Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/10/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]David, I assume you're getting a scanner so you can make prints, right? If you're just looking for scans to put on the web, then you don't need high quality scans and a flatbed would be more than enough. But, for web, I'd consider getting a one-hour lab to make scans...would save you time and money. But, assuming you want to make some nice prints... I bought the SprintScan4000 twin that Eric suggested, the Microtek ArtixScan4000 (I think based the recommendation of Doug Herr) a couple of years ago and I really like it. I print up to 12x18 from its 4000dpi scans, and I'm very pleased with the results. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. As others have said, there's no point shelling out the $$ for digital ICE if you're only scanning silver B&W film (and the Microtek does NOT have digital ICE). I actually do scan quite a bit of C41 process film, but since I started brushing my negs with a Staticmaster brush before scanning, I find I have very little dusting/spotting work to do in Photoshop...and that's even on negs developed at the one-hour place. I also have a flatbed for scanning 120 film, and I wouldn't consolidate into just a flatbed scanner...The way I look at it, a 35mm neg is so small that I want the best possible scan from it in order to make a decent print, and that means a dedicated film scanner. Good luck! -Aaron At 08:23 AM 10/8/2005, Eric wrote: >David: > >My understanding is that the Microtek ArtixScan 4000 is basically the same >as the no longer available Polaroid SprintScan 4000. > >http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=185547&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation > >I have the SS 4000. Paid about $700 or so for it 4 years ago. Still going >strong. ICE? I scan mostly silver B&W film, so ICE wouldn't work for me, >anyway. I went with the Polaroid because John Brownlow (aka Johnny Deadman) >and B.D. were using it with success. I've not been disappointed. > >If you don't need all the latest bells and whistles, for $430, this seems >like a steal. If my scanner were to die tomorrow, this is what I'd buy. > >See my website for samples of scans. All the black and white scans (and >most of the color ones, too) were made on the SS 4000.