from the digital files in future.

What should I look out for when scanning these films? E.g. best file formats for printing etc. Are there professional labs somewhere that can offer advice and services for this? The typical shops in malls aren't able to provide quality scans and prints that I need.

Thanks!

Andrew

karnage · 19th May 2008

Wow, surprised no one answered so far.

I'm looking for a flatbed scanner now, to scan 135 negatives and slides, as well as 120 film. I didn't want a dedicated one coz I didn't think I need that quality. And it's much more expensive as well. And for my not-so-high-end use, I narrowed my search down to the Canon Canoscan 8800F, and the Epson V500.

But after searching for comparisons and reviews online, I think I have decided on the Canoscan 8800F. Some people say the V500 retains better details in the shadows and the highlights though, so it depends on what you want.

If you want Canoscan 8800F, ATF in Sim Lim selling for $293 cash. It's the cheapest I've found, surprisingly. If anyone knows better, do tell.

If, however, you want the V500, same shop in Sim Lim selling for $400 thereabouts, I think. Didn't really pay attention to the price of that since I'm more set on 8800F. Sorry.

Of course, these are low-midrange scanners so it really depends on your photographic eye for detail.

Cheers!

Cyberian · 22nd May 2008

Try here http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285419

Do a search in the Printer and Scanner thread.. You'll find a lot of info there.

8th May 2008	#1
kh_drew Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 417	Scanning film - advice needed Hi all, I'm new to the digital format and hope that more experienced members can help me. I've got lots of film, both 35mm and 120, dating from almost 30 years and I'd like to archive them in digital format for preservation. I would also like to have the option of printing from the digital files in future. What should I look out for when scanning these films? E.g. best file formats for printing etc. Are there professional labs somewhere that can offer advice and services for this? The typical shops in malls aren't able to provide quality scans and prints that I need. Thanks! Andrew

19th May 2008	#2
karnage Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ang Mo Kio Posts: 987	Re: Scanning film - advice needed Wow, surprised no one answered so far. I'm looking for a flatbed scanner now, to scan 135 negatives and slides, as well as 120 film. I didn't want a dedicated one coz I didn't think I need that quality. And it's much more expensive as well. And for my not-so-high-end use, I narrowed my search down to the Canon Canoscan 8800F, and the Epson V500. But after searching for comparisons and reviews online, I think I have decided on the Canoscan 8800F. Some people say the V500 retains better details in the shadows and the highlights though, so it depends on what you want. If you want Canoscan 8800F, ATF in Sim Lim selling for $293 cash. It's the cheapest I've found, surprisingly. If anyone knows better, do tell. If, however, you want the V500, same shop in Sim Lim selling for $400 thereabouts, I think. Didn't really pay attention to the price of that since I'm more set on 8800F. Sorry. Of course, these are low-midrange scanners so it really depends on your photographic eye for detail. Cheers! __________________ incywincyspider climbup the waterspout...

22nd May 2008	#3
Cyberian Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Singapore Posts: 441	Re: Scanning film - advice needed Try here http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285419 Do a search in the Printer and Scanner thread.. You'll find a lot of info there.