Digital BW, The Print

Robert,

Shortly after its announcement I had the opportunity to test and report on
the Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400, which appeared in Shutterbug magazine
some issues back. I also tested and reported on the Canon 4000FS some months
before. I have not reviewed a Nikon scanner for some time, not because I
have any issue with the scanner itself as it is very fine hardware, but
because the software is the worst in its class and the scanner is on that
basis grossly over-priced.

The one outstanding feature, especially applied to scanning B&W silver-based
film is the 5400dpi optical resolution. That is a distinct advantage not
just because it will natively support making 16x24 inch by 300dpi scans, but
the high resolution avoids a pattern interference problem with film grain,
particularly with grainier film processed with acutance developers (low
sodium sulfite formula¹s) like Acufine and particularly Rodinal. In
addition, the Minolta has a Grain Dissolver feature which is actually a very
fine diffusion filter, which combined with the scanners tube light source
that also reduces apparent graininess and avoids highlight blocking, which
can occur with some 35mm dedicated scanners with a more collimated light
source (like the difference printing with a diffusion versus and condenser
enlarger).

If it makes any difference, being an old f... With 3/4 of my film library in
B&W, my reaction after testing the Minolta was to ask for invoice sending
Minolta a check instead of returning the scanner.

Regards, David B. Brooks
Shutterbug Magazine
E-mail: fotografx@...




On 10/15/04 8:07 PM, "Robert" <la_native@...> wrote:

> 
> I'm having the darnest time getting a comprehensive comparison of the
> Nikon LS5000 and the Minolta 5400 compared to my Canon FS4000.  I know
> the newer scanners have lots of new features, faster scanning, better
> bit depth, ICE x 4, etc.
> 
> What I want to know is, do either of these scanners work better with
> B&W negatives, OR pull better shadow detail with slides, than the Canon.
> 
> I already have the Canon and can live with its limitations.  But I'd
> consider upgrading if the image quality were noticeably better.
> 
> All comments w/b appreciated!  Thanks!
> 
> Robert Ades
> 
> 
> 
> 
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