Plustek OpticFilm 7200i

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==Advantages==
The scanner is excellent value for money, even if you do need to purchase extra software.
Excellent photo quality.
Infrared scratch removal.

==Disadvantages==
I'm computer savvy and struggled with the install.
I couldn't get the free software to work without a code.  ... more

I researched several film scanners before selecting this one, and my main reason for purchasing it was the price: £200 for a film scanner with infra-red scratch correction is a bargain.

I have heard many bad reviews about this scanner, and the one message I have is if you have problems (as I did) then with patience and perseverance it is worth it in the end!

Out of the box

With the scanner, you get two film holders and slide holders, a USB cable, a power adaptor, and a nice case to keep it dust free in. You also get an installation guide and a software CD which includes the drivers and 'free' SilverFast software.

Installation

This is where I had all the problems. It could be because I am using windows Vista, but I suspect that the fault actually lay with SilverFast. Once I had installed that, nothing worked and I had to enter a code (which was not in the box) to get my free software working. Updating the driver software made the situation worse, so I uninstalled the lot and started again....and this is what I did to make it all work:

Plug in the USB lead, turn on, then install software (don't upgrade it unless you hit problems), reboot and it will then finish the install - after that put in a negative and test that the Quickscan works. Try SilverFast, and if it works for you then fine - if not uninstall it and google Vuescan. Download the demo of Vuescan and play around with it - it will put "$" symbols over the picture, but for seeing how it works that doesn't cause any problems. If it works fine for you, get the full version (unlimited upgrades) - for £40 it is worth it. Before you buy the scanner though, budget in the possible cost of buying better software.

Scanning

I've not scanned slides, only negatives and all my scanning has been with VueScan. But, whatever software you use, the scanner is certainly capable. It can produce resolutions of up to 7200 x 7200 dpi, but I tend to scan at resolutions half that or you end up with very big files.

To scan, you load the negative (maximum of a 6 negative strip) into one of the negative holders and slot it into the side of the scanner. Its important to have as dust free an environment as possible. Although dust can be corrected for, avoiding it in the first place is best. Since dust can fall onto the open negative holder I've found putting a card on top of the scanner does help. After loading, you scan the negative and then move (manually) the holder along to scan the next. I find I can scan a film per hour, so as long as you are not digitizing hundreds of films, manually controlling the negative holder is not a problem.

The automatic scratch removal (on Vuescan) works fine. When switched on the scanner performs two scans- one in visible and one in infrared light. It does remove light scratches - for heavy scratches you may need to remove them in photo editing software.

If you want to see examples of scans, go to somewhere like Flickr.com and search for plustek opticfilm 7200i.

Advantages

The scanner is excellent value for money, even if you do need to purchase extra software.
Excellent photo quality.
Infrared scratch removal.

Disadvantages

I'm computer savvy and struggled with the install.
I couldn't get the free software to work without a code. 

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