Possible opportunity on a Nikon CoolScan V ED

[dugrant153]

Hi everyone,

So I've been scanning a lot of my negatives with the Epson V700... and after being unhappy with that, I moved over to DSLR scanning and have been pretty happy with the results except for all the effort it takes to scan-shoot and tweak the negs.

I just saw one of these come up and am curious if it's a worthy investment and a scanner that could probably hold up to many more years of constant use? I'm mainly a 35mm shooter (Leicas and all that jazz)!

Thanks!

 

[taomei]

I picked up one of these last year and it's definitely a huge jump in sharpness for 35mm film as I don't have to worry as much about film flatness or alignment in the carrier, as the feeder is pretty good. It's still quite slow as you have to scan and align in software each 5-6 frame strip, but it's a world of difference over the V700 (even with the ANR glass holders). I found mine for a pretty good deal (<$300 USD), but they can vary a lot.

If you don't need the high resolution for large prints over 8" x 10" then a Pakon / Kodak F135 is faster and more efficient for scanning full rolls, but their prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

 

[shimokita]

I think one of the biggest problems with the Nikon CoolScan V ED (beside keeping it clean) is the power supply. I bought mine new and had to replace the power supply after about 6 years. I scan all frames... I guess you could second source a power supply easy enough. BTW I have always kept it covered when not in use and it just failed one day without notice... boom, dead... fortunately Nikon support was still available at that time.

My CoolScan V ED has been running great since the service... love it... For medium format I am using an Epson GT-X830 and I am okay with the results... at the moment I don't produce any professional work.

 

[MIkhail]

I can say only great things about mine. Very good scanner, served me well for years.

 

[Richard G]

Happy with mine. I liked my black and white 35mm scans on the V700, but it is so big it doesn't fit in my house and has sat in its box for years now at my office. The Coolscan is in a cupboard with its cables, under a plastic cover. I can whip it out and scan some negatives with minimum fuss and set up time. For slides it's fantastic, and colour negatives. I struggle to get exactly what I want with black and white, but that will be my fault.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I think the older Nikon Coolscans still do wonderfully with color slides and color negatives. Not as pleased with the results from B&W negs, but that might just be a personal preference.

Best,
-Tim

 

[ptpdprinter]

If you would rather go with something newer, have a look at the Pacific Image PrimeFilmXE. It has a claimed resolution of 10,000 but an actual resolution of 4100; the 5000ED has a claimed resolution of 4000 and an actual resolution of 3900, so they are comparable in that regard. Either would be a real step up from your V700 for 35mm. I have been very satisfied with mine.

 

[dugrant153]

Ok so... my concern is longevity. Are these scanners near the end of their life? They're looking at $500 CDN for it.