Slide duplicator?

[situgrrl]

My rangefinder hasn't had much use recently - I don't have access to scanners.  Previously, I was using an Epson 4990 to scan 35mm Tri X and Delta 3200 negs.  I can't say I was thrilled with the results - the neg holders are a bit on the plasticy afterthought side and I couldn't get the neg to sit perfectly flat.  I also felt they lacked contast.

I have been thinking of getting a slide duplicator to use in conjunction with my 30D.  Does anyone have experience in digitising negatives using this method?  Better yet, does anyone have examples posted online?

Thanks

Charly

[Jonathan Wienke]

A cheap film scanner will deliver better results than a slide duplicator attached to a camera, and won't cost much more.

[situgrrl]

I have a cheap film scanner - it's made by Pacific Imaging or something.  It won't suffice even for 5x4 prints.  It's the single worst piece of equipment I've ever bought.

Several months ago I was considering a Minolta scanner but since they are no more, there is no one I am aware of that produces what might be termed a "budget" scanner.  Does anyone but Nikon  (or Imacon!) still make them?

I can get a slide duplicator for £150 ish but you seem to suggest this won't be up to producing 10x8s let alone larger.  The cheapest film scanner I've found is a Nikon Coolscan V ED at £450.  I don't really have the option of going second hand either - I currently use an Intel Mac and driver availability will be a major issue - my Epson 2100 is apparently too old to get a new driver for instance.  


Thanks


Charly