mid-range 35mm film scanner?

[Nick Masson]

Hey all,
I was wondering if someone could recommend a good mid-range 35mm film scanner ($700 or less). I'm okay trying to track down a used, discontinued model as long as it is not too old (usb interface, lamp in good shape...). I was hoping to get my hands on a minolta dimage scan elite 5400 (or 5400II), or perhaps a canon FS4000? As far as new scanners, how would an epson V700 hold up compared to these? I'm not inclined to get a flatbed since it's more of a hassle and I am only scanning 35mm, but if the scan quality is better than what I could get for $700 (or some more expensive model that goes for $700 used), than i'd be okay with using it...

I have also heard that vuescan is the best software to use for scanning; opinions? Can you scan directly from Photoshop CS5 if I will be using that for editing anyway?

Thanks!
-NICK

[StuartRae]

Hi Nick,

I have a Minolta Scan Elite 2 which is excellent. It has digital ICE which is a hardware solution for removing dust and scratches. Look here for an example.

I would be willing to sell it, but the logistics of getting it to the US baffle me.

Regards,

Stuart

[Nick Masson]

Thank you for the input Stuart. It is certainly refreshing to have positive input from a forum and folks that I trust. I will keep looking around for one locally; hopefully I will have some luck in the months to come. I suspect it is quite a pain (and probably not all that cheap) to ship stuff from the UK, but thanks for the offer! If luck doesn't come my way and the offer still stands I may put in the time to figure out how to make it effortless for you to sell it and have it come this way. Cheers!

[Mike Shimwell]

The epon V750 (V700) is actually OK. I've posted up some sample scans at some point and you can find them via my 'Moments' blog if you trawl back a few pages.

Mike

[Nick Masson]

Thanks Mike! I'll definitely look in to it...

[Murray Foote]

While there may be some advantage in it, you won't need Vuescan with a V700, Epsonscan works quite well.

[Mike Shimwell]

Originally Posted by Murray Foote

While there may be some advantage in it, you won't need Vuescan with a V700, Epsonscan works quite well.

Yes, I agree. Though vuescan seems helpful with monochrome.

[Nick Masson]

Mike, I found the scan comparison post of yours and I am going over the files now. Thank you!