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Scanning Xpan images

Swissblad

Swissblad

Member
Hi fellow 'bladders.
How does one obtain decent scans from ones Xpan images.
I purchased a Epson V700, and even with the Betterscanning device I am not happy with the results for Xpan images.
For the larger 6x6 negatives it seems fine - although better for B&W than for colour.
I realise the V700 is a compromise - just wonder what affordable alternatives there are.... should I save up for a Nikon 9000 - or just pay a pro service to scan our favourite few slides?
 
You have private mail in response to your email.
Basically the answer is having the XPan frames scanned in a 6x7 holder and the horizontal is masked by cardboard. Works a treat.
 
If you have a tight budget you can reach excellent results with a slidescanner like the Canon FS4000US that can be found on ebay for around 150 USD those days.
The software to use is Vuescan.
This method gives me files about 9500x3750 pixels and a 100mb large tiff file!

Read more about this method here

Regards/Stefan
 
Thanks Stefan. The link is a great help.

But, for optimal scans for big prints I have resigned myself to having drum scans made.

But, your option looks very good for less critical work. Thanks again.
 
Hi Everyone,

This is my first post, so hope it's not too basic. I'm wondering if there is any way to scan xpan images on a Coolscan 9000 or flatbed (or Imacon), other than cutting the film and scanning one by one. I've found that with the Coolscan 5000 and chromes, you can scan a whole roll with the roll attachment and (because the film starts with black) it somehow recognizes complete left and right sides of each image. So for high rez scans I find it a convenient way to batch scan xpan images; stitching them later is quicker and more fun than sitting through 16x scans with ice, I've found. Anyway, the reason I'm asking is that I'm looking to trade in my Coolscan 5000 for a 9000 so I can scan 6x6 as well. And I'm wondering if I can get some degree of automation with the Coolscan 9000 (and rotating film holder, which I understand I need as well). Thanks.

HSL
 
HSL, my post #2 above is the best technique I know of. If your scanner will do a 6x7, then it should be feasible to mask in the XPan frame as is done by my lab. But your files will be effectively 1/2 the overall file because you will then need to crop out the blank area.

Others do a flatbed scan in a similar way; and others do a flatbed 35mm scan in 2 parts and stitch the files.

I'mm happy with my 6x7 frame scans of the XPan image. Files are quite big enough.
 
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