[Leica] Negative scanner question

[len-1 at comcast.net (Leonard Taupier)]

Hi Javier,

The C5100A is not a dedicated film scanner. You can scan 4X6 prints  
as well. I found this scanner to be very troublesome. I have had  
three of them because the first two developed problems quite early in  
their life. Fortunately every time it broke it was in warranty and HP  
just sent me a replacement.I still have one but have not used it  
since 2003 when I gave up on Windows machines and converted to the  
Mac. I believe the software and drivers are for windows machines  
only. You can still download the software from HP. The scans from  
this unit are OK but not up to the standard of even the Nikon IV and  
V models. The problem with the unit is in the auto feed mechanics  
which lock up or will not switch between prints and negatives. If you  
can get it to work scanning negatives keep it in that mode and don't  
go back and forth between the different modes. Hopefully you will be  
furnished a SCSI card and cable. If not it will cost you more then  
the price of the scanner.

I personally don't like it. Get something more current with at least  
a USB interface.

Len



On Feb 9, 2008, at 2:39 PM, Javier Perez wrote:

>
> Hi Everyone.
> I finally talked myself into buying a dedicated negative scanner.
> Unfortunately it's 10 years old and probably obsolete. It's an  
> original SCSI
> HP photosmart C5100A.
>
> Here's the auction
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? 
> ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:31&Item=260210347580
>
>
>
> So I was wondering, just how bad is this thing or rather how much  
> better is a modern scanner and How much should I be looking to spend?
>
> I have also seen something called a Stratford Labs IS-505 scanner  
> with 5mp and a 4 element lens for under 100.
> Is this one any good?
>
> http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=19138
>
> I would like to digitize all of the family pics my dad took. He  
> shot almost all of them with his Summarit, Hektor, 90 Elmarit and  
> 35 "extra element" Summicron,
> so I'm guessing they are sharp enough to make scanner selection  
> important. I would hate to have to rescan the whole lot because  
> something better became available!
>
> Any opinions are very much appreciated!
>
> Javier
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