Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Tyler 
Boley" <tyler@t...> wrote:
> A friend asked for advice regarding a Dimage 3. He just wants 
> to do entry level 35mm b&w scanning, that's all he shoots. 
> Mostly for web and small prints.
> Anyone have input?
> Thanks,
> Tyler

Assuming your friend hasn't made the purchase yet, he might 
want to take a look at Minolta's (Konica Minolta's...damn, that's 
such a clunky name) new Dimage Dual IV, which is just now 
hitting the shops and selling for around US$300 (here in New 
York).  I just set one up for someone last night, and my initial 
findings are quite positive - up to 3200dpi, handles contrasy 
slides quite well (dont know about b/w...the person I set this up 
for shoots mostly color).  Priints made on an Epson SP 900 look 
wonderful - and this was with a quick n' dirty setup.

For my own work, I have a Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400.  I've 
ttalked this scanner up to death already, but I'll say it's simply 
wonderful.  I imagine the Dual IV probably comes close enough 
for the money.

- Barrett