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35mm B&W film - scanning.

moonstomp
Posted 22/03/2017 - 13:50 Link
Hi all,

I have some old negatives (from the 1990s) that I want to get scanned.
Some were taken on standard B&W film and some are on Ilford Xp2 (i.e. C41 process).

Any suggestions as to where to get them scanned?
They need to be hi-res as they are for a publication.

I'm based in Dublin, Ireland so local or a company that would do mail-order would be best.

Thanks in advance.

George.
JAK
Posted 22/03/2017 - 17:39 Link
Is it loads of them or just a couple? I'd have thought any publisher would have a scanner in any event and be able to do them as they wish.
John K
Edited by JAK: 22/03/2017 - 17:41
moonstomp
Posted 22/03/2017 - 19:32 Link
Hi Jak,

It could be 12-20 photos.
The printing will be done in Germany.

I'll be sending digital files to a fried in Germany who's compiling a photo-book of concert photography from the 1990s.

After a little research I see recommendations for "drum scanning" so now looking into providers here or mail-order.
K-5, Sigma 17-70 DC, FA 50 1.7, DA 50-200 & Metz 58AF-1.
JAK
Posted 22/03/2017 - 19:43 - Helpful Comment Link
John K
moonstomp
Posted 22/03/2017 - 19:50 Link
Thanks.

I know a few of the shops but most just do "bog standard" scans - suitable for web or looking at on the PC but not print quality.
I think I'll drop them an email to see if they do drum scanning.
I also found this shop who still use a Kodak Pakon F135F, which is apparently great for scanning B&W negs:

http://www.photofast.ie/p/35mm_black__white_film_developing__cd
K-5, Sigma 17-70 DC, FA 50 1.7, DA 50-200 & Metz 58AF-1.
Edited by moonstomp: 22/03/2017 - 19:50
JAK
Posted 22/03/2017 - 21:21 Link
Do you know what resolution the publishers require? Someone's hi-res may be lo-res to someone else!
John K
moonstomp
Posted 22/03/2017 - 21:33 Link
Good enough to print at 300dpi they say.
K-5, Sigma 17-70 DC, FA 50 1.7, DA 50-200 & Metz 58AF-1.
JAK
Posted 22/03/2017 - 22:33 - Helpful Comment Link
I wouldn't have thought that required anything special. Maybe something better than one of those budget 'scanners', but a Minolta Scan Dual (or similar film scanner) or an Epson Perfection flatbed would manage that well. I'd do it for you if I was closer (perhaps someone nearer might?) otherwise visit one of those local shops and tell them what you want. If they say they can do it and can't you'll owe them nothing, if they do OK problem solved.

This is a recent scan using an Epson Perfection V500 flatbed from a colour negative from around 1990.
Comment Image
John K
Edited by JAK: 22/03/2017 - 22:53
JAK
Posted 22/03/2017 - 22:51 - Helpful Comment Link
A quick bump as I've added a scanned photo.
John K
moonstomp
Posted 23/03/2017 - 06:57 Link
Thanks for all the information and advice guys.
All very useful.

😀
K-5, Sigma 17-70 DC, FA 50 1.7, DA 50-200 & Metz 58AF-1.
johnriley
Posted 23/03/2017 - 07:03 - Helpful Comment Link
The alternative is to make a nice set of prints and then use a standard scanner. Or send them the prints and let them make the scans themselves.
Best regards, John
nocturnal
Posted 26/03/2017 - 02:58 Link
The ultimate is a drum scanner according to the American photographer Ken Rockwell.

However this looks good!

I love basic retro cars like I love my Pentax MX. No computers, screens or other features you don't want and you can fix them yourself. My Da had a Datsun 120Y which is now a cult classic!
"In a photographic context I don't like the use of the word 'shot' as where I live this word refers to an extreme act of violence and not the beautiful craft of photography"

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