Stuart,
I think the links that David Dawson sent should give you some good
background info, but may I recommend another for some hard recommendations
on large format scanners.
http://www.flatbed-scanner-review.org/wide_format_sheet_fed_scanners/wide_format_scanner_gate.html
This is from the FLAAR network of websites which provide good quality if
rather dense and somewhat commercial advice on all aspects of scanners and
cameras.
Personally I would be very interested in hearing from you what 'Flatbed'
scanners you have found to consider at this kind of size. Flatbeds above
A2 in size are pretty rare animals. In fact although I am sure that a few
do exist ( Zeutshel OS11000 for example), I can't say that I have ever seen
one in the flesh! The FLAAR pages above refer to a Purup-Eskofot....as a
large flatbed made in Denmark, but I am afraid I don't know any
details. It is just quite a challenge to make a 'flatbed' at this kind of
size. One of the largest that I have come across is the CreoScitex
Eversmart, which has an A2 bed....but also a healthy price tag around 50 grand.
More common methods of capturing large originals are with 'sheet-feed'
scanners, which look pretty much like inkjet scanners with the print head
replaced with a scanning unit. These can take large originals, up to the
width of the feeder rollers (up to 54-60in). They are quite fast, although
of course one A0 map will still take many minutes to scan. They work fine,
my only worries tend to be around conservation, as the item has to be
rolled through the scanner and is firmly held by rollers on both sides of
original. However, I am assured that if normal care is taken....and the
original is not too fragile....then this approach should be fine.
Examples of this approach would be the Contex scanners and the Hewlet
Packard 4200
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/en/WF05a/18972-236251-236266-12600-236266-298993.html
Costs are between 10,000 - 20,000gbp for the HP
The second approach is to use some form of camera set up. This can either
take the form of a dedicated scanning camera such as the Zeutshel range :
http://www.zeutschel.com/produkte/os10000.html
again rather expensive - 40 to 50 grand?
or you can set up a high res scanning camera on a copy table. This should
allow you to capture originals up to A0 in size, without too many
conservation issues with fragile originals. It is faster and safer....and
the approach that I would nearly always recommend (maps being the only
possible exception).
http://www.academicimaging.com/AIAXact%204060%20ReproWorkstation%20and%20Copy%20Stand.html
The costs of this approach really depend on exactly what you want to
do.....but they can be comparable (if as extensive as last link) or much
cheaper indeed of just established with a DSLR. Really it depends on how
much 'intellectual content' is held in the original images.
I hope these links will help inform your decision.
Please do tell the list what you decide to do....and if you know of a host
of A0 flatbed scanners that I have never come across, please do tell
me....as I should know about them.
cheers
eib
At 10/11/2005 10:43, Stuart Mann wrote:
>All,
>
>I'm currently doing some research on A2/A1/A0 Flatbed Scanners and, if
>you currently use one and don't mind discussing it with me, I would
>appreciate you contacting me off list.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Stuart
>
>
>_______________________________________
>
>Stuart Mann
>Systems Support Analyst
>Information Systems
>The British Museum
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>Direct Line: 020 7323 8565
>www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
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