Scanner tale of woe and question

[Flinor]

In February 2004 (note 14 months ago) I realized that I would be leaving my job in a full service camera store and moving interstate I bought a Microtek Artixscan 120tf after much research. Between the move and some health problems I didn't get around to setting it up until recently. I saw all you guys posting photos and figured that I'd better learn how.

My first efforts were not good so I assumed that it was my problem but try as I might I couldn't get crisp scans. A 49 meg file from a very crisp Scala slide would not print sharp at 8x10 no matter how badly I messed it up with unsharp mask. I finally decided that it must be a scanner problem. After going around with Microtek they agreed that it was a hardware problem and proceeded to tell me they don't repair the scanner. This a scanner that you can buy new at B & H right now but they don't support it. In warranty, they'll swap for a new one. Out of warranty they'll sell you a refurb for $600. They don't even know of anyone who will repair them. This has got to be a new low for customer support.

Anyway, the question is Nikon Coolscan V ED or Minolta 5400 II as a replacement. If anyone out there has experience with either I'd like to hear it.

And if any of you techies have ever wanted to take apart a scanner you can have the 120tf for the cost of shipping it. It's too big to bronze and make into a doorstop.

 

[RObert Budding]

I saw a 5400 II review written in German. From what I could tell (my German is weak), the reviewer did not like the build quality at all. I've also read reports that the mecahanism is fragile. I'm in the market, too, and the Nikon looks solid.

Robert

 

[Nikon Bob]

Here is a site with a review in English but it is for the Min 5400 http://www.photo-i.co.uk/ . They may even have a review for the Min 5400 II. I like my 5400 but it is slow and also was a lot cheaper than the equivilant Nikon model at time of purchase.

Bob

 

[Flinor]

Thanks for the advice on upgrades guys, but I went through that process both with and without Microtek's support and everything is current. The final diagnosis was that the thing isn't focussing correctly and that was just tough on me.

Ill probably end up with the Nikon for 35mm and later on(after I sell some cameras) one of the Canon or Epson flatbeds for MF.

 

[phototone]

I would love to have the 120tf, as I have had great success with the 4000tf for 35mm.

The Microtek software is poor, but these usually ship with Silverfast AE, which is a very full featured software.

Phototone

 

[MolteniOrange]

Sorry to hear about your woes. That really sucks. I've been using a Microtek X12USL flatbed for my design work for four years without complaint. For film scanning, I use a Nikon Super CoolScan 4000ED and recommend it highly.

I just ordered an Epson 4990 for MF and will let you know how that goes. For the price ($413 at Amazon), it sounds like a great scanner and handles 35mm up to 8x10.

Microtek's scanning software always crashed on me. I switched to VueScan and never looked back. It offers lots of advanced control for a range of scanners and is very well supported.

http://www.hamrick.com/

 

[T_om]

Ill probably end up with the Nikon for 35mm and later on(after I sell some cameras) one of the Canon or Epson flatbeds for MF.

You should really look at a used Nikon LS8000 or LS9000. You are not going to be real happy with the scan quality you will get with MF on a flatbed. If you are scanning 4x5 and larger, a quality flatbed will do. For 120 film sizes and below, they are a severe compromise at best.

Tom

 

[Flinor]

Photoone: I've got one person ahead of you for the 120tf. If that falls through I'll get back to you.

Sorry to hear about your woes. That really sucks. I've been using a Microtek X12USL flatbed for my design work for four years without complaint. For film scanning, I use a Nikon Super CoolScan 4000ED and recommend it highly.

I just ordered an Epson 4990 for MF and will let you know how that goes. For the price ($413 at Amazon), it sounds like a great scanner and handles 35mm up to 8x10.

Microtek's scanning software always crashed on me. I switched to VueScan and never looked back. It offers lots of advanced control for a range of scanners and is very well supported.

http://www.hamrick.com/

Please let me know how you like the 4990 as at the present time that would be my choice. I went through Microtek software, Siverfast and Vuescan trying to beat the problem and liked Vuescan the best,

 

[Flinor]

You should really look at a used Nikon LS8000 or LS9000. You are not going to be real happy with the scan quality you will get with MF on a flatbed. If you are scanning 4x5 and larger, a quality flatbed will do. For 120 film sizes and below, they are a severe compromise at best.

Tom

Tom, you're absolutely right, but it's just not within my finances right now. However keep an eye on MF classifieds. I'm wrestling with sacrificing my Plaubel makina 670 on the alter of a better scanner.

 

[MolteniOrange]

Gerry:

I set up the 4990 tonight and ran a quick scan with the Epson software and with VueScan. It works like a charm. I'll have some better negs to scan tomorrow and will run more tests.

This weekend I'm planning to burn some test scans to a disk and take them to the local lab and see how their Fuji printers handle my images. The owner said he would do the tests for free, which is cool 😉 I'll do b/w and color and let you know.

Overall, for the price, I have no complaints about the 4990. It will serve my needs just fine. It ran about $475 with tax and shipping from Amazon.

Happy shopping
Chris

 

[Flinor]

Chris,

Thanks a lot and keep me posted. I should my Nikon next week and after I feel reasonably comfortable with it I'll start looking for a MF scanner and right now it looks like the 4990 or the Canon 4850.