Scanning Negs question

[Kev M]

First of all I've no idea if this is even possible but I'm bound to find the answer fom someone here. I was sorting through my old photos and having a good clear out the other night and came across a load that I took from my time in Bosnia. I bought my first film SLR out there and even though I had no idea what I was doing with it I took some really good stuff (IMO) and some not so good stuff but they bring back happy memories. Unfortunately I've not got prints form many of them just the negatives.

Is it possible to scan a negative into a computer and get a useable image through some sort of PS conversion? Or is the only option to get the items re-developed and scan the prints?

If it's possible to scan the negs does anyone here have the gear to do it? I'm willing to pay for your time if so.

Cheers,
Kev

 

[chuckles]

It's perfectly feasible to do it and fairly simple with right stuff.

The BIG problem? It's very time consuming, even with the right kit! I've got a Nikon Coolscan IV scanner which will handle roll or cut negs/trannies. It still takes around 15 mins per scan if you want good quality.

If you've got the cash to pay somebody to do it.... why not consider something from the Epson Perfection range (4950?) and do it yourself. Not looked what's current but I got one of those for MF and it'll be more than adequate for what you want.

 

[Kev M]

Thanks for the reply Barry, I knew someone here would have the answer. I don't really want to go down the the route of buying my own gear because there's probably only twenty or so (if that) photos I would like to keep as the rest really are rubbish.

I didn't realise the process would take that long! I think it'll be quicker to get the prints done at a lab and perhaps they scan the prints onto CD for me. Or now I know it can be done perhaps there's someone in the yellow pages.

Cheers mate.

 

[chuckles]

OK, maybe 15 mins is a bit on the long side but it's definitely minutes not seconds. Probably about 10 after the first one of configured correctly.

I'd offer to do it myself but we are so busy at the moment. We have 3 weddings to finish processing currently.... sorry.

 

[Kev M]

Don't worry about it Barry you've helped me loads with the info without doing the job yourself. At least now I know it's possible.

 

[Steep]

I think you've cracked it there, get them printed at a decent size and quality then scan them.

 

[irw1]

A decent local lab will be able to scan the negs straight to CD, no need to have prints and then scan them tbh. Most places will offer you different resolutions at different price points depending on your requirements for the final output. Pm me if you get stuck.