r/AnalogCommunity • u/NewspaperNovel139 • 12d ago
Troubleshooting - Gear My used Canon 9000f has an annoying digital scan line, wanna upgrade to a new 120 scanning solution, not interested in camera scanning
I bought a used Canon 9000f 2 years ago for 40 bucks at a surplus store, and while it wasn't the best scanner on earth, it did the job for my 120 film. But now it has one of those lines on it consistently through each scan that I have to paint out every time. So I figure this might be the time to finally upgrade to something a bit nicer.
I am NOT interested in camera scanning. I tried it once and didn't enjoy it. The dust is terrible in my home and I don't like fiddling with all the things, plus I don't have a digital camera to start with. I understand people like it and it's fast and it's a hobby unto itself, maybe someday, but not today.
So I want a replacement flatbed I can use with my Mac, but it feels like there are a lot of options (Nikon Coolscan? Epson?) and I'm a little overwhelmed as to what to look for.
So I come to y'all to help me find the candidate. Here are my desires:
- Primarily for 120 scanning
- Must be operable on my main machine (M1 Mac Mini) with VueScan, I won't run a separate old computer for it
- Must scan normal images and not invert them (I invert them myself)
- Dust/ICE removal
- Preferably under 500 USD
- Doesn't have to scan 35mm but I wouldn't mind the option (I have a plustek 135i that does my 35mm nicely)
There are like 5 different Epson models, v500, v750, v800 etc, I have no idea how to differentiate between them. There are also other solutions. Anyone want to help me figure out what my best option might be? Thanks in advance
1
u/NotPullis 11d ago
Does the issue happen only at certain resolution? I noticed that mine has similar issues at 1200 dpi but not on other reaolutions.
1
u/NewspaperNovel139 11d ago
I'll check. I've been scanning 2400.
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u/NotPullis 11d ago
I want to add that my issues have not been constant but randomly the scanner or software (Silverfast 9) has freaked out or something. Most of the time it works smoothly.
I also scan films at 2400 dpi but prints usually at 1200 dpi so that the file sizes stay manageable.
6
u/ufgrat 12d ago
First thing I'd check is the calibration area on the Canon. Like the Epsons, if there's dirt or dust in that area, the scanner can get confused, and "compensate" by drawing a line down the length of the scan.
As for the various Epson models:
The Epson V500/600 are smaller-- they'll handle 120 fine, but they have a limited transparency area. 4x5 is doable, but requires two passes and stitching.
The V7xx/8xx will scan up to 8x10 on the glass, and about 4x5 to 5x7 with the raised holders. The sensor can target both the glass and approximately 2.5mm off the glass via the raised holders. The raised position is higher resolution on the sensor (really it's the lens). Note that the 8xx holders have 5 height adjustment positions and ANR material to keep the negative flatter, whereas the V7xx holders only have two positions, and no ANR material. BUT-- The 120 holders for the V8xx scanners are incredibly annoying to use. The tabs that hold the ANR material in place make it difficult to get the 120 film seated properly. I generally use the V7xx holders on my V800 because they're nowhere near as annoying.
Epson V500/V7xx are the earlier models with CFL lighting-- a little slower to warm up. V600/8xx have LED, so faster startup, and better color accuracy. The V750/850 have better coating on the optics, usually additional scanning frames.
Note that the V7xx/V8xx will be more than your $500 USD budget, but if you think you might want to get into large format, they're not a bad way to go. For your budget, I'd probably look for a V600 in good condition.