A week or two ago a television documentary showed an old newsreel of George Harrison and his fiance after they announced their engagement.
As the happy couple flounced around with reporters shouting questions and photographers popping flashbulbs, I was struck by the equipment carried by the photographers. All but one or two, were using medium-format Rolleiflex cameras.
Since that day when George broke the hearts of millions of pubescent girls, film and lens technology has advanced tremendously, and 35mm cameras now can meet or beat the quality of 1960s images which used the bigger 120 film. But, as technology has made 35mm the format of choice, it has made 120 even better. There is a depth of colour and detail in a 6X9 cm transparency that just cannot be matched by a 35mm trannie, especially if the plan is for a big print.
The popularity of 35mm equipment has meant that while inexpensive desktop 35mm film scanners have become common, scanners that can handle larger formats are relatively rare.
Minolta is trying to change that. The new Dimage Multi not only handles 35mm transparencies and negatives, it also can accommodate nearly any format from 16mm movie film, all the way up to 6X9 cm.
The Minolta is bulkier than some 35mm scanners, but feels solid and well made, and includes a carrier for 35mm and all 120 formats. Holders for APS film are optional.
