Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 3/11/2003 12:59:09 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
mark@... writes:
Snip>
> Just keep in mind that these bargain drum scanners like my Howtek are about
> >10 years old at this point and repairs are expensive. Someone recently
> >bought one with loading station and software for $1,300 but it died almost
> >immediately and had to be shipped off to be repaired. Shipping is not a
> >trivial matter since they are heavy beasts. Mine weighs 150 pounds and is
> >about 24" by 36".
> Hey Martin that was me! Just checking in. The main reason It died 
Immediately was because it was shipped to me improperly and the alignment got 
out of whack so it couldn't calibrate! Got the scanner back from Aztek 
finally Last Week, I bought the scanner in Dec 2002. Shipped from Texas to 
Seattle, and Seattle round trip to Southern California. You can't just put 
them in a box and Ship. They are very, very sensitive to rough handling. If 
the original shipping crate from Howtek was available that would make me feel 
much better about buying another that needed to be shipped.
The standard Howtek Service is 900.00 That got it going and up to spec. I 
added one of the more expensive fans that was making noise that cleaning 
didn't help so that was another 150.00 Shipping was 460.00 round trip. A 
major Hassle.
But Now I'm up and running and actually think it was worth it! I was tempted 
to write it off many times. 1500.00 for the scanner, 1500 in repairs and 
shipping and close to 2000.00 for DigitalPhotoLab Howtek software. So I'm at 
5k 
I would suggest buying from a dealer that has them guaranteed or if you buy 
on the cheap just have it sent directly to Aztek for a Maitenance Service 
@900.00
Finally all is good.
For scanner buyers out there, and I'm sure Martin will agree, Buy the best 
scanner you can afford, or you'll be replacing you budget models on a regular 
basis.
Steven Meyers



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