Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 1/2/02 2:15:32 PM, mark@... writes:

<< I would like to buy an inexpensive, flatbed scanner for the sole 
purpose of making contact sheets from sleeved film. I want to 
just lay down a standard PrintFile-type 8.5x11 sheet of negatives, 
and VERY QUICKLY make a 150dpi contact sheet. I don't need 
anything high-quality, just good enough to see the content of the 
negative. The main thing I'm looking for is good software, ease 
of use, and fast performance; quality is probably last on my list.

I have been using an Agfa Duoscan, but the thing is so slow and 
clunky, there MUST be something better for this limited need.

Any thoughts or recommendations appreciated.

-Mark Tucker, http://marktucker.com >>

Hi Mark:

Check out any of the recent Epson flatbeds.  All will do what you need, as 
long as the bed is big enough.  My favorite is the 1690 Pro, but that's 
$1000.  I think you can get acceptable results for $300-400. 

-Andy Darlow

> I use an Epson Perfection 1240U, with very acceptable
> results. You may want to look into this option. As for
> software, I use VueScan, but if you only want it for
> contact sheets, I would say that the Epson software
> should be more than enough.

How do you do a contact sheet this scanner? The transparency lid that comes
with the 1240U only covers 4x5.