Scanners

[Mike]

I am looking for a scanner for my 35mm slides. It should give clear
pictures and eliminate dust and scratches. Epson 2580, Epson 4180 and
Canon CanonScan 8400F were mentioned. Anyone has any experience with any
of these that they recommend?

 

[birdman]

The 4180 is near the end of its product cycle and can be had "refurbished"
with same as new warranty from Epson at a bargain basement price, if they
have any left. I would recommend it above the others you have listed.
It is very good for most 35mm uses but not as good as a dedicated film
scanner: I compare it to my now ancient Canoscan 4000u. However if you have
never used a dedicated film scanner you will never be aware of the
differences which, to tell the truth, are not insignificant but not
horrible either.

 

[-]

It should give clear pictures and eliminate dust and scratches.

No scanner does a great job of removing dust and scratches100% of the time.
Most users find hardware solution such as ICE or FARE is much more sucessful
than the various software solutions. Hardware solutions are usually found
in the higher priced scanners. You will need to move up to a Canon 9950F or
4870/4990 if you wish to stay with the flatbed type of scanner.

Doug

 

[Mike]

Bases on your comments, I investigated film scanners. The one that seems
most promising for the money in the Minolta Dimage Scan dual IV at about
$230. Had any experience with it?

 

[rafe bustin]

Bases on your comments, I investigated film scanners. The one that seems
most promising for the money in the Minolta Dimage Scan dual IV at about
$230. Had any experience with it?

For $230 you're not going to do much better in
a 35 mm film scanner.

Consider that some of us paid... oh, about 5x
this price (albeit years ago) for less capable
film scanners from Nikon and Polaroid.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com

 

[drietow]

Costco.com is selling the PrimeFilm 3650u for $249.99. It comes with
Digital Ice (3).
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=10039838&ec=BC-EC223-Cat2150&pos=0F

I have no experience with this scanner but the price and features do
fit your bill.

 

[false_dmitrii]

Bases on your comments, I investigated film scanners. The one that seems
most promising for the money in the Minolta Dimage Scan dual IV at about
$230. Had any experience with it?

$220 right now at Newegg. Lacks Digital ICE. I haven't seen many
complaints here from existing users. Probably delivers exactly what it
promises. With lowish max resolution, perhaps the smallest dust and
scratches won't be quite as much of a headache as on high-end film
scanners. Original SE5400 has been replaced, so you might be able to
find a good deal on it and get a top-notch machine with DICE for maybe
25% more than Epson 4990.

It's hard to go wrong with any of the thread's suggestions. Consider
your budget and needs; remember that regardless of claimed specs, none
of the flatbeds can match the film scanners for resolution and shadow
detail (but can still be a good choice); and go with what seems like
the best fit. They're all good at what they're designed to do.

false_dmitrii