Need a scanner that can handle 127 slides + 620 roll film

[clutch]

I hope I am not off topic on this question but I thought I would float
a question on converting film images to digital. My prime concern is
that the family has a number of 127 slides that I would love to
capture, preserve, and pass on copies to each limb on the family tree.

In the mix is some 35mm bw film strips, 35mm slides, 120/620 and even
some 4x5 negatives.

While googling around tonight I viewed hits on the epson 4870 and 4870
pro scanner that initially sounds like it might be the ticket.
However, I also read some comments that it really doesn't have the
resolution that is advertized, software is buggy, ect.

What a bummer. I thought I found a solution. A scanner with enough
resolution to scan my slides and some thing that would be usefull as a
normal scanner after this one time endeavor is complete. Firewire as
an interface a real plus considering data size.


Also I don't understand what the PRO version gives in the bargain. I
don't have photoshop, I use Gimp for image stuff.

I thank you in advance for any info that will guide me to the right
purchase.


Wes

 

[Robert Feinman]

I hope I am not off topic on this question but I thought I would float
a question on converting film images to digital. My prime concern is
that the family has a number of 127 slides that I would love to
capture, preserve, and pass on copies to each limb on the family tree.

In the mix is some 35mm bw film strips, 35mm slides, 120/620 and even
some 4x5 negatives.

While googling around tonight I viewed hits on the epson 4870 and 4870
pro scanner that initially sounds like it might be the ticket.
However, I also read some comments that it really doesn't have the
resolution that is advertized, software is buggy, ect.

What a bummer. I thought I found a solution. A scanner with enough
resolution to scan my slides and some thing that would be usefull as a
normal scanner after this one time endeavor is complete. Firewire as
an interface a real plus considering data size.


Also I don't understand what the PRO version gives in the bargain. I
don't have photoshop, I use Gimp for image stuff.

I thank you in advance for any info that will guide me to the right
purchase.


Wes

The Epson 4870 will probably give you upto about 9x enlargements
with adequate quality. If this is good enough for your purposes
you may find it the best solution.
I have a discussion of it compared to other scanners in the tips
section of my web site.

 

[Don]

Flatbed scanners in general do not actually have the resolution advertised.
The will scan with high dot density (e.g. 2400dpi), but the actual resolving
power rarely exceeds 1000dpi or so, and sometimes is much worse. I have an
Epson Perfection 1640 with a film adapter lid. It purports to have
1600x3200 dpi resolution, but the actual high-contrast resolution measures
more like 450-500 line pairs/inch, or 900-1000 dpi. I believe the problem
is that they have no adjustable focus, but count on the depth of field of
the optics to accomodate mechanical variations.

Resolutions of this order will be suitable for prints up to perhaps 4x6 from
35 mm, and larger from 127 and more. This may be perfectly adequate for old
family photos, of course. Almost all of mine, going back to the 1800s, are
that size or smaller.

Don



If you really want the best quality

 

[RWatson767]

Wes

Need a scanner that can handle 127 slides + 620 roll film

We have a Nikon LS4500AF scanner that does all the sizes you mention. Not the
fastest but the scans make wonderful prints.

There was a new in the box one that went on Ebay for $900.00 plus shipping a
few days ago.
Bob AZ