Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.scanner,alt.comp.periphs.scanners,comp.periphs.scanners (
More info?)
"Alex Stols" <xel@invalid.org> wrote in message
news:TeOdnRPp_OMhXNzcRVnysA@giganews.com...
> Kennedy McEwen <rkm@nospam.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> <snip>
> >My mistake, I confused the Minolta SD-IV with Minolta SE-5400 - that
> >is
> >the scanner that uses the same 5000 element 3-line CCD as the
> >highest
> >resolution Fuji systems. You should be able to find that for around
> >600euro or less. Yes, it is slower than the Fuji because it is a
> >smaller unit with a lower power light source, but it has ICE,
> >16-bits
> >per channel and an optical grain dissolver (which none of the Fuji
> >units
> >have). By the time you have costed your 1800 negatives on the Fuji
> >you
> >are likely to have exceeded the price of the scanner, which will
> >still
> >have a significant used value afterwards. You also get to scan to a
> >full bit depth so that you can adjust the output to suit your taste
> >rather than be limited to the 8-bit range that some operator thinks
> >is
> >what you want.
> >--
>
> That all is true if I can use the SE-5400 to do all this - I was
> under the impression that this model exhibited quite a few problems
> (the holder; slow with ICE; streaks (with Vuescan?); locking with
> some systems), and that the Nikon models would do much better.
> True also that I would like to have control over the results. - On
> the other hand I was so impressed by the 40-odd scans I got (even as
> JPG they look very good) when compared to my Minolta SD IV scans,
> that it makes me unsure.
> Anyway: thank you very much for your input. I'll follow the
> discussions for a little while more. I have still some time left to
> decide
>
> --
> Regards, Alex
>
I have a Minolta SE 5400. Have over 2000 slides to scan. The earliest are
from 1947.
After spending about about 6 weeks using the 5400, here are my comments:
1. I am avoiding the use of Vuescan Ver 1.1.5 because I get artifacts on
some slides that don't show up when I use the DiMage software that Minolta
furnished. Since the Dimage software does a good job, I will stick with it.
2. Using the DiMage software, the speed of a scanner is relatively slow.
With ICE and grain dissolver on, it takes a good 6 minutes (stop watch
timer; hand operated with visual observation of scan start on screen)to
complete one slide scan. I did notice a longer scan time if I ran more than
2 sets of 4 slides, one set after the other, through the scanner. By closing
the program and reopening it, the time for a scan reverted to the initial
scan times.
3. Using the Easy Scan Utility selection of the program my computer did
lockup when I got to the screen where it asked for the file save folder. If
I tried to select my folder, lockup occurred, so I avoided this by selecting
one of the folders that it defaulted to. After save took place, I moved the
file to the location where I wanted it. (This may not be the scanner
programs fault. It could be my computer at fault. I did not pursue this to
any great extent). At least I have a work around.
This trouble did not occur if I started in the Dimage Scan Utility or if I
started it through the twain interface.
4. I have not experienced any vertical lines on any of the slide scans
(about 150 to date plus umpteen test scans) that others have reported.
5. I am scanning Kodachrome slides. ICE has been doing a good to excellent
job when I scan. I find that there is a softening of the images when doing
so. I accept this since this visible only a greatly zoomed in view of the
image. An 8"x10" print looks extremely good for my archival purposes.
6. When in the Dimage Scan Utility, I found that I could make most of the
adjustments to the photo that I desired. This kept the amount of post
adjustments in a graphics program (Photoshop, PaintShopPro etc.) to a
minimum.
In the Easy Scan Utility, a limited amount of adjustment is allowed.
Having had a Minolta Dual Scan (the first SCSI model that Minolta came out
with), I really appreciate the ability to use ICE on my Kodachrome slides.
For your further information:
Dell Pentium 4, 1.5 Ghz, 764 Mb RAM
40 Gb and 80 Gb drives
Windows XP Pro
SE 5400 connected via Firewire port.
I hope that the above information is of use to those of you who already have
a Minolta SE 5400 or those who are thinking of investing in one.
Would I buy one again? YES!
Matt D