Help Vet My Scanning Plan.
I could really use help vetting my planned scanning setup.
Short background: I have fallen in love with film photography but the lab fees are killing me. I shoot with a Canon AE1-P and a Yashicaflex-C (so I will need to scan 35mm and 120). I also have a gifted Nikon D5000 DSLR which I plan to use to scan. I still consider myself to be a beginner, but I'm getting more good shots than bad when I get my photos back, so I feel like I'm progressing.
Developing: I would like to get into developing at some point, but I like shooting color and after some research, it feels like too large of a time and effort commitment that would likely discourage my shooting. If I can get the hang of efficiently scanning lab-developed film, I believe it'll be an easier transition to also developing at least B&W.
Priorities: My top priorities are ease, efficiency, and relatively cost-efficient starter gear. I don't mind if the quality suffers a little bit. From my perspective, if I wanted anodyne images I'd shoot digital.
Budget: My budget for a scanning setup is $300-$500 which is worth 20-33 lab-developed rolls and lots less agita.
Proposed Plan and Gear: I'm open to other ideas (especially if they're accompanied by links to gear and cogent reasoning :). I'm sure I would prefer a dedicated scanner, but it seems like I can't get one that's both under $1,000 and can scan both 120 and 35mm.
So anyway here is my plan:
- Use some stuff I already have, namely a Nikon D5000 and a tripod. Tripod might need to get upgraded, but I'll give it a shot at the beginning.
- Buy a macro lens maybe something like a Nikon Micro Nikkor-P.C Auto 55mm f/3.5 Non Ai MF Lens https://www.ebay.com/itm/197069380934?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=3swdszqss1y&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=jeJ9M39USXu&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
- Buy an expansion ring? I don't really know the purpose
- Buy a light source and film advancer. This stuff seems insanely expensive considering it seems like a roller and an LED screen, but no one said this hobby was cheap. Would love anyone's advice on what to get here. Valoi360 seems solid but expensive and not in stock.
- Buy a remote shutter release. Finally something cheap.
I appreciate in advance your honest, constructive advice. I feel like I'm at a crossroads and I want to hang on to the urge to keep shooting without the feeling of getting worked by the lab!