I'm a bit of a techie, getting towards my mid 30s...and hoping I write something of interest to peop...
I'm a bit of a techie, getting towards my mid 30s...and hoping I write something of interest to people here! Thanks to all those who rate my reviews :-) and for the advise on how to improve them!
Member since:29.03.2008
Reviews:6
Members who trust:2
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.
OpticFilm 7200i SilverFast Ai, ISRD-Filmscanner, USB 2.0, 7200 x 7200 dpi, Interpoliert: ... more
24000 dpi, Dynamische Dichte: 3,3 D, Scanbereich: 24 mm x 36 mm, USB-Kabel, jeweils ein Film- und ein Diahalter, gepolsterte Tragetasche, SilverFast Ai 6.0.
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Mar 29th, 2008
very helpful by (100%):
