Plustek Line-Up

[Rogier]

I have been doing some research with regards to the various Plustek film scanners. Received an email from the company and called them later to get some more insight.

The main difference between the current 7200, 7300 and 7500 and newer 7400 and 7600 models is the light source. The current models use a "Cold Cathold" tube vs. a "White LED" on the newer models.

There is no difference in resolution or color depth between any of these models.
Dynamic range from the 7200 and 7300 series is 3.3 D and 3.5 D for all the other models. Probably caused by the different software supplied with these scanners witch allows multi-exposure option on the higher level models.

Further there are some speed differences. One should be aware that these Plustek scanners only scan one slide or negative at the time and that you will have to manually advance the carrier forward to start scanning the next image http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/images/smilies/banghead.gif

The 7600i is available in Europe priced at 426 Euro's witch makes it quite more expensive than the other models witch are currently available.

I am wandering why to spend so much more on this scanner while the bare technical fact's aren't showing any mayor advantages.

Since I will be scanning new film (color positive and negative, B&W) I don't think the Infra Read scanning feature is necessary.

Currently I am using a friends Nikon Coolscan 9000 with Vuescan Professional software. Will I be making a huge step backwards?

I am open to other suggestions that are somewhat affordable. I read good things about the Epson Scanners . But if my intent is to only work with 35mm I wander if there these flatbed scanners are the best option for me.


Smiles across the wires,

Rogier


Included with this posting is a screenshot from the Plustec website:

 

[Florian1234]

I think the difference between the various models is the software bundle from Silverfast, causing that higher price.

Hmm, if you are happy with the Coolscan, why buy another scanner?

 

[Rogier]

Its only the lower end that come with the basic version of Silverfast all the others come with the full version.
The Coolscan 9000 that I use is not mine and I want to give it back to my friend.

 

[zenlibra]

I have experience with the Epson v500 flatbed and I would not recommend it for 35mm. I just bought a Nikon Coolscan 5000 and the difference is remarkable. Maybe the v700 or v750 are much better but the v500 loses detail that the Nikon can capture. Since you are using the Nikon 9000, it would be better to find a proper film scanner.

 

[Rogier]

Thanks for the advice on the V500. I was already suspicious about it.

 

[sevo]

I have experience with the Epson v500 flatbed and I would not recommend it for 35mm. I just bought a Nikon Coolscan 5000 and the difference is remarkable. Maybe the v700 or v750 are much better

They are better, but nowhere as much as the Nikon 5000/9000 pro scanners. But even a V500 can come reasonably close to the lower grade Nikon amateur scanners, provided that you work out a method (with third party holders, shimming and wet-mounting) that effectively deals with all the focusing and planarity issues inherent on flatbed scanners, which are generally fixed-focus (at any rate unless you buy an Imacon or something even heavier and more expensive).

 

[gdi]

The 7600i is available in Europe priced at 426 Euro's witch makes it quite more expensive than the other models witch are currently available.

Wow, that is a lot for a plustek. At that price I would never consider it over a solid used CS V, or a new 5000 for the additional price.

 

[historicist]

Your friend lent you a Coolscan 9000? I've got to find myself some new friends 😉

No experience with the Plusteks but 426 Euro for 3,6 Dmax seems expensive to me, it might be worth looking for a second hand Coolscan, I used to have a Coolscan IV which was perfectly good.

I've had a V500 as well and to be honest they aren't bad for the price - especially with medium format (I don't think the Coolscan 8000 I have now is much better unless you use the glass holders). But with 35mm the difference is fairly substantial.

 

[Rogier]

I am really confused about the Plustek film scanner line-up. The matrix is showing near identical technical spec's for most models. Is the difference only in the software that comes with it?
Witch raises the question if the software really makes that much difference. After all its the light and lens that captures the image right? Can't the tweaking not be done in Photoshop?