nikon v ed

[dfoo]

Since this scanner is discontinued its very difficult to find in stock. Anyone know where one can be found? I currently have a Epson V700, but I find 35mm scans from this scanner to be lacking. I don't really want to splash for the 5000ed (I'd rather spend the $$'s on lenses!).

 

[Svitantti]

How about used markets? Ebay? Another option could be a Konica-Minolta Scan Dual IV or Scan Elite 5400 I guess, but they might have their risks (no support?) and Nikon has some differences also (mostly advantages).

I personally scan 35mm with a Scan Dual IV and I'm very happy with it.

 

[dfoo]

Do you scan black & white? I don't shoot much color... I've read that the first 5400 was the best scanner for black & white due to the diffused light source. I also worry a bit that I'll have trouble with these older scanners on a mac.

 

[Svitantti]

Hmm, not quite sure about the mac stuff. You should probably check Vuescan and their Mac-support, I dont know about it...

I shoot both. For colour, I'd say Nikon has more advantages because of the light source that has adjustable color (and the automation does this), but for B&W I am very happy with the Scan Dual IV, that cost me 181 euros. They normally cost for a bit more I guess, but I was lucky...

 

[dfoo]

What about these plustek scanners? 7200 dpi would be very nice, but somehow I don't believe it! The dmax also looks bad on these things.

 

[astroman]

I recently purchased a minolta dual scan IV.It works well but had trouble finding the new( old ) drivers as the newer up dates are few years old now.I run it on my new mac pro.The newer drivers work but you can only use the batch scan option.Which is fine for what I need it for and it was $550 dollars cheaper than a new nikon coolscan V I found in a local camera shop

 

[Svitantti]

Plusteks wont be nowhere near 7200. I wouldn't touch them. If you know german, you can check some tests from www.filmscanner.info (or use babelfish or something to translate them).

Those tests show, how a 7200 Plustek actually gets 2900 dpi when using the scanner on full 7200 resolution. Less, when chosen smaller dpi... The files will be like 200 MB and contain information less than Scan Dual IV scans with 3200 dpi (which reaches 3100 according to the tests). Scanning will also take much more time.

Theres also a comparison of the dynamics with Nikon. Seems like the Plusteks have problems with both ends - highlights and shadows. Usually film scanners should handle "Dmin" areas (highlights in a slide film) well.

Of course, you can buy a new Plustek and get a guarantee, but I would still buy the better option with a little risk.