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Coolscan 9000


JHAG

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The 5000 Coolscan is 35mm only; the 9000 also does medium format. If you need medium format, the 9000 is the way to go. The Epson 750 is a flatbed scanner. I've had the Epson 2450 and 4490 and as far as I'm concerned, flatbed scans are not up to the quality you can get from a dedicated film scanner. I'm not alone in this; there were many similar comments posted to the original Leica forum. I realize the 750 is new and probably quite good, but I still have doubts about it's ability as a film scanner.

 

I've had a 9000 for several years. Don't use the medium format capability much, but it's there when I need it. What I really like about the 9000 is the (1) sharpness, detail, and tonality of the scans and (2) the ability to adjust the light levels (analog gain). (some other scanners have this capability, probably including the 5000)

1. The 9000 uses a 3-LED light source, where some other film scanners and all the flatbeds I know of use a more diffuse light source. It's a bit like a condenser versus cold light enlarger, if that means anything to you.

2. The analog gain adjustment allows you to pull good scans out of over or under-exposed film. Or, if you have an extremely high contrast original, you can make two scans and combine in photoshop to improve the overall dynamic range.

My main gripe about the 9000 is focus. If you have curled or curved originals, the edges are likely to scan out of focus. This can be solved in the medium format case by glass carriers, but these are extra and expensive -- perhaps 300 euro or so.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Mike

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Thank you Richam for this full reply.

Yes, I knew the 9000 is the only one to accept medium format

and that's what I'm up to.

Besides, I'm getting disappointed with my flatbed scanner, exactly

for its lack of sharpness and contrast, due mainly to to the glass-through process.

The 3-LED source is one more point in favour of this solution indeed…

Thanks again Mike

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