Looking for a film scanner with a very small footprint

[jsolanzo]

Small footprint is very important to me as my espresso equipment is taking up most of my dorm space.

My budget is $200 at the very max but would like to spend around 100-150 as I've burned way too much money lately. Does anyone have suggestions for this? I'd like a decent performing scanner that'll last until I graduate or longer.


Thanks for the help!
John

 

[Gerry M]

If it's for 35mm, a Konica Minolta Scan Dual IV measures about 12"L x 5.5"W x 3.5"H. For not much money, it does a very good job. At least that's my experience.

 

[jsolanzo]

Thanks for the reply, it looks like it is over my budget, so it is a no go for me. Are there other cheap alternatives to the KMSD4?


Thanks
John

 

[kknox]

Cannon 5600F or 9000

 

[jsolanzo]

Is there a multi function scanner/printer that works decently as a negative scanner? I have a decent photo printer that i've been using since 7th grade that probably needs replacement.


Thanks
John

 

[kokoshawnuff]

epson v500 is quite good all-around scanner; under $160 at several online merchants

 

[Pikapig]

Sorry to TS,

can i side track abit to ask a question before i decide if i need to change a scanner as well.

Is a scanner important or the scanning software? Im using canon 8800f with canon software and the results from colors are quite disappointing..dull and most of the time, the colors are non contrasty.

Is this an issue with the scanner or the software? I have friends who upgraded to v600 and told me to just stay with the scanner as its the software that makes the difference.

 

[cabbiinc]

I wouldn't call a flatbed a small footprint.

What's your operating system?
Are you looking for Firewire (not too widely available), USB (widely available on newer to not too old scanners) or SCSI (more of the older scanners, of which you'll likely find in your price range, but unless you have a pretty old computer you'll need an SCSI card or adapter).

http://www.adorama.com/US 460897.html
Canon film only scanner, no IR cleaning, SCSI interface. But it's in your budget and a small footprint. There's no drivers for newer OSs unless you use Vuescan http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/canon_fs2710.html

 

[cabbiinc]

Sorry to TS,

can i side track abit to ask a question before i decide if i need to change a scanner as well.

Is a scanner important or the scanning software? Im using canon 8800f with canon software and the results from colors are quite disappointing..dull and most of the time, the colors are non contrasty.

Is this an issue with the scanner or the software? I have friends who upgraded to v600 and told me to just stay with the scanner as its the software that makes the difference.

Try the trial version of Vuescan. Also check out http://www.c-f-systems.com/Plug-ins.html for your current scanner.

 

[jsolanzo]

I have both Windows 7 and Mac OSX Lion, but will use Windows as my primary OS. Thanks for the link, hopefully it's available in a few weeks once I settle in film photography. Is there a cable from SCSI to USB 2.0???

How about the plustek models? The 7400 looks like it might fit my preference.

 

[cabbiinc]

I have both Windows 7 and Mac OSX Lion, but will use Windows as my primary OS. Thanks for the link, hopefully it's available in a few weeks once I settle in film photography. Is there a cable from SCSI to USB 2.0???

How about the plustek models? The 7400 looks like it might fit my preference.

From what I've read the SCSI to USB adapters are a bit hit or miss. Likely it's from the USB bus being somewhat temperamental especially if other USB devices are connected to the computer. I have a hunch that a powered USB hub would help solve the problem, but it's just a theory. If you can get a SCSI PCI card and install it into your computer (or SCSI to PCMCIA card if you're on an older laptop) that would be best, especially considering that your USB bus gets used for other stuff (typically).

Dan