noimmunity
scratch my niche
There doesn't seem to be much about this scanner (branded Reflecta in Europe, Pacific Imaging elsewhere), so here goes a thread that is dedicated to sharing user experience.
I will start off with a progress report.
I purchased this scanner mid-March, 2015. The first unit I received was defective. Vertical banding in the same position was noticeable on all frames. In addition, I also had trouble with framing alignment. Exchange (through Digit-Photo) was easy.
The second, replacement unit arrived a week later, total turnaround time. I've gone through a few rolls, and had the chance to compare batch scanning using Vuescan Pro, CyberView X (the manufacturer-supplied software), and a demo version of Silverfast 8.
Cyberview is completely automated. It produces decent* results in an easy-to-use, painless fashion. (*except for occasional artifacts, see below).
Silverfast 8 has, to my mind, the best implementation of manual focus. Batch prescanning, however, is inadequate. Silverfast 8 comes with some nice presets for certain emulsions (esp from Kodak and Ilford), but not all of my preferred choices are among them. For scanning at full bit capacity, the Archive Suite version of the software is required.
Due to the cost of the SE Archive Suite, I spent more time with Vuescan, for which I already have a license. Eventually I was able to dial in the manual scan function to my satisfaction. Compared to Silverfast, the process is cumbersome and takes longer, sometimes a lot longer. But in view of the cost for a full version of Silverfast, I expect to stick with Vuescan. My method of scanning black&white follows the common "lock exposure"/scan-as-flat-as-possible-and-do-curves-in-post school. Tutorials are available on the net. Manual focus is just one more step to follow, albeit a time-consuming one. (Silverfast's approach is different, aiming to provide users with a one-stop scanning solution in which all adjustments are done as an integral part of the scan process).
I always scan maximum frame area. For those familiar with the Nikon scanners, this area does not cover the entire 135 film including sprocket holes.
On my second machine, batch scanning has been easy. No hitch. Framing has been accurate, but if the negatives had been shot on a camera body that produces slightly irregular spacing (as some older cameras in need of a CLA are wont to do), that could be a potential cause for trouble, I don't know.
In order to get the framing correct, it is sometimes necessary at the beginning of a roll to manually adjust the framing on the very first frame. With the view window on the top of the scanner and the buttons for micro adjustments to the frame, this is quite easy. When using this function, users have to learn to depress the reverse or advance buttons in a light, gingerly fashion. Too long/hard will result in the scanner advancing or reversing by an entire frame. It's easy to get the feel for it after one or two tries.
Batch-scanning is so easy, and makes scanning a breeze.
Here are some examples. Images made with RPX400 through a ZM C Sonnar lens. Post-processing was done in LR. I prefer crushed blacks, YMMV :
Sheaf by areality4all, on Flickr
Shovel by areality4all, on Flickr
Spigot by areality4all, on Flickr
Tree by areality4all, on Flickr
I will start off with a progress report.
I purchased this scanner mid-March, 2015. The first unit I received was defective. Vertical banding in the same position was noticeable on all frames. In addition, I also had trouble with framing alignment. Exchange (through Digit-Photo) was easy.
The second, replacement unit arrived a week later, total turnaround time. I've gone through a few rolls, and had the chance to compare batch scanning using Vuescan Pro, CyberView X (the manufacturer-supplied software), and a demo version of Silverfast 8.
Cyberview is completely automated. It produces decent* results in an easy-to-use, painless fashion. (*except for occasional artifacts, see below).
Silverfast 8 has, to my mind, the best implementation of manual focus. Batch prescanning, however, is inadequate. Silverfast 8 comes with some nice presets for certain emulsions (esp from Kodak and Ilford), but not all of my preferred choices are among them. For scanning at full bit capacity, the Archive Suite version of the software is required.
Due to the cost of the SE Archive Suite, I spent more time with Vuescan, for which I already have a license. Eventually I was able to dial in the manual scan function to my satisfaction. Compared to Silverfast, the process is cumbersome and takes longer, sometimes a lot longer. But in view of the cost for a full version of Silverfast, I expect to stick with Vuescan. My method of scanning black&white follows the common "lock exposure"/scan-as-flat-as-possible-and-do-curves-in-post school. Tutorials are available on the net. Manual focus is just one more step to follow, albeit a time-consuming one. (Silverfast's approach is different, aiming to provide users with a one-stop scanning solution in which all adjustments are done as an integral part of the scan process).
I always scan maximum frame area. For those familiar with the Nikon scanners, this area does not cover the entire 135 film including sprocket holes.
On my second machine, batch scanning has been easy. No hitch. Framing has been accurate, but if the negatives had been shot on a camera body that produces slightly irregular spacing (as some older cameras in need of a CLA are wont to do), that could be a potential cause for trouble, I don't know.
In order to get the framing correct, it is sometimes necessary at the beginning of a roll to manually adjust the framing on the very first frame. With the view window on the top of the scanner and the buttons for micro adjustments to the frame, this is quite easy. When using this function, users have to learn to depress the reverse or advance buttons in a light, gingerly fashion. Too long/hard will result in the scanner advancing or reversing by an entire frame. It's easy to get the feel for it after one or two tries.
Batch-scanning is so easy, and makes scanning a breeze.
Here are some examples. Images made with RPX400 through a ZM C Sonnar lens. Post-processing was done in LR. I prefer crushed blacks, YMMV :
Sheaf by areality4all, on FlickrShovel by areality4all, on FlickrSpigot by areality4all, on FlickrTree by areality4all, on Flickr
