Epson 4870 or minolta IV?

[Dps]

Hi all,

I am a bit confused so any tips would be appreciated. I need a scanner for
my negatives and slides, NOT a professional one, just one to digitize my
films to a fair resolution. For the couple of ones I need more resolution, I
can always drop by the local photostore and have a large scan. So, I do not
want to pay for a nikon, which is way off my budget, so I was about to buy
the Minolta Dimage IV. Trying to learn a bit more, I realized that the lack
of ICE is the major problem of the minolta. So, I checked which scanners
have ICE and found that Epson 4870 does have this technology and costs
almost the same as the Minolta. As far as the specs say, it does not have
the rest of the software that comes along with ICE. So now I am confused:
does it worth the money difference? Will it give me better results than the
minolta?

Thanks a lot

dimitris

 

[-]

If you are only scanning 35mm and don't need to scan larger formats, go with
a dedicated film scanner instead of a flatbed.

Doug

 

[Dps]

Hi Doug,

thanks for the answer, I think it is short and precise. One more question:
do flatbeds need more cleaning than dedicated scanners? Is it at all
possible to clean dedicated scanners or does one have to take them in for
service?

thanks a lot!

dimitris

 

[-]

Well, flatbeds have the large piece of glass that is always in the path
between the sensor and your film. That always needs to be kept clean and a
dedicated film scanner does not have this. Over time, there is outgassing
from the plastic parts which can put a coating of film on the inside of the
glass. I don't know if film scanners suffer from this too but I would not
be surprised (although probably not as much as a flatbed). There are posts
on the net about cleaning many types of scanners if you are willing to try
it yourself.

Doug

 

[Ted Harris]

Not all flatbeds are the same. Microtek has a 'dual' system where
transparancies are scanned much the same as they are in a dedicated film
scanner in a separate path below the glass that is used for reflective
material. IMO this is a much better way to fly if you are doing both.

The Microtek i900 compares in price with the 4870 pro and comes packaged with
Silverfast Ai.
Ted Harris
Resource Strategy
Henniker, New Hampshire

 

[Al]

Not all flatbeds are the same. Microtek has a 'dual' system where
transparancies are scanned much the same as they are in a dedicated film
scanner in a separate path below the glass that is used for reflective
material. IMO this is a much better way to fly if you are doing both.

The Microtek i900 compares in price with the 4870 pro and comes packaged with
Silverfast Ai.
Ted Harris
Resource Strategy
Henniker, New Hampshire

This is a viable option - I've looked at the new Microteks. My Minolta
IV is so sensitive to dust and scratches that negatives that are not
new or stored in their original glassines need so much retouching that
it's impractical. There is something about the light source that makes
it emphasize defects. I use my flatbed for scratched negatives and
they look better!

It's a good idea to buy a scanner locally so if it has a problem you
can exchange it.

 

[JWSM]

The Epson 4870 can be cleaned, though removing the top is tedious
(releasing locking screw and then easing out 3 clips to the front). My
first unit; the glass was so dirty and smeared I sent it back. The second
had a smoky like haze on the underside. Only detergent and water would
remove this oily like film (bit like smoke damage or car exhaust). In fact,
every attempt to clean the glass with conventional glass cleaner just
resulted in smears. The final clean was with standard window cleaner and
good buff with a soft cotton cloth. Then came the torch test to see if any
lint was present. Luckily after a few buffs and a blow with compressed air,
the lid could be reattached.

Be careful with the front right hand side clip, as it's the one that
sticks. Sitting the scanner back on its end can help to release this. You
may need a friend to assist with cloth in readiness to mop your forehead.

Unlike my earlier Umax, the Epson 4870 is not as easy to open, and the
scan unit is completely encased (I could clean the mirrors on the Umax).
The dirty glass on the Epson was isolated to the glass only. There are only
2 screws (in hinge wells) and the 3 locking clips at front hold the top on.

J

 

[David R]

In reading about the Microtek i900 it states that Digital Ice is for
prints only. It does not have Digital Ice for film or negatives. I
believe the Epson 4870 had Digital Ice for both Prints and film.
Double check before you buy.