handrew

I have thousands of slides I would like to have archived in digital format. I know I can buy a scanner but does anybody know where I can get it done professionally and roughly what it might cost? Are there still shops like Robert Lam around? Would they do this?

Thanks in advance

Andrew

hkwongkit

Andrew,

If you can invest in time and have a film scanner already I'd say doing your own scanning is the most economical way to go. I understand that pro lab like ColorSix, http://www.colorsix.com/pricelist1.asp#1a , charges $10 per 135 frame.

cwchan

You can try Excellent Colour Limited at Wanchai, tel.: 28668893

tbob

Andrew, Have you considered buying a film copier, you just stick on the front of your digital camera lens and take a shot or a movie. I think you need around a 100mm lens or zoom. This may be a cheaper method.

Bob

handrew

Thanks all for the suggestions. I had some direct emails too. The Wanchai shop has 2 votes, ColorSix 2, and DIY also 2!! I have tried a slide copier on the front of the lens with modest results and I didn't pursue it. I will give the Wanchai shop a call but at $10 per silde I suspect a scanner at home is best altho' some people have questioned the quality that can be obtained.

Andrew

hkwongkit

Andrew,

DIY may be the best way forward but film scanning is time consuming. Nikon produces some great 135 film scanners on the market. I'm able to obtain pro result from it. See for yourself ...
Example: http://kkhui.vndv.com/shorebird/ ... 02_0_19x_large.html

I use Nikon Super Coolscan 4000ED

thinfor

Thanks for the link.  Really great shots and nice scanning performance of the Nikon scanner.

Actually I'm using Canoscan 8800F and the performance is not bad too.  Wheny buying it, I've spent some time collecting information and comments from users and struggled which model should buy.  Among the scanners, Nikon prodcuts are the 'oldest' but the most expensive.  Some people said it might be due to its ability to prevent dust.  But I really don't know whether it's true or not.

Do you have any ideas about making Nikon scanners more outstanding to have such a premium?  I'm just curious (since I may not switch my scanner now) and your comments are very appreciated.

hkwongkit

I have not used a (flatbed) 8800F myself but from reviews I read ...
If you need a scanner that scans both film and prints, and you are more concerned with the prints, the 8800F is an ideal choice. If your needs are more film-based than print-based, look at dedicated film scanner instead.

Digital ICE is effective in getting rid of dust spots and scratches on film.

thinfor

Thanks for your comments.  Actually, I am more film-based.

I've compared the configurations among the well known flatbed and Nikon's.  They are generally similar.  Digital ICE mentioned may be only owned by Nikon's.

Your scanned images seemed to be much better than other flatbed scanners do.  Is the digital ICE technology a key for better images or other technology that I overlooked?

Can I ask whether you have spent much time on fine-tuning the scanned film images?

handrew

Quote:

Original posted by hkwongkit at 21/09/2009 08:25
Andrew,

DIY may be the best way forward but film scanning is time consuming. Nikon produces some great 135 film scanners on the market. I'm able to obtain pro result from it. See for yourself ...
Exa ...

Thanks KK - beautiful work!

Andrew