HP SCSI film Scanner

[hderhut]

I was given an old HP C5101a film scanner. It is the SCSI version of an S20.
I don't have any software or a scsi cable. I also don't have the calibration card. All in all it will probably cost me around a hundred and twenty five dollars to get it running. What I would like to know if any of you have experience with this scanner. I am just getting back into film and have purchased several older range finders. I want to scan my negs for my own use so they don't have to be pro quality,but better than the average scans you get from low cost processors. I just need some info to help me decide if I want to put the money in this scanner . The internet doesn't have much on it and HP doesn't support it any more. If any one has a calibration card or other parts I would be happy to pay a reasonable price.

 

[johannielscom]

Welcome to the forum, hderhut!

No experience with the scanner you mention, but I was warned for HP film scanners because they need to warm up the lamp for every new scan and it makes HP scanners very slow to use. While SCSI of course is a dead end, this might be a benefit to you, since you might be able to pick up a cable and maybe a calibration card for free.

Should you decide to proceed, I would recommend VueScan to get the scanner going. Easy to use and it supports almost any scanner, film or document. You can test it for free and the most expensive purchase is still only USD 79 for a life-long license.

 

[hderhut]

Thanks
I use Vue Scan for my flatbed scanner so I was planning on using it any way. I also have Photo shop CS5.The learning curve is pretty high though.A waste of my son's money.I hadn't heard that about HP scanners being slow. Thanks again