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Hey guys!

 

I am new to the forum, so hello everyone! I am looking into using analog leicas soon/ specifically the Leica r7, because my grandpa still has one lying around and is never using it. I am there this weekend to shoot a little bit with it and check it out. That on the side I have been shooting film lately with an Olympus OM 2 and a cannonet28. Getting all that film developed is getting a little pricy, and I also want to experiment with the pictures on my computer. Therefore I need a 35mm scanner. I am a student and will not be able to spend a whole lot of money in a scanner which would be considered "professional". My budget is around 300€ ~ $300. It will have to be compatible to Mac OX

My product of choice based on my research would be the Opticfilm 8200I SE.

And one more thing: would you recommend Lightroom or something as for post processing?

 

Thanks so much for your answers in advance!

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That is a good scanner, capable of great results. You might save yourself a lot of money by checking the exact specifications because a lot of the Plustek scanners are only separated by the version of Silverfast they come with. By buying a new but earlier version of the scanner you'll have exactly the same hardware, and because Silverfast isn't great software anyway you can replace it with Vuescan for a lot less than the price of the latest Plustek scanner. Lightroom would be ideal for post processing your scans.

 

Steve

Edited by 250swb
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If you live in a country where Reflecta scanners are available, I would recommend the Reflecta ProScan 7200 over the Plustek offering. The effective resolution is in the same range, but it is quite a bit faster and features the better hardware dust removal.

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'Faster'? Faster is usually down to the software, not the hardware. Dust removal can't be used with B&W, and a Plustek 8200 has dust removal ability for colour anyway (although all dust removal software degrades the image quality). So given you can just brush your negs clean before scanning dust removal is really for hideously damaged and badly looked after negative's, not a normal requirement in a good workflow.

 

Steve

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I just got a Minolta 5400 (version 1) from Ebay for 6xx Euros in superb condition - the scans are very good and totally destroys trhe results I got with the Plustek 7600i (=8200) film scanner.

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I've got the same question. The scanning options are so limited and the cost of sending these negatives out for the transfer becomes prohibitive. The Plustek appears to have mixed reviews while the other option, Epson 750, seems easier but I can't get a clear opinion as to the quality of the resulting images. I doubt a flatbed can deliver anything approaching what a devoted transparency scanner can. My issues with an old Minolta is repair/parts. The Nikon's are absurdly expensive and not in the running.

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I just got a Minolta 5400 (version 1) from Ebay for 6xx Euros in superb condition - the scans are very good and totally destroys trhe results I got with the Plustek 7600i (=8200) film scanner.

That's the same one I got from EBay too.

BTW, the software that comes with it is so slows and poor. Vuescan wins hand over fist.

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That's the same one I got from EBay too.

BTW, the software that comes with it is so slows and poor. Vuescan wins hand over fist.

 

Also quality wise...? If yes: can Vuescan also operate the AF, ICE and grain resolver of the 5400?

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Just to chime in, I upgraded Vuescan version 8.6 to 9.something yesterday, after not having used my Minolta 5400 (I) for quite a while. Only b&w so far (Delta 400), but I found handling and results very, very encouraging, after having fiddled last time with the dreaded interface and learning curve (still in the foothills) of Silverfast. Multiple pass and DNG output actually astounded me.

This scanner was always on the slower side, but I found it to be faster than ever before with this latest version of Vuescan (on MBP early 2008, OSX10.6.8). I batch scan all frames at 1350 dpi, simple pass for a quick overview and then select views for archiving/printing at 5400 dpi, multiple pass.

 

Alexander

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I can recommend ColorPerfect for Scans from the 5400 (version 1). Here is my workflow:

 

In Dimage software set the following preferences:

- automatic exposure: yes

- automatic exposure for slides: yes

- AF while scanning: no

- output: 16Bit linear

- color: off

 

Preview:

- scan as positive (!)

- use ICE and GR if needed

- manually set AF point for autofocus

- don't do any image corrections except exposure if needed

- start scan

 

Edit:

- open in Photoshop and assign the profile "Dimage 5400 posi linear"

- save the image as the original

- open it in the ColorPerfect plug-in:

- select ColorNeg from the dropdown

- make the button next to the dropdown with "ColorNeg" show "L"

- Gamma C: linear (because of the posi linear profile)

- correct color cast etc. if needed

- close ColorPerfect

- convert file into ProPhotoRGB or AdobeRGB

 

The results I got are by far the best including SilverFast and Vuescan - see attached samples (M7, Fujifilm Reala 100): practically no editing; just a slight magenta cast which is easy to remove in ColorPerfect or Photoshop.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited by jpk
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  • 2 weeks later...

Problem with the highly-regarded Minolta scanners is that at about 10 years old, there is likely no way to repair them anymore. A great option when you find one but how does it compare to the new Plustek 7xxx/8xxx? The Minoltas are now more expensive than the Plustek by a factor of 2. I am in the same quandary and am not sure how to proceed. The Epson v750 is yet another option but my guess is that it is an inferior one.

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  • 2 weeks later...
I had the Plustek 7600i (=8200) and it is by far worse than the Minolta 5400...

 

Well, you've convinced me about the Minolta so decided to take a chance on a 5400 v.1 am now waiting to arrive through eBay for the equivalent of €385. I'm hoping that using VueScan I will be able to run it on a later-model MacBook Air. Heard rumors that newer USB ports can encounter some issues with this old-timer.

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Very good price! I paid double for my 5400 v1...

 

You can use it in a virtual-box with Windows XP with original software and drivers. I use it in a virual-box under Windows 7 64bit with modified driver and original software.

 

Info for modified driver:

 

; Independently prepared by Vitor Fonseca, Kain Anderson, Matthias Paul and others for the user community.
; Comes free of charge and without any warranties. Use "AS IS" and at your own risk. Check for updates at:
;
; http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/how-to-run-old-minolta-scanners-on-vista-7_topic80321.html
; http://www.mi-fo.de/forum/index.php?showtopic=30516
; http://wiki.vitorfonseca.com/%28S%2821yjpc45a3x5weau3ykppm55%29%29/Installing-Minolta-DiMAGE-Scan-Elite-5400-under-Windows-7.ashx
; http://www.frisno.com/2009/11/konica-minolta-dimage-scan-dual-iv-works-in-vista/

 

Here I found some settings for Vuescan:

http://www.tongfamily.com/2011/01/vuescan-and-minolta-elite-5400-notes/

 

As for repair: you can find repair service manual online with Google. If you don't find, I can send it per E-Mail - just leave me a message.

 

Good luck with your 5400!

Edited by jpk
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