Microtek ScanMaker i800 Plus vs. Epson V700?

[stradibarrius]

I currently have an Epson V500 that works great but will not scan 4x5's
I am looking at these two scanners. I have heard and read many good things about the Epson but know nothing about the Microtek.
Your opinions and experience would be appreciated.

[Oren Grad]

I have an i800. It's competent but not exceptional as flatbeds go. The bigger problem is that at this point Microtek's technical support in the US for their flatbeds is abysmal, and they don't offer repair service. Factor in the likelihood that if anything goes wrong beyond the warranty period, the unit will be a total loss.

IMO the only reason to even consider one over a V700 would be if you need the extra-large bed - it will accept originals up to 8.5x14" for reflective scanning and 8x12" for transparencies. If you don't need that, get a V700. If you do need that, consider getting a V700 and learning to stitch.

[Gary Nylander]

Yes, I do believe that Microtek does offer repair service in the US. I just recently had my M1 flatbed repaired by Microtek in California, there is no repair facility in Canada so I had to ship from BC here to the US. The scanner was mis-focusing. The repair time took 3 to 4 weeks, including shipping time ( I sent it by ground, even then it was expensive ).

[Oren Grad]

Gary's comment was a surprise, so I emailed Microtek to ask about the other photography-oriented scanners they currently list in their online store. They responded that they are now repairing all of them - i800, 9800XL, 1000XL and M1.

I still think a V700 is likely to be a better bet for most users. But it's important to be accurate about what the support situation actually is. Thanks to Gary for the heads-up, and apologies for making a fuss based on outdated information.

The support portal for Microtek US is here:

http://support.microtek.com/

[Matus Kalisky]

I have a Microtek F1 and while the holders are good, the reliability just drives me crazy. It went once to service (under sellers warranty) and was fixed (band in scans) and even when I contacted the service (in Germany) via email I actually got some useful help. But given the loudness, unreliable AF and ever lasting color problems I am pretty sure that this is my last Microtek. On top of that - their marketing strategy is non existent and so there are rather few users online who you can actually ask something.

What is actually the reason for you to get another scanner? Do you want to scan larger than 4x5" or hope for better quality?

[stradibarrius]

No I want to be able to scan my 4x5's. My v500 will only scan up to 120 film.

[al olson]

stradibarrius,

I did a search on Microtek i800 and there are many, many comments regarding this scanner. My original post can be found at:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=microtek+i800

Following that there are threads at:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=microtek+i800

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=microtek+i800

[sdwfx]

I use my i800 for negatives up to 8x10.
Paired with Vuescan, it gives excellent results in terms of dynamic range, sharpness, and clarity.

I have had this scanner for over 2 years now, scanned just above 100 120 rolls + a handful of 4x5 or bigger sheets.
Switching from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Zero problems.

[stradibarrius]

Yeah I found many too. I went ahead and got an Epson V700.

[tenderobject]

oh crap. i've been looking for reviews about i800 plus since this is the cheapest scanner i could buy here in iran. never thought about how bad it is or maybe they made some adjustments for the PRO version? although the PRO version isn't available here.

any new users of this scanner around?

sorry for bumping this thread..

Thanks!