Need recommendations of good photo & film scanning services.
I've tried ScanDigital (snagged a couple of groupons), and I'm not impressed. When they received the order the estimated delivery time was June 15 (more than 6 weeks). It's now the 23rd and the scan has been "awaiting final quality check" since the weekend. I called yesterday to get the real status, and they indicated that they'd need to call me back. So far, no call.
It's one thing to be late & revise the estimate, it's entirely another to ignore the estimates, refuse to give updated status, and refuse to keep a promise to call pack.
Another family member sent his film in early April. It was returned about 3 weeks ago. I cannot say I'm impressed with the quality. ScanDigital promises to "clean up the film" before the process begins, but I've got to say there is a lot of what appear to be dust & dirt specks on the scanned frames.
I'm also seeing reviews that indicate that ScanDigital encrypts the DVD video files. Some say the DVDs cannot be copied, others say you can't rip the images & edit them (or change video format). Since I don't have the DVDs yet, I can't try it. Caveat Emptor.
Since I've recently come across another very large batch of family photos and film, I'm looking for a service that others can recommend as doing a good job at a fair price with decent customer service. My experience to date is that ScanDigital ain't the place to go.
Anyone have suggestions/recommendations?
PTravel
Jun 23, 11, 9:58 am
This is going to be one of those, "Hey, I didn't ask that," replies, but here goes:
If you're serious about your photography, I'd recommend a dedicated film scanner. Depending on how much scanning you need to do, you could end up saving money, and you'll also get much better quality.
I have a scanner from this company: http://plustek.com/usa/products/opticfilm-series/introduction.html
It's a 7500i se, which was the predecessor to the most recent version. It scans up to 7200 dpi (which results in a 150 megabyte image from a typical 35mm negative). I usually scan at 3600 dpi, which produces, on average, 1 50 megabyte file. It integrates with Photoshop, and can also be used in standalone mode. It offers an amazing amount of control. You can specify film brand, type and ASA/DIN. It can also do a version of HDR, making multiple scans and averaging the result for increased dynamic range. It has ICE, an infrared dust and scratch removal system. I bought mine about 2 years ago for around $300. I've been working my way through several hundred rolls of film and it's done a terrific job. Here's an example (note: additional work done in Photoshop):
This is going to be one of those, "Hey, I didn't ask that," replies, but here goes:
If you're serious about your photography, I'd recommend a dedicated film scanner. Depending on how much scanning you need to do, you could end up saving money, and you'll also get much better quality.
Thanks for the thoughts. I already have & use a scanner regularly. A Minolta Dimage 5400. Works very well - I've probably run 10,000 slides and negatives through it with very good results (^ for Vuescan, Irfanview & Photoshop). And I continue to use that for my serious photo work. (I'm using scans from that machine for my then-now comparison photos to be woven with my dad's letters & stories from way back when).
But I've come into the possession of another couple of thousand family photos from the 50's -> 2000. Many are "snapshot" quality (think Argus C3 camera w/35 MM film) & frankly I don't have the time to scan all of those myself to distribute to family. The last batch (of 5000) took me a year.
My thought is to send 'em out, scan 'em all, share with family, and rescan with my equipment only those that are worthwhile giving extra treatment to.
There are also some 120- and 110- size negatives which can't be scanned in the Minolta. And several of those "disc" films that I can't scan.
Finally - and what's really driving the request - are the rolls of 8mm movie film. It'd cost me at least $1500 to buy the equipment to scan that, for a limited number of film reels. Plus the time. That stuff really needs to be sent out.
So, I'm not disagreeing with you, I already do that. I'm trying to reach a time/cost balance for the rest of the inventory. Right now, the 8mm movie film is the biggest concern.
Global_Hi_Flyer
Jun 23, 11, 7:48 pm
Update: I looked at the dvd my brother had done from some old 8mm films. You cannot, in fact, rip files from the dvd. THere is some kind of copy protection. This means you can't move your own video onto your iPad or other dvd-less device. It also means that conversions to future devices are difficult or impossible.
ScanDigital's web site makes no mention of the limitations on the use of your own content. All it does is mention an "option" to get "editable" files on a hard drive. Deceptive at best.
HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED.
PTravel
Jun 23, 11, 8:20 pm
Update: I looked at the dvd my brother had done from some old 8mm films. You cannot, in fact, rip files from the dvd. THere is some kind of copy protection. This means you can't move your own video onto your iPad or other dvd-less device. It also means that conversions to future devices are difficult or impossible.
ScanDigital's web site makes no mention of the limitations on the use of your own content. All it does is mention an "option" to get "editable" files on a hard drive. Deceptive at best.
HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED.For what it's worth, most any copy protection can be readily defeated. I would suggest you look at AnyDVD, which seems capable of ripping anything. I transferred 8mm movies to video about 15 years ago, using a then-state of the art Hi8 camcorder and a projector that projected on a special rear project screen. I've since digitized the video footage. Given the relatively poor quality of 8mm film, the result wasn't bad at all. I'd probably re-do it, but I accidentally discarded all of these irreplaceable movies (!!!) so the Hi8 video is the best I've got.
SNAGuy
Jun 23, 11, 10:53 pm
You might want to look at a company call ScanMyPhotos.com
They've gotten a lot of good press and here is a link to a Barron's review. The review only talks about their print scanning service but they do also offer film and slide scanning too.
For what it's worth, most any copy protection can be readily defeated. I would suggest you look at AnyDVD, which seems capable of ripping anything. I transferred 8mm movies to video about 15 years ago, using a then-state of the art Hi8 camcorder and a projector that projected on a special rear project screen. I've since digitized the video footage. Given the relatively poor quality of 8mm film, the result wasn't bad at all. I'd probably re-do it, but I accidentally discarded all of these irreplaceable movies (!!!) so the Hi8 video is the best I've got.
You might want to look at a company call ScanMyPhotos.com
They've gotten a lot of good press and here is a link to a Barron's review. The review only talks about their print scanning service but they do also offer film and slide scanning too.
PTravel, there's a company that sells "telecine" machines that are made from specially modified projectors. You supply the camera (or buy one of theirs). The projector and electronics serve to sync the two for good results.
Unfortunately, for the amount of film I have, it's pricier to buy one of those units than to send the film out.
And I know what you mean about the film. After I scanned some of the B&W negatives from 1946, the film deteriorated to the point that they can never be scanned again. I cannot find any original prints from the film. So protecting/preserving the digital copies are important.