Scanning for Black & White Film

[John Jaquish]

I have a feature project I'm working on that I'll be shooting on black-and-white 35mm, and I'll be sending out samples soon to different post houses for data scans. I was wondering if there should be any special considerations to make in scanning monochrome (now that I'm asking, I'm not even sure what...maybe consideration of grain structure, or certain types of scanners that for some reason may be better at handling monochrome?).

 

Otherwise, does anyone have experience having black-and-white scans performed, or any post houses to recommend?

 

Thank you much in advance.

[Robert Houllahan]

Just about any Pin-Registered scanner with a Monochrome imager (Arri, Northlight, Our Xena, Director, etc) will do an excellent job, I would avoid scanners with color cameras for monochrome work.

 

-Rob-

[John Jaquish]

Thanks, Rob. I was planning on getting in touch with Cinelab. I've been getting black-and-white processing and telecine work done at Alpha Cine with excellent results but shipping killed me (I'm in Pittsburgh), and they don't have a scanner.

 

What are some examples of scanners with color cameras (to know what to avoid in this case)?

[Robert Houllahan]

I have my own opinions but any pin registered scanner will have a monochrome imager.

 

-Rob-