Graphics forum: Negative to a posative

You first have to convert the negative into a digital file.

This requires a scanner.

Some flatbed scanners can scan negatives.
To successfully scan a negative you must have light behind the negative.
Most scanners do not have that ability.

I use an Epson V500 scanner.
It will scan 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 negatives and 35mm slides and negatives.
It has a mask to accommodate 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch negatives.
The mask is 2 1/4 x 4 3/4 inch, which means you can scan two 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 negatives at one scan cycle.

The Epson V500 comes with the necessary software.

If you are going to print it at 8 x 10 inch size you should scan the negative at 1200 to 1500 dots per inch.

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Here is a complete review of the Epson V600:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN/V600/V600.HTM

It looks like they have a newer designed mask for 2 1/4 inch film that keeps the negative flat (some film tries to curl).

Go for the V600.

Scanning so many films will be a long term project so plan your time.

I scanned over 3,000 35mm slides (using a dedicated 35mm side scanner) and it took over a year. I suggest not scanning for more than two hours at a time.
After 2 hours, you get tired and bored.

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