p.1 #1 · Minolta Scan Dual III vs. Epson V700 for BW 35mm scans
Anyone know if I will see much of a difference in 35mm BW film scans between these two scanners?
I know the Dimage is a low end device, but it is a dedicated film scanner and I've been pretty satisfied with the results. But I now need a new flatbed scanner for documents, and I'm wondering if the V700 will also improve my film scanning. (I print no larger than 8 x 12".) Thanks.
p.1 #2 · Minolta Scan Dual III vs. Epson V700 for BW 35mm scans
I've never seen much about the Scan Dual III, but my Nikon LS-4000 trounces my 4990. The optical system of the V700 isn't that much better than its predecessor.
For some reason I don't have a straight comparison at 4000ppi, but here is a scan from 35mm prepared for print.
p.1 #3 · Minolta Scan Dual III vs. Epson V700 for BW 35mm scans
I have an Epson flatbed, the older Perfection 2450 and a Minolta film scanner, the Dimage Scan Elite 5400. A decent film scanner is going to outperform a flatbed, and that's case with my scanners. My older Epson is a quite good flatbed, but it doesn't get into the same ball park as the Minolta scanner, which is much superior. The original Minolta driver produced beautiful, neutral scans. The Nikon film scanners, including the 4000, are usually considered the best film scanners. In any case, don't get Minolta because they gave up the scanner business and stopped providing support a couple of years ago.
p.1 #4 · Minolta Scan Dual III vs. Epson V700 for BW 35mm scans
I have become a fan of the Epson 7000, I have had one since they came out and it has been excellent right out of the box. I find with 35mm that it is as good as my Nikon LS2000 for sharpness and has much better with dynamic range. It also has more dynamic range than my Minolta Scan Multi but isn't quite as sharp, I like the scans better from the V700 for the tonality, always felt the Scan Multi either clipped shadows or highlights. The setup of the V700 is crucial as it doesn't have internal focusing, so testing the scan by putting those small feet under the film holders is a necessary step. I was lucky all I needed was one pad depth on each holder. I don't have an outside web site so i can't show images. Have a 35mm TriX neg that holds up at 16x20, I have been large format printing for almost 10 years so i know what a 16x20 should look like.
Anyway I have been very happy with the V700, if all you have is 35mm then go with a Nikon, with multiple formats the V700 is a good choice. I think, from what I have seen the V700 was a big jump from the 4990.
