Anyone use an Epson 3170?

[photodog]

I recently got an old Rolleicord and need a scanner to scan the negs. I don't want to spend a lot of money as this medium format thing might be temporary. Epson sells a refurbished 3170 scanner for $80. Should I buy one??

 

[Sonnar Brian]

That is what I use.

See this thread for examples of the 3170 used to scan negatives. The detail shots are full-res crops.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16568

 

[taffer]

Reading your original post, yes, get it, it does everything you want. I paid considerably more than that two or three years ago.

 

[dreilly]

I have one at home, use it and like it. However, I have a 4180 at the office and the ability to do scan multiple images off of one negative is nice. But, I haven't found the 3170 to be mushy on either 35 or 120. Certainly good enough for a not-ludicrous sized enlargment!

 

[Kragmeister]

I bought one a couple months ago and did test scans. I haven't had time to devote to really wringing this scanner out but my impression was that it is very capable. I bought it mainly to scan medium format stuff that I did back in the '80s and early '90s with the output mainly for the web and perhaps smaller (11 x 14" or smaller) prints. Good for an econonmy minded person I would say.

Later,
Greg

 

[NelsonFoto]

I use one. Judge the results for yourself: All shots taken with an Iskra, scanned on the 3170. That color shot is Velvia 50.

 

[jtzordon]

Mine was great for web display and for 5x7 prints with 35mm. Stepper motor broke though. 🙁

 

[photodog]

Thanks for the responses.

Thanks for the responses.

OK, I convinced. At $80, it's a bargain.

 

[NelsonFoto]

Mine was great for web display and for 5x7 prints with 35mm. Stepper motor broke though. 🙁

Stepper motor broke? Was the unit shifted violently without the lock engaged?

I've brutalized my 3170, scanned tons of film on it, and the only complaint I really possess is that *I* absentmindedly scratch the glassby rubbing dust off it instead of blowing it clear.

For $79 you cant go wrong.

I should also state that I have 8x10, 8.5x11, and 8x12 prints all over my walls made from 35mm scans executed by the 3170. It's plenty of scanner for the majority of us.

 

[jtzordon]

No violent treatment given, though I was tempted afterward. 🙂 Scanning along and heard a loud pop. Afterwards the scanning device (not sure what to call it) won't move. I don't know if it's actually called the stepper motor. Either way it's not worth the price to fix it. I'd rather buy a refurb'ed unit for $79. That's a possibility after I pay off the new DSLR. I couldn't bear to be forever without a scanner for film with my new Rolleicord and my 35mm gear.

 

[sf]

I scan everything on a 3170. The scans are not the best, but for the price, you would have to spend at least 4 times that much for any noticeable improvement.

Go to www.shutterflower.com and see all the pics. All except "Film Production Photography" were scanned on the 3170.

 

[wrenhunter]

Is the consensus then that the 3170 is about as good as the 4490 (about $170 with rebate at the moment)?

 

[photodog]

I ordered one this afternoon. Free shipping, such a deal.