Thinking about "updating" my setup

Imo, the benefit of a GFX (or a micro 4/3) camera starts, when you also scan material that has a different aspect ratio from 3:2. I mostly scan 645 negatives and the lust for a GFX 100 has knocked on my door too.

Until now, I mostly scanned with APS-C and a manual 7Artisan macro lens or the venerable EOS 5D Mk3 and the EF100mm macro (the old one) and therefore with sensors that don’t really fit the 3:4 aspect ratio of the negatives. This reduces sensor usage by approx. 17% (20/24 Mpixel). I’m currently building a prototype of a rig that takes the flex out of the setup I used so far.

Going MF can get expensive, not only because of the slightly higher price of bigger sensors, but also because you might want or need extra gear to get the most out of the setup.

  • Use an old lens on new camera? It can work well, but you’ll need all kind of adapters, extension rings and/or bellows, so why not invest in a Novoflex BALPRO-1 bellows with fitted lens? (2000)
  • Considering the extra size and weight, the current setup might be just a tad too flimsy? Buy or build a better supporting infrastructure? (DIY: 200-500; Buy: 1000-2000)
  • What about workflow? Build a stable rig allowing repeatable positioning of the negatives or adjust the position for each take? (how much do you value time for “stupid” work?)
  • Stable vs. adjustable, e.g. with a geared tripod head?

Will building a MF rig be fun and interesting? Sure! Will it pay? Probably not…

1 Like