A question about negatives?

Dylan · Aug 30, 2006

I recently aquired a Canon Eos Elan 7e film camera. I have never used film before and I can't wait to get started. I want to scan the pictures into the computer after they have been developed but I'm wondering if I need something special for the negatives. Do I need a special scanner or will the standard flatbed suffice? Thanks in advance for the help.

Dylan

PlasticSpanner · Aug 30, 2006

You will need a transparency adapter or dedicated film scanner. Whether you can get an adapter for your scanner will depend on the make/model.

The adapter sits on top of the scanner glass with the negatives loaded into it. It has a built in light that shines through the negs from above and the normal scanner light is turned off.

Dylan · Aug 30, 2006

MMM. I guess I'll be scanning the prints instead of the negatives. Oh well it was worth a try. Thanks.

Orrin · Aug 31, 2006

Since you are just starting with film, you should probably have your negatives
scanned at the time of processing. This way you will have a CD for permanent
storage of the digital images.

Kodak's PictureCD is a good quality scan, I have been using them for years
and although it's only 1024x1536, it's possible to make good 8x10s. Many
camera stores and chain-stores will also make a CD but I have found the the
images on the PictureCD are usually better.

EBphotography · Aug 31, 2006

This is an awfully negative question, isn't it?

Epson and probably many others make printers that scan negatives, paper, whatever up to a certain size. Might wanna peek at one of those!

JamesD · Sep 1, 2006

I've never been impressed with cheap scanners that supposedly scan negatives. I'd say get them done when you get the film developed.

Or, even better, set up a darkroom! You'll be hooked, I promise.

Dylan · Sep 1, 2006

The picture cd sounds like it might be a good idea as long as the output is a standard jpeg. I want to upload my pictures to my pbase site (shameless plug) and I'm pretty sure I can only use jpeg or tiff. I may end up buying a new scanner if it's worth it.

I'll post back to let everyone know how this works out. I just shot 4 rolls at Longwood gardens and I can't wait to get them developed.