Re: [APML] Medium format scanner updates

[Michael Greger <mgreger@dashmail.net>]

Jeff,

I have used both the Nikon and Polaroid.

I used the Polariod quite a while ago and I liked the image quality a
lot.  But, mechanically, I had some issues.  I had times when the scanner
became confused and would not fully eject the film holder.  I had to reset
it many times.  I have no idea if this was a software (I used Vuescan),
firmware, or hardware issue, but it sure was annoying!  I rented this
scanner once.

More recently, I have rented the Nikon 8000ED.  It looks pretty darn
sturdy to me.  It really seems to scan well.  I never noticed the banding
issue that many reported early on.  Perhaps it was fixed by Nikon.  I'm
not convinced I like the 120 film holder.  It holds about 2 3/4 6x7
frames.  Why can't it be 3 frames???  Also, there does not seem to be good
support for the frames, so they seem to have a tendency to bow.  I often
flatten my film for a few weeks (no kidding) before scanning it.  Also,
this scanner is sloooooow.  It seems slower than the Polaroid, but I never
recorded the time to be sure.  The 35mm strip holder is great - it holds 2
6 frame strips!  Put in two strips and go away for an hour :)  The ICE
feature is great, especially for batch jobs.  I really don't know if the
multi-sampling helps too much.  I have never really done a good comparison
with and without it.

The main reason I started renting the Nikon is that my rental place could
not keep the Polaroid out of the service shop.  They refused to get the
Nikon 8000ED until this happened.  After they got the Nikon, I think they
may have dumped the Polaroid (not 100% sure...).

If I had the money, I'd go with the Nikon (or perhaps a nice Imacon for
4x5 - $5000 and up)

Just my $0.02.

Mike

Jeff Ball wrote:

> Hello all,
> I am in the market for a medium format scanner.  I wanted to see if
> there was anything new that I have missed.  It looks like the leaders
> are still the Nikon 8000ED and the Polaroid 120, at least in the $2,700
> price range.  Anyone have experiences or other scanner options?  The
> Minolta DiMage Pro lists a higher dynamic range but only a max of 2828
> dpi and it is only partial frame according to the specs I have from
> BandH.  Any tips or insight would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks.
> Jeff Ball
>
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