Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/11/21

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Full sheet( 8 1/2x11) scanners
From: David Rodgers <drodgers@swiftnet.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 08:20:48 -0800
References: <NABBLIJOIFAICKBIEPJJAEGJNDAA.darkroom@ix.netcom.com>

Pete,

I've had a 1680 for about 6 months. Great scanner for medium and large 
format.  Not bad for 35mm, even. Less noise in the shadows than my LS-30 
(even when I do multiple pass scanning with the Nikon using Vuescan). 
Apparent sharpness is similar. They both provide different looking scans. 
I'm not sure which I prefer. Depends on the image.

The 1680 also does mulitpass, but it's really only neccessary with chrome 
film. I just made a very large print from a scan of 4x5 Velvia. Remarkable 
output. It comes packaged with Silverfast and with Monaco Easy color. Color 
calibration is a must and the Monaco is great for that. Silverfast has a 
learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, it can do wonders. Mainly in 
terms of consistency. With proper calibaration and practice you can get the 
look you want on screen and  print right the first time. Given the cost of 
ink jet papers, that's important.

I did lost of research before I bought the 1680. Even had a long 
conversation with a former  engineer at Epson. The 1680, I think, is worth 
the extra cost (over the less expensive 1640). I think if I had to choose 
I'd take the Epson flatbed over a 35mm only scanner. Mainly because it does 
everything...all formats and even reflective. It's more versatile. It's 
probably not the best for 35mm only, but it's very good. I think flatbeds 
are overlooked for transparencies (pos and neg) but they've come a long 
way. They can do batch scanning. The slide carrier is pretty decent, but 
getting negs in the 1680's 135 neg holder can be a pain at times. The LS-30 
is more convenient in that respect.   But I think the 1680 is a good value. 
It's a very nice scanner.

Dave



At 12:09 PM 11/20/2001 -0800, you wrote:
>So I'm thinking of getting an Epson 1680.

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In reply to: Message from "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com> (RE: [Leica] Full sheet( 8 1/2x11) scanners)