In scanning there's no substitute for a real fluid mounted drum scan. Allow
me to quote my colleague Richard Kenward who runs Precision Scanning Service
in the UK:

"All this talk about what is the best scanner makes me smile! Most pro
Photographers I know bought the best lenses, the best camera, carefully
selected the film, went to the lab they thought has the most reliable
processing, stored their precious film carefully all at considerable
cost then what. Yes they cheerfully turn their backs on the best
proven technology for extracting all that wonderful information and
resort to using less than the best method of scanning.

We moved away from using Imacon scanners some years ago simply because
they could not extract all the information, the smoothness left a lot to
be desired, and then there was the digital noise.....not that they were
that bad, just not really good enough. Really good drum scans offer
better optical quality, are pin sharp right across the sheet, scans the
whole frame if required, no pixel smudging or whatever you care to call
it, and need very little spotting so an undamaged file is the result.
No problem with any film so you guys with Kodachromes think drum scans.
OK, so good drum scans do not come for peanuts (not here at any rate)
but perhaps it is as well to take into account all the time saved, plus
not having the investment of a scanner, etc."


There you have it!

John Castronovo
www.technicalphoto.com



"Sam Carleton" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am working on a project in which I am shooting 35mm E6. I am going
to need to get 12 high quality scans to make museum quality 12x18
prints. I see two options:

1: I can learn how to use my Nikon 5000 Coolscan (I am thinking I will
need to buy the $350 SilverFast software and a book or two)
2: I could outsource it to a high end lab.

From what I have learned about scanning, it is a true art form. I get
the impression that it would take me some time to master it, time I
would prefer to spend behind the camera. Considering the limited
number of scans I need, I get the impression that it will also be more
cost effective to outsource it.

So, can anyone recommend a high end pro lab that can give me amazing
scans from my E6 film?

Sam