Finally, I've got myself a film scanner. Minolta Dimage Scan Speed F-2800.
A photographer friend, who upgraded to some recent Nikon model, trusted me enough to let me pay it - what's the word for it? - "in parts" till summer. I installed it last night and am trying to learn how to use the software -"Dimage Scan Speed". Most of my previous experience of film scanners is from using a Polaroid scanner at one of the papers I've been working for. It seems usable enough but I can't say that I am totally impressed by the software (at least I hope it's mostly due to the software.) There is a distinct lack of "juice" in the "default" setting. Each scan seems to require a lot of tweaking to get it right. The prescan usually comes off sort of as "underexposed" with a general tendency towards green, and a lack of contrast and saturation. Would this be a typical case for the "Vuescan" software that everyone's raving about? I would very much like to get some comments on this film scanner from those of you who use(d) it, or have a general great knowledge of filmscanners. There seem to be no "film profiles" - like calibrations to various makes of films. Does anybody know how to conveniently set up one's own? Also, the situation was such that I didn't really have the option to thoroughly check out the current market, quality and price. What would be a fair second hand price for this scanner today? (It seems to be in at least good condition, (there was a scsi-card included) and according to my friend it hasn't been used too extensively.) Thanks, Lasse
