First Post - First Question

[ejb222]

Hi all,
I'm hoping you can help me out. I've taken on the task of converting my grandfather's 2000+ 35mm slide collection to digital. I popped the first couple of boxes through his Hammacher Schlemmer converter http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6255994
but it really can't handle bright slides, often lightening them too much to the point that you cannot distinguish faces etc.

I took a peek on filmscanner.info and the Reflecta ProScan 7200 seems nice, but I'm hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction or educate me on what I should be shopping for. Is this scanner much better than the one I have? Anything particular I should be looking for in a scanner.
Again sorry for the novice question, but your help is much appreciated.
Thanks

EDIT - sorry my price range is $400 max

 

[Ranchu]

Epson V500 or V600 or Nikon coolscan IV, I think you might be able to get an IV for that. I have a V ED, I'm sorry I've never used a Reflecta.

 

[mrb]

I have an Epson V500, and it does a pretty nice job on slides. Scanning 2,000 slides will take quite a while.

 

[Addy101]

Those reflecta scanners supposedly are quite good. The Epson V500 and V600 scanners are okay, but they can't touch dedicated scanners like that Reflecta or even a plustek.

If you want both speed and some quality, the Epson V700 or V750 scanners offer quality close to dedicated scanners. It is beyond your budget though.

 

[ferider]

A couple of years ago, I scanned around 1000 slides with my Minolta Dimage Scan Multi and automatic slide feeder (takes around 50 slides). I wouldn't do it any other way .... Not the most pleasant job. The scanner is quite cheap on ebay these days. Not sure if you can find the slide feeder though.

 

[ejb222]

Thanks for all your help...I'm still researching. A slide feeder sounds tempting...I'll keep an eye out for that. Thanks

 

[venchka]

The best thing to do with 2,000 slides is...
Buy a decent slide viewing light box and a slide viewing magnifying loupe.
Start culling. You could whittle down the pile of slides that deserve scanning to a more manageable number.

Wayne