Scanners > SCSI (Parallel) Scanners

Advantages: Handles 35mm negatives, slides and APS
Disadvantages: SCSI interface may be a problem for some

...hence my purchase of a Canon CanoScan 2700F (you knew I’d get there eventually). The Basics ~~~~~~~~ The 2700F is a 35mm film scanner. It will handle negative strips, APS cartridges (if anyone uses APS!) and mounted transparencies (slides). There are two main advantages to scanning the negatives rather than prints; firstly, and most importantly, you are using the original image source so you have the chance to get as much information there is, ...
...it. Software ~~~~~~~ Canon supplies CanoCraft software driver for Windows versions 95 to XP and NT4/2000. If you don’t have the latest version it can be downloaded from the Canon website. For Mac users Canon supply an Adobe PhotoShop plugin. In Use ~~~~~ The way of working depends on the media being scanned. Slides require no adapter and simply slip into the slot in the front of the scanner. APS film cartridges are loaded using the special ... Read review

Advantages: Great quality
Disadvantages: Expensive

...some good features. The Epson Perfection 1650 seemed as good as any. Sure you can pick up a budget scanner for £30 but at just over £100, this is by far the best quality scanner on the market for the money. Looks/build. ------------ It looks like any normal scanner with its grey/tan body and lift up lid but it seems more sturdy than most out there. The lid is more rigid and has a feel of quality during operation. Installation. ------------- ...
...play device. Or rather Plug and scan. Your operating system should automatically detect new hardware when you restart or possibly as soon as you connect it, depending on the operating system type. You will then be prompted for the drivers in a standard operating practice. Insert the CD Rom that you get with it and the rest is automatic. Also, depending on what model of Scanner you buy, you get a free copy of Adobe PhotoShop for adding professional ... Read review

Advantages: Aps, ease of use
Disadvantages: Now out of date

This scanner was, in its day, a must have for any serious amateur photographer who was aching to digitise their negs and slides. And in those days it was superb at its job. You load a strip of negs into the holder and slide the clip over the frame you want, slot it in the scanner and off it goes. Mounted slides are even simpler, just load them straight in. The software it comes with, again, did the job. It provided all the necessary controls and ...
...with most scanning software there is also a set of "not really needed options" such as colour adjustment. These processes are best carried out in your image manipulation program where there are usualy better guides for the changes you are making. A major disadvantage now is the lack of any dust/scratch reduction option when you scan, meaning any damaged films wil need intense manual retouching. The scanner itself is actualy quite large and takes ... Read review

Advantages: Store your Slide collection, Ease of Use. SCSI Interface, Price
Disadvantages: Only works on Win 3.x, Win 95/98, NT and Mac. Noise Volume, SCSI Interface

...on to computer, then the Epson Filmscan 200 could be just the job for you. Being fairly small in size (6"x5"x12"), it is easy to fit on to the average desk surface, though you have to be aware that the slide carrier moves through the body of the unit, so you have to allow extra space at the back of the unit (otherwise you could damage the internals when it tries to push it backwards and forwards). There are two versions that I am aware of, the ...
...cannot use this scanner, with Epson not making a driver (they now want people to buy flatbed's instead). You can get around this by installing Windows 98 (if you have a legal copy of course) and using the PC as a dual boot system, which means you then select either Windows XP or Windows 98 on bootup. This is the only way I know of to make it work with XP. You don't need to install all the extras of Win 98, and all you would need id some form of graphic ... Read review

Advantages: Build Quality Looks Like It Will Last Forever
Disadvantages: No Longer Made

...the TWAIN driver from the Epson website which also includes support for Windows 95,98,Me,NT 4.0,2000 as well as Mac 7.5.1 and later. Which is good to see as so many firms don't seem to provide drivers for Windows Me. I so pleased with this scanner I strongly suggest you try and pick one up secondhand as they are so well built compared to the new models. ... Read review