Hi,

until now I was happily using a Howtek 4500 for scanning my large format transparencies.
I was very satisfied with the scanner, especially the dynamic range,
except for some tiny aspects like
in the summer it was overheating sometimes (I got a RAM related error code),
or sometimes the scans could get a bit noisy in the shadows ...
but that's relatively easy for me to correct in software ...

Now that my drum scanner's power supply exploded, and I accidentally scratched the interior of my scanning drum,
I'm planning to fetch a replacement (4500 replacement/backup scanner, parts, mounting station, two drums, Silverfast, etc) for 1500 EUR.

However, I was offered to trade some of my Leica equipment for a Heidelberg Tango,
sadly without 16-bit Software (only the 8-bit Linocolor), but with drums and the mounting station.

That would cost a lot more.
I insist on 16-bit, so I would have even to add 2000 EUR for a Silverfast license or see if I can buy the Newcolor 7000 Software somewhere...
Not to mention the transport.

  • What are the most important advantages of the Tango?
  • Are there maintenance problems with the Tangos?
  • Which parts will need to be replaced over time?


I expect scanning speed is better with the Tango.

Weight is a disadvantage (at least for transportation and moving it around in the flat, or course the contrary for IQ).

Here I can see the shadow noise levels are lower with the Tango than the Howtek (D4000 is more or less equal to mine):
http://drumscan.blogspot.co.at/2012/...-to-other.html

Here I can see more detail in the texture, but perhaps that's a matter of different sharpening:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/scan-comparison/
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...x5-fibre-u.jpg (Unsharpened)
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...x5-fibre-u.jpg (Unsharpened)
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-4x5-fibre.jpg (Sharpened)
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-4x5-fibre.jpg (Sharpened)

Best regards,
Martin