Nikon CoolScan 8000 120 Carriers

There have been several threads on this topic in Photo.Net.

The 869G holder takes 120 only, in strips up to 8 or 9 inches long. That's equivalent to 3 6x6 images, and multiple frames can be scanned in one pass. The upper glass is anti-Newton treated. Masks are provided in case the film is badly curved or kinked, which could cause Newton's Rings anyway.

The 869GR holder takes 120 or 35mm, up to 24x65mm (XPan) size, but only one frame at a time can be positioned for scanning. It is necessary to use the masks provided with the holder. The holder rotates +/- 5 degrees for better alignment, presumably with the panoramic formats. The upper glass is treated.

I wanted to buy the 9000. I've heard so many complaints about the holder that I question whether it is worth buying. I understand the cost of the holder is also rediculously high adding insult to injury. Between holders and banding it makes you wonder....perhaps it is the unfotunate few that complain about banding, and the other 95% are happy. Also, why would labs offer Nikon or Imacon scans (they even rent Nikon), if the Nikon is so bad in film handling they surely would find something more easy in a production environment. Certainly if the Nikon is that bad no one would want to rent them either.

Perhaps the solution is to rent and see for yourself.

Edward,

Although I searched a short time back, I could not find the answer to my question. I am considering the Nikon 9000. In addition to using 35 and 6x6, I also shoot 6x17 and, not as frequently, 6x12.

My question is whether the Nikon 9000 (or 8000) can be used to scan the 6x17 and 6x12 negatives/chromes via two scans and stitching the resulting scans. From you answer above, and assuming that it would be designed so that you would be able to scan strips of at least 3 6x6 images, it would seem logical that it would be physically possible to scan part (1/2 or more), scan the other portion, and, with PS, or someother stitching software, be able to stitch the two scans.

Any informed response/comment would be most appreciated.

Best regards,

I've stiched negative scans once. I was scanning a 5x7 negative with an Epson 2450, which has a 4x9 scanning aperture.

What I discovered is that trying to do this will reveal any non-uniformities in scanner illumination or CCD sensitivity very readily. There is a discontinuity at the seam.

Now, I only had Picture Window Pro for stitching. It doesn't have a blend feature in it's stitching. So that may be part of the problem.

Edward,

Thanks. I'm curious though. why is the GR $100 more expensive then if it can only do one frame at a time. There has to be something more to it because you make it sound like the 869G is the way to fly.

What's the deal?

Mr. Miller:

The glass area in the G holder is a little more than 19cm long. You can scan two 6x9 frames as one of the scanning options. Using the frame offset function, you could reposition the second frame, which would then overlap the 6x17 image in the center. Any competent stiching program (I use Panorama Factory from www.panoramafactory.com) would make a seamless join.

You could join the images in Photoshop, but Panorama Factory automatically corrects for registration, alignment (e.g., the film was not parallel to the holder) and exposure. As with multiple-shot panoramas, it might help to turn the automatic exposure off.

Matthew:

I can only guess what determines the price of the GR. It has twice the number of parts as the G holder, plus many more templates. Perhaps low demand requires more allocation of fixed costs.

I admit I cringed a bit before getting the G holder, but I'm glad I did. Now everybody can know that my 50/4 FLE is sharp, corner-to-corner.

Both surfaces of the glass holders are trated to prevent newtons rings - the upper surface has a slight texture etched into the glass and the lower glass has a surface coating. You can convert the standard 120 film holder into a glass carrier by uncliping the edge holders and putting 2 plates of anti reflection picture frame glass (make sure you get the stuff that is only etched on one side)in the opening.

Edward and John,

Thanks for the information and comments. That pretty much makes the decision.

Edward,

If you don't mind me asking, what software do use for the 8000/9000, i.e., the included software from Nikon, SilverFast, etc.

TIA

Best regards,

I use NikonScan 4.0, which I find perfectly satisfactory, with Digital ICE. Although they are perfectly serviceable, I don't use the color/gamma correction tools in NikonScan, preferring to use the more professional tools in Photoshop CS.

I have SilverFast AI for an older Nikon scanner, the LS-20, and for an Epson 2450 flatbed. It has an excellent interface and provides a common window for a variety of scanners. While I find it essential for the Epson scanner, I actually prefer the latest version of NikonScan for the LS-4000/8000 scanners. Again, my "common interface" is Photoshop.