Since the 35mm roll scanning option on the SS4000 has been nixed, I need to come up with a new plan. I need the ability to batch scan a roll of film unattended or I need to bite the bullet and buy a D30 or (gasp) a 1D. I am looking for a little guidance from some of you that may have been through my list of options already. (keep in mind that the budget is limited or I would have a 1D on order and be done with it) Final output is to an Epson printer and sometimes a Fuji frontier or light-jet.
1) I own Canon glass and do plan to eventually get a Canon digital body, but I had hoped to put this off for another year or so. Better prices, better performance, etc, etc. I shoot a lot of outdoor sports (motocross and skydiving) where I need the exposure lattitude of neg film. I shoot a lot of film but don't have prints made, just the negs developed. The need for roll batch scanning is due to the limited time I have and the fact that I really only want to scan once. I tried scanning for index prints and then scanning at full res just the selected frames but that was too much trouble. Index prints from the lab were too small to be of any use. So, does anyone own both a D30 and a good 35mm scanner that could convince me that the D30 would better serve my purpose? 2) I could pick up the Canon APS body (Xi ?) and the APS adapter for the SS4000 and just settle for a little less negative. 95% of the sports prints I sell are 8x10 but I do like the ability of going to 12x18 on the frames that are just right. So, does anyone have experience with scanning both 35mm and APS on a SS4000 that would help me compare the quality difference? I uderstand that this will be subjective unless you have used the same lens with both formats, and I beleive the Canon is the only APS that takes traditional SLR glass?? 3) Are there any other good film scanners which allow full roll scanning? I am aware of the Nikon and the Kodak. Both are not really attractive to me except for their roll scanning ability, and I would hate to give up the quality I am getting from the SS4000. But if I have to compromise then this may be the safest way to go. Anyone used both the Nikon and the SS4000 or maybe the Kodak and the SS4000 who could list some plus and minus points for each? The biggest plus on the Polaroid was it's low price for the available resolution. 4) Are any of you using a mail order lab that can develope and scan without a print order? The scans should be good enough for 8x12 (~1600x2400) but I can scan anyting I need higher res. on. The cost is a factor though. A local lab wants $18 US a roll to do this for me, which is more than I can justify. I currently pay $1.50 per roll for developing only, so I'm spoiled somewhat. On mailing issue - are they still suggesting not to mail film for fear of it being x-ray or otherwise damaged? 5) here's the looney question of the day. Would it be remotely possible for someone with the tools and skills to hack/modify/reconfigure the SS4000 APS adapter to work with 35mm film? I have no idea how the adapter works or have I even seen one, so be nice. ; ) With the number of units out there, could this be a aftermarket opportunity? I would easily spend my $200 rebate or more for the ability to scan rolls at a time. TIA for any input. Other suggestions welcomed too. You may want to reply off-list if concerning the non-scanner items, and I only have a chance to read the list once a day right now. James Hill Freelance Photographer Mebane, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe by mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED], with 'unsubscribe filmscanners' or 'unsubscribe filmscanners_digest' (as appropriate) in the message title or body
