Nikon LS-4500

I was contraint to use it at my job. Every time it was like a pain in the neck.

Strengths: - Scan up to 4"x5"

Weaknesses: - To much large. - To much heavy (28lbs). - Horizontal slot (dust problem). - To much slow (3min prescan and 3 to 5 min for final scan. - Bad color rendition (to much blue). - 3 passes sacnning - Medium format holder (film between 2 thick glasses) lots of lost in details. - Dust problem with medium format holder.

Minolta Dîmage Scan Multi II

Bloomin' expensive and I have not been able to make the most of it due to time restrictions. But without doubt a good machine in my opinion.

If you are a 645 freak who wants the sheer 3000/36 grunt at full frame this might be worth considering (Lots of RAM though).

It is getting pretty old though so there might be something new in the pipeline from somebody soon.

If you work in the larger formats up to 5x4 then probably still worth considering at the higher end but I would have my doubts at the 6x6 and above roll film formats because of the 100 dpi limit.

3000 dpi at 36 bit. Seems sharp. Supported by Silverfast 3 and 4. I can get a full frame 645 shot at the full 3000 dpi. Colour seems good as well.

Slow to scan because of three pass process.

Unfortunately not too hot for roll film at 6x6 or above though because of the 1000dpi limit. Continues up to a 5x4 at 1000dpi at least. This latter is not an issue for me as I do not have cameras greater than 645.

Have considered the panoramic fuji's but am reluctant at this stage because of the need for a real monster scanner. (Not a drak room fan these days I am afraid)

Canon 2710 and LS 2000

Not had cause yet to call on them for this, though a minor software glitch with the LS 2000, though not resolved, resulted in a responsive and otherwise helpful phone conversation. Seem polite. Much more response than from Adobe! Some sort of odd twain problem with Photoshop and Nikon Scan, though it still works. Not and issue with Silverfast.