Digital BW, The Print

Michele,

I think you should follow Steadman's advice and do some research before 
you decide. There is a big difference between 35mm (Nikon, Canon) and 
medium format (like the Mamiya). Part of it will depend on your shooting 
style - do you plan to work in a studio on a tripod with controlled 
lighting or hand-held? Medium format cameras are large, heavy and more 
suited to use on a tripod though they can be used without one. Tripods 
mean a more contemplative, controlled style as opposed to shooting the 
fleeting "decisive moment" as one famous 35mm photographer called it. How 
big will your cusotmary enlargements be? If you want huge prints then 
medium format negs will give you more info/detail than 35mm, and can be 
made larger as a rule - though film type/speed is also a factor - but 
medium format scanners cost a lot more than even the best 35mm 
filmscanners. I imagine any of your stated choices will have a soft focus 
lens available if you want it (or you can make your own with a clear 
glass filter and some vaseline) though you can achieve the same quality - 
with possibly greater control - on the scanned file in Photoshop.

As for suggestions on filmscanners first you gotta decide what format 
negs and slides you will be feeding it.

Cheers,

Nina

>do you know any good brands of film scanners to look for?
>
>  also - I was thinking of foregoing the used cameras and opting for a 
>newer one - what do you know about these:
>
>  Mamiya RB67 (or the 645 series)
>  Nikon F5 or N90
>  Cannon EOS (Elan, 2000, 2000 QD, or the 1,3, or 5 model)
>
>  i want one that is compatible with a soft focus lens and i know the 
>mamiya is, but I am not sure of the difference in 35mm and medium formats 
>for portrait/model work.