Anyone do any book scanning?

[Bob]

Looks interesting.  Flatbed scanners seem too slow. Cameras look faster but it would be tricky to always have them in focus.

Scanning without cutting off the binding.

Anyone here do anything like that?

[quantum]

I've done a few old scores, however I'm still working on improving the efficiency of the workflow.  

My setup is simple, 1 DSLR, tripod, music stand, piece of plexiglass for the platen.  

Scan Tailor for software:
https://scantailor.sourceforge.net
Watch the video for an overview on how it works.

DSLR allows tethered shooting, so all files go directly to computer via USB cable.  A cable release allows you to stay put with the book on the music stand and turn pages, instead of running back and forth for every single shot.  Plus some books need to be held flat to stay open.  

The purpose of the platen is to flatten the pages.  I am finding that the particular piece of plexi I got from the hardware store is prone to scratches.  Scratch-free platen is desirable.  

Sometimes I find the camera necessary for oversize scores that don't fit on a flatbed scanner.  A appropriate camera is way more affordable than an oversize flatbed scanner.

This site has a lot of info on book scanning.  Everything from uber simple setups to elaborate scanning rigs.  
https://www.diybookscanner.org

[Bob]

Interesting.  The camera part makes me leery. My camera doesn't always get a clear pic. 

[quantum]

I've experienced the odd miss focus as well.  Currently I do a visual inspection of every single page before calling a book successfully scanned.  Hopefully, there is a better solution out there for error checking.  Try using brighter lights on your book, sometimes the camera just needs enough light in order to lock focus. 

Look at the camera subforums.  There are plenty of suggestions for affordable cameras usable in book scanning
https://www.diybookscanner.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=15

[ale_ius]

this is probably the best 'at home' non DIY (some instructions online for home build set ups) 'affordable' option before once get to the commercial library archiving scanners (KIC type that costs as much as 20,000 US  dollars, but they are a 'dreams come true' scanner, so easy to use and can scan so fast in high details https://www.dlsg.net/kic.html).  this little device is very good! You can see information from the link on company site (in English).  I have seen in range of 750-1000 US dollars (which the cheaper if you buy direct from japan for approx. 650 USD and pay 125 USD to import)

https://www.fujitsu.com/global/services/computing/peripheral/scanners/product/sv600/#

---Alee Marie.

[thalbergmad]

My only experiment with photographing a score was a disaster, so I stick to my A3 Mustek scanner. I am on my 3rd one now, but I have scanned over 40,000 pages in total.

It is the photoshop work that takes the most time for me.

Thal

[Bob]

It sounds like it's an investment of around $500 to get a camera version. 

I really don't care how nice it looks.  I'm interested in the information.  PDFs with black edges are fine with me.