Minolta 5400?

[matti]

I could get a good deal on a new Konica Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400 that has been sitting in a shop window for quite some time. It would cost me about the same as a new Scan Dual IV.

So this is the first version of the 5400, is the newer better? I read somewhare that this might be better at B&W, which is what I do most of.

The cheapest Nikon scanner would cost me a lot more.

I'd be greatful for any advice concerning the differences between the 5400 (1) and the Scan Dual IV. What I want to do is being able to print up to maybe A4-format.

regards/Matti

 

[GeneW]

The first version of the 5400 is the one to get for B&W work. It also has ICE which is useful for col negs and slides. If it's the same price as a Scan Dual IV, it's a no-brainer. Grab the 5400!

Gene

 

[broadie]

Get it! I have the 5400 v. I, and I love it. I do mostly B&W, and it's perfect for it.....from my experience, it loves tri-x, and the grain is represented beautifully. It has a grain dissolver hardware-based option that may come in handy too, especially for color I find.

 

[broadie]

This does bring up the issue of Konica-Minolta going under though....does any one know, for example, what KM scanner owners will have to do if their scanner is still under warranty, and needs a repair in the future?

 

[matti]

Well, I suppose the warranty is with the dealer. If they can not fix a problem under the warranty period they have to replace the scanner or give me my money back. I am not too sure about used Minolta stuff, though.

/matti

 

[peter_n]

Read the fine print on your receipt. Warranties are usually a manufacturer thing. Grab that 5400 V1!!!

Alternatively, you could tell me the name of the shop that's selling it... 😉

 

[steveb]

I use the Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400, bought before Konica were involved. I've been very happy with it, both with colour and B&W scans. I prefer using it with Vuescan.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Aside from any warranty issues, grab the 5400 V1 and you will be able to do 16X24 inch prints easily.

Bob

 

[matti]

I was too slow. Missed it by 30 minutes... But that means I can still blame my scanner for my bad exposure!

/matti

 

[dfoo]

Is the v1 somehow better than the v2 for B&W scans?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Warranties are usually a manufacturer thing.

Dear Peter,

Not necessarily in Europe. In the UK in particular the vendor has quite significant statutory responsibilities.

Cheers,

R.

 

[sleepyhead]

Is the v1 somehow better than the v2 for B&W scans?

Hello, I have the version 1, and have not tried the v2. But I bought v1 because it has a soft diffuse flourescent light source, whereas the v2 has bright LEDS. The light from the former is meant to be more akin to a diffusion head on a film enlarger, and the later to be more like a condensor head. I believe the v2 is faster than the v1 - it's quite slow. I try to take a mellow approach and set up a scan, push the button and walk away have a cup of coffee and forget about it.

I'm very happy with the B&W scans I get with the version 1, but would be interested in scanning the same negative on both to have a side-by-side comparision.