Any news on Microtek Artixscan M1?

[jgsampso]

Hi all,

I've been anxiously awaiting any news on the Microtek ArtixScan M1 that is supposed to be due this month. I've been holding off on buying a scanner until the M1 comes out and can be reviewed. Does anyone know if it is still on schedule to be released this month?

Thanks in advance
Jason

[Kirk Gittings]

I am reasonably sure it will be announced at PMA, March 8th.

[jgsampso]

Excellent! Thanks Kirk!

Jason

[false_Aesthetic]

Hmm.

I was just about to ask the same question.

[Gene McCluney]

The original press releases on this scanner, from back in October don't specifically mention any film size larger than 4x5. I have the Artixscan 2500f, and it has a glass plate that you can put any size neg on up to about 8x11 or so, in addition to the dedicated film carriers for the smaller sizes. It won't do 2500 dpi with 8x10, just 1250 dpi, but that is plenty from an 8x10 neg for most people.
Sinc this M1`is an update, higher res version, it would be nice if it would do negs and transparencies up to 8x10. Anyone have a clue? Otherwise, at least for me, it wouldn't be a replacement for the elderly 2500f.

[Ted Harris]

It will do negs and trnsparencies up to 8x10 .... thre is no way it will outperform your 2500f (assuming you get it working properly.

[r.e.]

...thre is no way it will outperform your 2500f...

Would you consider expanding on that? I'm interested in this scanner for 35mm,6x7 and 4x5, but so far as I know, nobody has tested it yet in any format.

If you have insights into what the scanner will and won't do, I, and I'm sure others, would appreciate the benefit of your views.

[Ted Harris]

The scanner has not yet been released. The releae date is scheduled of sometime next month. I will have one for review and evaluation at that time. Until then, there is no sense in speculation.

My point above is that the 2500f is in an entirely different class than the M1. The only currently available 'prosumer' scanner that performs similarly to the 2500f is the (recently discontinued) 1800f. The 2500f has superior DMax, color fringing (lack of) and resoution to all of the other 'prosumer' scanners. OTOH, it is not available on the North American Market at the moment and, when it was sold in the range of $2500 ... so not really comperable to the others.

[r.e.]

I will have one for review and evaluation at that time.

I very much look forward to your review.

I'm using a Creo for a professional project, but I'm looking for a scanner for personal, non-professional use for 6x7 and 4x5 and a backlog of 35mm negatives.

[sanking]

The 2500f has superior DMax, color fringing (lack of) and resoution to all of the other 'prosumer' scanners. OTOH, it is not available on the North American Market at the moment and, when it was sold in the range of $2500 ... so not really comperable to the others.

Ted,

Why do you say that the 2500f is not available at the moment in the North American market. I did a google seach and found two places that have the scanner for sale, at around $2800. Would this be some kind of gray market merchandise?

Sandy