Question about Nikon Coolscan 5000 + SF 210 automatic slide feeder

[Linus]

Hello everybody,
I am evaluating the purchase of the combo CS 5000 + SF 210.

My question for the users of such a setup is the following:
does the automatic bulk scanning process produce good results from the
start?.
In other words, I need to scan a few thousands of slides of varied quality
(they are all well exposed, but they vary from slight underexposure to very
slight overexposure). Given one of the main reasons for purchasing the SF
210 is time saving, I don't wanna go back to each and every picture for
adjustments (spotted adjustments are, obviously, already in the bill).

Thanks for your help,
Linus

 

[Kennedy McEwen]

Hello everybody,
I am evaluating the purchase of the combo CS 5000 + SF 210.

My question for the users of such a setup is the following:
does the automatic bulk scanning process produce good results from the
start?.
In other words, I need to scan a few thousands of slides of varied quality
(they are all well exposed, but they vary from slight underexposure to very
slight overexposure). Given one of the main reasons for purchasing the SF
210 is time saving, I don't wanna go back to each and every picture for
adjustments (spotted adjustments are, obviously, already in the bill).

I have the earlier version, the CS-4000, rather than the scanner you are
considering. However, in the "Preferences" you can decide whether you
want each scan to be automatically exposed or just to use a fixed
exposure based on the last auto exposure setting. Unlike cameras, the
autoexposure in a slide scanner is very accurate, being based on a
preview scan of the entire frame, and is optimised to fit the peak
whites into the dynamic range of the scanner.

I would recommend "playing" with the scanner on a few individual slides
to learn how to optimise the settings for your taste, and saving these
as defaults. However, once you have done that, you should find it gives
equally good results all the way through batch scans.

 

[Roger]

Hello everybody,
I am evaluating the purchase of the combo CS 5000 + SF 210.

I have the LS 500 ED with the SF210 and after doing some Google
searchers, it appears to be one of, if not the top selection

My question for the users of such a setup is the following:
does the automatic bulk scanning process produce good results from the
start?.

You need to look at the bulk scanning in two parts. The mechanical
aspects and the image.

In other words, I need to scan a few thousands of slides of varied quality
(they are all well exposed, but they vary from slight underexposure to very
slight overexposure). Given one of the main reasons for purchasing the SF

Exposure shouldn't be a problem, or at least it normally isn't.

210 is time saving, I don't wanna go back to each and every picture for
adjustments (spotted adjustments are, obviously, already in the bill).

However there aren't any bulletproof bulk feeders that I know of in
the consumer range.

The SF210 works very well, but it's not immune to jamming from warped
or bent card board mounts. Belled out edges will also do it, but
those can be "rolled" smooth, making a great difference.

I've also found plastic mounts that had a lip on them requiring they
be fed backwards which was no biggie, but I just had to remember that
when I ran across those mounts.

It is possible to confuse the scanner with a jam, but shutting down
the scanning program and the scanner, then restarting the scanner and
then the scanning program (which only takes a few seconds) puts things
back to normal. It doesn't happen very often, but it can happen.

I'm well past 20,000 slides and negatives. I'd guess at 30,000, but as
my system has been reinitialized several times I can only guess.

I would not hesitate to get the same combination again.

I hesitate to get to this part, but none of the scanning programs are
perfect. You might want to pick up another one of the higher rated
scanning programs in addition to the Nikon Scan that comes with the
scanner.

I use both Nikon Scan and VueScan. Neither is perfect, but I find both
to work well and cover each others weak spots. Another is, I believe,
Silverfast with which I have no experience.

Under most conditions Nikon Scan works well, but slides with contrasty
vertical lines in them may confuse it.

There are a number of good programs out there, but be forewarned there
are those rabid supporters and detractors on here with their favorite
targets.

Read the archives and you'll get a good idea as to what works for who.
I'd also check with a local camera shop, or club to see what they have
for suggestions.

Good Luck,


Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

 

[Don]

Under most conditions Nikon Scan works well, but slides with contrasty
vertical lines in them may confuse it.

What do you mean? Confuse how and what did you do exactly?

Don.