Here are five different techniques that can be used to get better image quality out of your existing flatbed scanner.
Many photographers myself included have binders full of film negatives from earlier in their career and even though most discussions now focus around digital cameras there is a rising interest in still shooting film. Unfortunately, finding the best way to scan and utilize your film can be a challenge.
Coming to you from photographer Nick Carver here is a video that takes a look at five ways that you can improve the quality of your scans and which one gives the best results. Most of these techniques can be applied to just about any flatbed scanner but Carver is demonstrating with the popular Epson V series scanner.
There is no easy way to scan and digitize your film and slides these days and you often have to choose between expensive drum scans or poor quality single frame scanners out of China. The middle point between cost and quality has often been found with a flatbed scanner. Specifically, the Epson V600-V850 series. I have used several in the line-up and the ability to customize and use a third-party software as Carver has shown has really made the scanning quality of the Epson's a cost-effective way to get good quality for most use cases.
Is there a technique not mentioned you've found success with? Or a scanner that you think provides better quality for a similar cost? Let us know in the comments.
The Epson flatbeds are the best affordable option for medium and large format film like he scanned in the video. For 35mm, a used Minolta or Nikon film scanner from eBay will give much better detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy for a few hundred dollars.
For 35mm get a macro lens and a Nikon ES-2.
You can also use a professional photo lab scanner such as the Noritsu LS-600. Speed and quality is way better than any consumer grade scanner. You can find one on the second market for $1500-$2000. Here is a test of the LS-600: http://www.gostreetphoto.com/noritsu-ls-600-film-scanner-review/
Fine for bw but with color you are castrating the color, especially greens. Bayer sensors do not get the same color depth nor can they get accurate color from the limited information made available. Dedicated CCDs will get full color. That said, you might have a case for something with pixel shift like the A7RIII or a Hasselblad H5D-200c, etc.
If you're concerned about color, you can always use Sigma's full-frame Foveon camera whenever it comes out. :) Those sensors produce some wonderful color and their weakness in low light doesn't apply here.
They produce a richer color, but their color is broken. I had a DP2 and an SD1, both great cameras, though over time the limitations to their color become apparent. They have an interesting color character, but I wouldn't use them to digitize film. They also have a weird mottled pattern of red green noise that never really quite goes away even at low ISO. I am watching to see how the full-frame version performs though, despite that the latest incarnation of the Foveon design already doesn't seem as accurate as my SD1's design (the look seems duller, but I haven't actually tried one).
I have some 70mm film negatives from the 60s. What scanner would be good for those ? Should I be looking at the Epson or investigating a DSLR method of capturing those ? Many thanks.