Howtek 7500 question

[Kburg928]

I was wondering if someone could help me, I'm looking for some idea of the image quality of the scans from a Howtek 7500. I tried searching for this on the forum but nothing came up.

I've been given an interesting deal on this scanner, "get it out of our way and use it as long as you like but if its sold we get the money". I can live with that deal but I have to pick up a Mac G5 tower with a SCSI port. If this scanner is no better than todays flatbeds I'll pass on it but if it can still give great image quality I might figure out how to get this beast in the office.

If you guys have any links to some good examples that would be great.

Thanks

Keith

[Clive Gray]

The Collaborative Large Format Scanner Comparison (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/scan-comparison/scanner-comparison.html) includes the Howtek 7500 and I have seen it discussed here several times this thread (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=32313) may not be the best example but I don't think anyone disagreed that it is a very capable high performance scanner.

I'd certainly be tempted but would look at a PC rather than Mac setup and use Azteks Digital Photolab.

[Lenny Eiger]

I was wondering if someone could help me, I'm looking for some idea of the image quality of the scans from a Howtek 7500. I tried searching for this on the forum but nothing came up.
Keith

Keith,
I had a client who had used a 8x20 camera and my scanner only goes up to 8x10 negs. I used Bill Morse, in Boston, to do the scans http://www.morseeditions.com/

They were terrific. I'd say take it! The scanner is much better than today's flatbed. It's a drum, after all...
I would also second Clive's suggeestoin about a pc and DPL... I don't like PC's either and I live with it - it ain't so bad...

Lenny

[IanMazursky]

Hi Keith,

I hated PC's for so long but then i bought DPL Pro for my 7500 and Aztek Premier, i had no choice but to embrace them....grrrr!
I used a cheap pc i got from a client and it perfect for the task.
DPL is so much better then Trident or Silverfast. So much better! The DPL scans are much less noisy and the histograms are cleaner then Trident can produce.

If you do buy a 7500, you need to check a few things first.
The drums should be clean and free from crazing and any serious defects.
The firmware should be updated to the latest rev #14 or it wont work with DPL.
The lead screw should be inspected for rust and contamination, then cleaned and re lubed with Klubber grease.
I would run through as many of the internal tests as you can to make sure its working.

I have modified my 7500 a lot since i bought it to keep her running. Its a labor of love but in the end its worth it.

Good luck!