[Leica] Severely OT: Buying a Flatbed Scanner

[aaron.sandler at duke.edu (Aaron Sandler)]

With apologies to those who couldn't care less about this topic:

I read the recent thread on flatbed scanners with interest, because I need 
to buy one.  I have it narrowed down to three models...if anyone has 
experience with one or all, I'd appreciate your input.

Planned use: medium format negs (120, mostly traditional B&W) for printing 
up to 8x10.  (I imagine getting outside scans for anything much 
larger.)  No 35mm film.  I can't afford a MF film scanner, so please don't 
suggest it!

1) Microtek ScanMaker 6800.  $190 after rebate. 4800x2400 dpi (optical res. 
2400), Transparency area 4"x5", WITH DIGITAL ICE.
2)  Epson Perfection 4180.  $185.    4800x9600 dpi (optical res. 
4800).  Transparency area 2.6"x9".  No dust correction.
3) Canon CanoScan 8400F.  $140.  3200x6400 dpi (optcial res 
3200).  Transparency area sounds like the Epson, judging by the 
description.  FARE.

All three are supported by VueScan, have enough res to make 8x10s at 
360dpi, and use USB2.0, my planned interface.

The Microtek sounds nice with digital ICE (in case I do some C-41) and 
future possibility of scanning 4x5 (in case I go that route).  Plus my 35mm 
film scanner is a Mircotek and I like it.  But I do get sucked into 
thinking more resolution would be better.

Any thoughts/experiences would be most welcome.
Aaron