JBThis message has been edited. Last edited by: Jimbo Jones,
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January 22, 2021, 12:45 AM
sjtill
I have a Nikon 5000 Coolscan scanner, probably the best, and a stack loader to go with it. I stopped using it, and instead use a Nikon ES-1 slide copier attachment, extension tubes, and a macro lens with a mirrorless camera. In my case I use an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mk II, which I can tether to my Mac with Olympus Capture; I use an LED light panel in front of the slide copier attachment for lighting.
This guy has a lot of experience in slide scanning with many different devices; and he recommends pretty much exactly that kind of setup (specifically the Nikon ES-1 copier attachment) rather than a film scanner (like the Coolscan). The film/slide scanner is prone to jams, and is slow (maybe 50 slides digitized overnight) compared with the digital camera with slide copier attachment.
I've spent a lot of time comparing quality of image in both, and prefer that of the camera.
Being able to tether the camera is a big plus because I can focus and crop on the big video monitor before clicking the shutter (on the computer, not the camera).
I tried the Wolverine, sent it back. Poor quality images.
The Nikon ES-1 is $60, the extension tubes maybe $20. The macro lens is nice but optional; wouldn't get one just for this but it does give a nice flat image. The ES-1 has a 52 mm thread; you can get 52 mm extension tubes, or you can get a set of stepped adapters if you want to fit a different sized extension set; that's what I did.
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January 22, 2021, 10:53 AM
Pipe Smoker
The Epson V600 scanner is slightly above your price range at $280:
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