Crunch time: Scanners. Newby advice please.

[pagpow]

I've been looking at scanners for a while now. With the Nikon 5000 out of production, it's time to get serious.

I would be scanning mostly for web and for prints no more than 4X (perhaps a few at 8X); looking to rescan for larger prints. I am Mac based.

I increasingly shoot pano, looking to shoot more MF. Still, I have a lifetime of 35mm, mostly slides and B&W, little color neg. I do not intend to scan that lifetime, just selected ones.

My reading leads me to conclude that I need a two scanner solution.
A dedicated scanner for 35mm filmstrips and mounted slides. Most likely Nikon. and
A flatbed for 35mm pano, MF 6x9 and 6X12, and prints. Most likely Epson (V700 or 4990)
With appropriate BetterScanning holders.

My questions:
1) Am I right in my conclusion re a two scanner approach?
2) If so, how far back should I go? Epson V700 or 4990 flat; Nikon VED dedicated? or can I go farther back?
3) Or should i just pony up and get the Nikon 9000 for all but the prints and 6x12?
4) Finally what about some of these Mac compatibility problems I read about with Nikon in some threads here?

Thanks.

 

[Robin P]

I use an Epson 4490 which is fine for MF neg and very adequate for 35mm neg but no use for transparancies.
Recently obtained a bargain old Minolta Dimage scan Multi which I only use for 35mm - the lack of auto dust & scratch removal makes MF scanning too much of a chore.
Oh yeah, (sorry not for Mac users) the free Polaroid dust & scratch removal program is well worth trying.

Cheers, Robin

 

[kansas_parker]

I've got the CanoScan 8800F. It comes with holders for 35mm negs, slides and MF negs. It can scan upto 6400 dpi. I'm still trying to figure out the ins and outs of it but it seems like a quality flat bed.

 

[Zonan]

The Plustek scanners, which I admit I'd never heard of before, got a great review from David Brooks, at Shutterbug (think the review is online). While it would be 35mm only, I think it's about $600 with Silverfast Ai at B&H, etc..