Scanning negatives

[Guest]

I'm considering buying an Epson Perfection 1250 scanner with film scanning option. One of the uses I would have for it is to scan 35mm negatives (mostly black-and-white Kodak Tri-X ASA 400, and some color).

However, I have no idea of the quality to expect from the negative scans. So, I have the following questions:

1) Is there a version of SilverFast for the Epson Perfection 1250? (I see there's a 1240 version -- is it compatible?)

2) Without SilverFast, how will the quality of the resulting positive image compare to a good-quality photo print made from the same negative?

3) With SilverFast (in the hands of a reasonably well-trained user) is the resulting image likely to be noticeably better?

4) In general, are you likely to get a better scanned image by a) scanning a negative; or b) scanning a photo print made from the negative?

I understand that there are plenty or variables involved here, such as negative image quality and photo print quality. So, I'm not expecting precise, unqualified answers. I'm really just trying to get a general assessment of the relative quality of scanning negatives vs. photo prints, and the extent to which SilverFast is likely to help me achieve good quality images.

All advice is welcomed!

[Joe Butts]

Basic guideline is that any time you go another generation, you lose quality. So, from a neg will give you better quality than from a print from the same neg. However, in scanning negs we sometimes get strange transitions in colors and tones that take place that make no sense to me. Then, sometimes, I'm blown away with how good the neg scans come out.
Now, depending on your needs, that's the question. What are you doing with/expecting from your scans? If they're for the web, scan a print. It's easier. If you need large output for prints for clients to hang on their walls, well....what should we say here? You may want to look into a high end scanner or just have them done for you depending on the volume you expect to do. Does that answer your question? Probably not. But, it should give you plenty to think about. Good luck.
Joe Butts