Quote:
Originally Posted by carstenw
I have read the other thread about the Nikon Coolscan IV, and was wondering about something similar. I have the opportunity to buy a Konica-Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400 II, at around $1100, but could of course opt for the Nikon Coolscan V for much less, or the Coolscan 5000 for a touch more than the K-M. I want to use it for scanning all my old pictures, as well as continuing to use my M6 alongside my M8, and I would like to have a very good scanner for this.
I also shoot medium format on occasion, and am considering getting more into that, but since the Coolscan 9000 is so expensive, I am wondering if it might make more sense to get the K-M 5400 II and a flatbed scanner like the Epson V750, which apparently does well for MF, but less so for 35mm.
Does anyone have experience with any of these and can help me compare my options a bit, for example Coolscan V vs. 5000, and so on.
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Hello Carsten,
I have had the Minolta scanner you mention for about three years. It is a wonderful scanner!
When I was researching,and, shopping around for a quality scanner, I ended up deciding it would be the Nikon Coolscan, or the Minolta.
I had a professional photographer friend, with a Nikon Coolscan do some scans of 35's.
I was not impressed.
I did not do a direct comparison because I could not get my hands on a Minolta .... so I did not do a side by side.
I learned that the Minolta had a version of Digital Ice that was a couple of generations newer,than the Nikon. And a lot better. Also, the light source of the Minolta is significantly different than the Nikon.
The price is high, but if the unit is in perfect condition, go for it.
People shoot digital more and more. So scanner "days are numbered", the Minolta seemed to be the best of the best, I would seriously doubt anyone develops and puts a finer scanner on the market.
Why?
Digital shooters are the future for manufacturers.
Pay "through the nose" .... you will not think about the money once it's bought!
ps. the Minolta software, and instructions, are difficult ........ there are work arounds one must learn
Good luck!
Rafael