microtek 1800f

[Percy]

Hi.
I am VERRRRRRY suspicious of any claim that Epson scanners are so good. I had a 3200, and it was good--until I saw what the Nikon 9000 could do. They are clearly not in the same league when it comes to scanning MF film, let alone 35mm. When I say great, I mean professional level, i.e. would a professional photographic artist use such a thing to scan and print images for exhibit and display. I don't think I'd do that with a 3200, though many people rave about it. In short, I'm not convinced, Ken.

[Jeffrey Zweig]

I'm hesitant to agree with Ken Rockwell that an Epson 4990 for $400 performs at the same level as a $1000 scanner. While I'm not familiar with the 4990 if it doesn't have a separate glassless scanning bed along with the other features that the 1800f does then I would go for the 1800f. You get what you pay for up to a point when it comes to optics. It would be like comparing a Canon 5D to a Nikon D50 and saying that they are essentially the same thing even though one costs 4X as much. The 1800f is targeted towards those who want a professional scan in both reflective and negative/transparent. The 4990 based on its price point has to be targeted towards a more novice user.