Dante Stella's Pakon F235 article

[squirrel$$$bandit]

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/f235plus.html

Hmm. I want one. This seems like the kind of item you might find somebody who doesn't know what it originally cost, liquidating at some local going-out-of-business sale.

I have to admit, slow scanning is a real bummer for me. I would shoot a lot more film if I could scan 800 frames an hour at 3000x2000.

 

[sevo]

I've got a F12 (much the same in specs, but SCSI and more bulky). 3000x2000 (i.e. 6MP) means that it won't cover everything, but still, it will scan an entire film while the Coolscan is still contemplating the first slide, and for online use, the resolution is absolutely adequate.

There used to be one of them in every drugstore's instant photo printer terminal. With the ongoing switch to another generation of terminals, and the reduction of "print from film" services to mail only or at any rate to a smaller number of capable terminals, these things are dirt cheap on liquidation sales and ebay right now.

I got mine effectively for free, as it happpened to come complete with a server grade Adaptec board which I could sell for more than I paid for the whole scanner. And while I am writing this, I just bought another two for 15€each on ebay, before they become cult and the supply of spares runs out...

 

[sevo]

Did not notice that there were even more in that auction:
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310100274036

Delivery to Germany only, and sold as defective, but at 15€ apiece, it might be worth a risk for German members.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

Neat, Ive grown used to watching cartoons while I wait for my scans. Something this good or fast will upset my delicate balance Ive struck out with cartoon network 😀

 

[aizan]

sometimes quantity beats quality. i'd get one if i had tons of old stuff to scan, but as it is, i only work on the good shots.

 

[NickTrop]

Guard well this film stock, oh, Pakon. - Or the jackal will grow fat on thy carcass.
(Adapted line from a classic WB catoon...)