p.1 #1 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
Hi,
the only reason I'm keeping my Sony A7R3 around is to scan negatives on a retro stand. It is a nice setup, especially when remote controlling it over a big laptop screen, but I like the idea of reducing my kit to only the M240 and M2. So, now I'm looking for a lens for the M240 that works well for that use case. I don't care so much about size or whether it's adapted or native. Focal length around 50-100, ideally towards the upper end. Price wise I'd like to keep it relatively cheap, so I'm more looking at 90ies Nikkor lenses over a new Macro-Elmar 90...
p.1 #2 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
The Minolta plain MD 100/4 and its 1:1 tube would do nicely, and it's a very solid budget choice. Flat fielded, nicely high resolution at macro distances, very low aberrations.
Also, there's a film forum. You should link this question there.
p.1 #3 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
I found the Laowa 85 APO Macro lens to be excellent and also obtainable at an excellent price.
To clarify I am referring to the M lens so it fits directly on the M240 as the OP wants to do.
p.1 #5 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
OffTrail wrote:
Autofocus makes life so easy for scanning, I'd keep the Sony just for that.
Interesting, I always found AF to be more of a distraction. Never had any issues with setting the focus once and scanning the whole roll with that setting.
p.1 #6 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
freaklikeme wrote:
The Minolta plain MD 100/4 and its 1:1 tube would do nicely, and it's a very solid budget choice. Flat fielded, nicely high resolution at macro distances, very low aberrations.
Also, there's a film forum. You should link this question there.
Sounds interesting. Looking at the pictures of the lens with its extension tube I wonder whether it even fits my repro stand setup. I'll have to do the math first!
I also came across the Nikon Macros, like the AF-D 105/2.8. Could those be a good fit? Seem to be cheap and widely available.
p.1 #7 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
MikeRZ67 wrote:
Sounds interesting. Looking at the pictures of the lens with its extension tube I wonder whether it even fits my repro stand setup. I'll have to do the math first!
I also came across the Nikon Macros, like the AF-D 105/2.8. Could those be a good fit? Seem to be cheap and widely available.
Absolutely. The Nikon AF-D is a very popular lens for scanning, though the best edge performance comes stopped down to f/5.6, which is the same for the Minolta.
p.1 #10 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
freaklikeme wrote:
Absolutely. The Nikon AF-D is a very popular lens for scanning, though the best edge performance comes stopped down to f/5.6, which is the same for the Minolta.
And there are no issues running it fully manual and electronics-free on an M-to-F adapter?
p.1 #11 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
You can get the Schneider Kreuznach Makro-symmar 120/5.6 off eBay (or Alibaba) for about 350USD. Add the appropriate adaptor from v38 or m39 to tubes, then the right length of tubes, a helicoid and an adapter from the helicoid to your camera mount.
I did that to make a scanning rig for my Sony, the lens is flawless.
p.1 #12 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
MikeRZ67 wrote:
And there are no issues running it fully manual and electronics-free on an M-to-F adapter?
Using AF Macro lenses like the Nikons is a terrible idea as the focus throw is extremely short.
It makes them extremely hard to use in manual focus mode - I know as I have a couple (60 d and g).
However they are fantastic to scan film in AF mode as they nail focus on the grain in an instant.
p.1 #13 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
For decades the Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D was considered the standard i reproduction shops for its flat field and detail. Cheap these days, you may want to give it a look.
p.1 #14 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
MikeRZ67 wrote:
Interesting, I always found AF to be more of a distraction. Never had any issues with setting the focus once and scanning the whole roll with that setting.
I've scanned with a number of lenses at this point, and autofocus always does a better job (or perhaps a more repeatable job) of focusing on the grain than I do.
p.1 #15 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
OffTrail wrote:
I've scanned with a number of lenses at this point, and autofocus always does a better job (or perhaps a more repeatable job) of focusing on the grain than I do.
Yep, AF was a game changer for me for film scanning.
p.1 #16 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
MikeRZ67 wrote:
And there are no issues running it fully manual and electronics-free on an M-to-F adapter?
Nope. And, since it's a screw-driven focus, you'll get hard stops at infinity and MFD, so you should be able to set up your stand once, put a marker on it for 135 format film scanning, and never have to worry about focus again for the purpose.
p.1 #20 · Lens recommendations for scanning negatives with the M240
freaklikeme wrote:
That's what I use, but it's not exactly a budget lens. Plus, you have to figure out the bellows or helicoid unit between it and the camera.
Indeed. I'm using a Nikon PB something.
But most of the time, I prefer using a scanner such as a Nikon LS5000 for color or Minolta Elite 5400 II for B&W.
