A modern 35mm film scanner for home

In case anyone is wondering, the current meta in home 35mm film scanning is divided:

Option 1 is to get an Epson Perfection series flatbed scanner. V800 or V850. This approach is highly automated and you get automatic dust correction with color film. But, leading software packages don't support Linux, and the quality for 35mm negatives is just okay. Performance on medium and large format is SOTA.

Option 2 is to assemble a scanning rig with a DSLR and a light table. This approach is fiddly and requires a lot of space, but with some tuning, the 35mm scan quality can beat flatbeds.

There are some other, more obscure approaches, like vintage Minolta and Nikon scanners, but unless you have a PC with a parallel port laying around, you're gonna have a hell of a time getting those working.

None of these options are good, and if this thing can really perform, I'd happily drop $500+ on it.

Side note: Those little toy scanners like the Kodak branded ones on Amazon are atrocious. Avoid them. If you need to scan some family photos and you don't want to break the bank, go to your local photography store. They could really use your business.

DSLR is the most flexible way, cost wise. You’ll likely have a DSLR already if you’re a film photographer, and You can get a decent scanning setup for under $200. Being able to edit RAW files is also more flexible. It’s a lot more fiddly though so not ideal for high volume work.

Don't count out the flatbeds. I don't have the space (or the patience) for a DSLR rig, and I've been quite happy with the output from my Epson V800. I bought mine used for $700 or thereabouts. For the amount of time it's saved me, the added cost over a DSLR and bellows/macro lens was worthwhile.

What about option 3: drum scanner?

I said "home" 35mm film scanning! Sure, you could go find yourself a used Heidelberg Tango, but it's the size of a fridge, and heavier than a fridge.

Granted, I've read it as "home film" , but have also read stories of people using their garages for photoproductive use getting themselves used ones!