Digital BW, The Print

Hi Martin,

thanks for your answer; I'm aware of the discrepancies between the 
announced specs and the real behaviour of such equipment, of course. I've 
seen comparisons made by Phil Lippincott (from Aztek) on the ScanHi-End 
list between some hi-end flatbed and drum scanners using the method you 
mention, but nothing similar for these (Epsons, Polaroid/Microtek, Nikon, 
etc) scanners, so I thought someone could have some direct experience with 
the Microtek.

Also, as I've posted a similar question on other lists, and got no response 
from anyone having actually used the ArtixScan 1800f, I suppose it's not 
very popular out there :) I was interested in its non-glass film carriers, 
mainly for dispensing with the hassle of oil mounting and film cleaning, 
but I really don't know how flat do they hold sheet film, compared to wet 
mounting to a glass surface.

As for the move to 5x7 or 8x10, I'd love to, but, besides having to deal 
with the cost and availability of larger format film and processing here in 
Brazil (it is a *very* limiting factor) , I fear my back won't be happy 
with the extra weight (I already have to take extra care when  lugging my 
camera/camping gear around).

Best regards,
Paulo

www.paulobaptista.cjb.net


At 04:31 11/3/2003, you wrote:
>Paulo,
>
>I can't give you any info on the Microtek but I am extremely skeptical of
>product specs regarding Dmax and optical resolution. They tend to be
>statements based on the capacity of the analog to digital converter and the
>number of CCD's per inch, and not representative of real world capabilities.
>Real values can be obtained by scanning calibrated density wedges and
>resolution targets but I have never seen any such data published by a
>scanner manufacturer. Not even high end drum scanners live up to their
>advertising.
>
>I have been down the scanner road though and after trying a Polaroid 4000
>35mm film scanner, a 1200 ppi Linoscan flatbed, a Polaroid 120 6cm film
>scanner and an Epson 2400, I now have a used Howtek 4000 drum scanner. If I
>didn't have to scan 4x5 I would have been content with the Polaroid 120.
>Rather than dropping $1600 on a flatbed scanner I would try an Epson 3200
>with oil mounting. I would suspect that the difference between the results
>with the Epson and the Microtek if any are not justified by the extra cost.
>Also at that price you have a shot at picking up a used MF film scanner.
>
>If you are going to use a flatbed for scanning sheet film, then consider a
>move up to a 5x7 or 8x10 camera. Doesn't help for whatever you have already
>shot of course.