Hi I am hoping to reach a small subset of people scanning film and using Nikon glass.
Quick note about my setup- I was using a Panasonic S1R, but just bought a Nikon D800 to replace it. I'm using an enlarging stand with a light source on the bottom. I've scanned hundreds of rolls of film this way, I just think it could be better.
The best setup I had was a Fuji X-T3 and the Laowa 90mm 2:1 Macro lens. Sometimes I wonder if I should go back to that, but I bought the D810 to just live on the copy stand. I got tired of taking the Fuji off when I wanted to shoot with it.
I am currently using the 105/f4 AI lens for scanning film. With the PN-11 extension tube on it for 35mm, and without the tube for 120.
It works! But it's fiddly, especially with the tube on there.
My question to y'all is, is there a better option? The 60mm? The 55?
I'd really like to get away from adding and removing the tube. The D800 is 36 megapixels, which I now know is more than enough, even if I'm not filling the frame with the negative.
Side note: I have now scanned film with a 16, 24, and 47, 100, and 168 (hi res mode) megapixel cameras. 35mm and 120mm. And the difference between 24 and above is pretty much negligible. I could tell on 16. Barely. Don't spend too much on your scanning camera. Trust me.
All of the MF Nikkors are limited to 1:2, which is why you need the PN-11 extension tube on your 105/4, so if you want to stick with Nikkor I think you'll need one of the AF-Nikkors. Just like MF land you have the choice of 105mm or 55mm (later 60mm), in various generations, and all go to 1:1 without a tube. The 105mm gives a larger working distance, which isn't really what you want for scanning, so you should look for a 55mm/60mm lens. From what I've heard the 60/2.8 AFD is probably the sweet spot of affordability and quality.
Agree with grantgoodes - I don't have much film negatives but I have used the Nikon ES-2 and 60mm Micro. Works great, D850 has a direct negative to positive filter (although it is limited to JPG only) but I realize you are with D800 and you are satisfied with 36MP. My recommendation is 60mm Micro (AF-D, AF-S doesn't matter since you will mostly be using Manual Focus)
I "splurged" on the 60/2.8 G, mostly because it's a great macro lens in general and I wanted something small for light duty actual macro work with solid AF in addition to film scanning.
I disagree with Sanjay regarding MF only while scanning, I use AF all the time and it's faster and just as accurate, at least when used on mirrorless.
I do have the 60 AF-S G Scott but when I am scanning I usually set it to MF since the ES-2 gets it so close to the lens's mfd. But I will admit, I haven't tried AF
I have used the 60mm AF-D with the Nikon ES-2 setup with success on both a D850 and on Z bodies. I usually stop down a bit for best sharpness and DOF (for film curling), I am still playing with different light sources but the setup works nicely.
How do you keep the film flat? A specialized scanner seems to be the better option, which may mean having the film scanned professionally. For photographs, I have good experience with the Nikon Micro 105mm f/2.8 S, but there again, keeping those photographs flat and perfectly in the focal plane was the main challenge. (A repro stand or a sturdy tripod with large diameter legs will help.)
Same setup that I've been using with a Z7. For lighting, it's been a Godox manual flash with a small defuser.
Simple and painless.
aisnikkor wrote:
I have used the 60mm AF-D with the Nikon ES-2 setup with success on both a D850 and on Z bodies. I usually stop down a bit for best sharpness and DOF (for film curling), I am still playing with different light sources but the setup works nicely.
