Digital BW, The Print

> While shopping for a new flatbed scanner, I came across two that 
> feature built in film adaptors capable of scanning any film or 
> transparency - up to 4x5" for the Canon D2400UF CanoScan and up
> to 6x9" for the Epson Perfection 2450 Photo Scanner.  Both feature
> 2400x4800 dpi 48 bit scans, street price around $400.
> 
> Does anyone have experience with these or similar scanners?  How do 
> they compare with dedicated film or drum scanners?  Are they close 
> quality wise, or is this too good to be true?

Having read at www.kenrockwell.com that flatbeds often deliver only 
60% of their promised resolution, I decided to test with my own 
equipment.

I have both an Epson 1640 and a Minolta Dimage Multi Pro. The Epson 
claims to deliver a 1600 dpi scan, but in fact, it most closely 
matches the Minolta at 800 dpi. SO I'd say that 60% is probably a 
good number.

On the other hand, I find that the Epson does a better job getting 
true colors off the film, and has a smoother, broader range of grey 
values. 

Applying the same logic to other Epsons, I imagine that the 2450, 
which claims to get 2400 dpi, delivers somewhere around 1500 dpi. At 
300 dpi output, this means a maximum enlargement of 5x. For 4x5, this 
equates to a little under 16x20. For smaller film, 5x gets small. But 
you get what you pay for - unless Epson has plans to deliver a real 
2400 dpi scanner soon. I'd gladly pay teixe the current price.

In the meanwhile, I have my sights on the Microtek Artix 2500. Others 
have attested that it delivers a genuine 2500 dpi. At $3500, it ought 
to. I have seen some gorgeous quadtone prints by Richard Wolfson, who 
uses an Agfa 2500 (made by Microtek) for his 4x5 negatives - and they 
are stunning and sharp at 20x24 inches and beyond.