Hey guys,
I'm not looking to open a "can of worms" here, just looking for some straight information... With the decreasing demand for drum scans commercially, I've been seeing a lot of top-tier(or so the sellers claim) scanners for sale in the past year. I almost picked up a DPL8000 w/ 2 drums, mounting station(newer Aztek one), and the computer,etc... about 6mo ago for $2500. It was on Craigslist. Unfortunately, I didn't get enough confirmation from the seller after asking some questions on the service history. So, I'm looking for some more information, and possible comparisons, between scanners that STILL HAVE SERVICE AVAILABILITY(as in someone to talk to over the phone, or if need be, come out to look at the scanner). IDK if Heidelberg is still in the scanner business, or if spare parts are plentiful and relatively cheap(well, not CHEAP, but cheaper), but I've read and heard some wonderful things about them. Of course there's Aztek, they're local to me here in southern california. However, I like the ability of the Heidelbergs to have a larger drum to mount up my 8x10 chromes on(like 4 at a time, or many many MF(6x6 and 6x7)) transparencies/negatives for scanning. I'm not looking to start a service bureau, just for myself right now. I'm not even at the stage of financial or space "readiness" to own one of these scanners if one would become available. Just trying to garner information for a potential future investment in my photography.
So, I've had some scans done on an Aztek DPL8000(guy on ebay that had 1st drum scan for 99c ) and a Premier(Richard Photo Lab). A few on a Howtek 7500(thanks to Ian Mazursky), and some done on a D8200(James Beck). All with the same chromes, all look pretty much the same to my eye at 100% on the computer screen.
I know that the final print is the end product, but since I'm between shooting negatives(color and b/w(which are developed for Amidol/Lodima printing, or darkroom) and chromes. All kinds from 35mm-->8x10.
Software wise I know that there are options, but I like full creative control over my scans, and the ability to scan color negatives w/o having to invert in PS(if possible). 16bit output is a MUST to maintain the best quality in the file.
Lastly, this isn't going to be a scanner turned on daily. Maybe not even weekly. I've heard that drum scanners like to be used regularly to keep screw gears and such lubed/working freely. I live in southern california, so temperature fluctuations aren't too bad. 220V is almost a no-go, although I know that a proper line conditioner is a MUST to keep power stable to the scanner.
thanks
-Dan
p.s. if people who are actually USING(or have used) these aforementioned scanners, please feel free to comment. I'd like expertise from users/operators, not just people who've had scans done, although those opinions are of course welcome as well . thanks
Bookmarks