Re: [photo-3d] Scanning slides

[Peter Davis <pd@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 01:45 PM 6/22/2000, you wrote:
> >The scans do look excellent.
>
>I think so. =)
>
> >Do you think there's something special about
> >the ScanMaker X6, or was it the fact that these slides are back-lit?
>
>I know it's something special about this particular scanner. I did a good
>bit of research on what makes a slide scanner special and there is a
>particular variable that is important to slide scanning accuracy (keeping
>them from being muddy/dark). I can look that up again if you need it, but as
>I recall it took a good bit of research to find it the fist time.
>
>Anyway, that number (let's say 5 for an example) was met by $1,800+ scanners
>at the time. This one scanner hit like a 4.5 on that scale while most hit in
>at about 2. In this example, 2 would be "muddy" at best in scanning slide
>detail. I was thrilled to find a scanner with specs at the good detail end
>of the spectrum for such a low price. Again, I don't remember the specific
>detail name, but it was a key factor in determining if a pgiven sacnner
>could or couldn't handle slide scanning well. I believe I picked that info
>up from one of the "scanning hints" web sites.
>
> >Does the X6 shut off the front light when the lid is on?
>
>Yes. See below.
>
> >I'm wondering if similar results could be obtained by putting a small light
> >box inverted on top of the slide.
>
>Ron Labbe and I discussed that at one point, and he sent me a VM reel scan
>he did that way. Although this is possible on some scanners, the quality is
>not as good IMHO. The real problem is that you can't turn off the "inside"
>light while attempting to scan the slides using the back light, so you have
>light from both sides which limits quality in and of itself.
>
>Have I helped, or made more questions come up?

Definitely helped!  The only questions I have now are:

1) Is this model still sold, easy to find at a good price? (Including the 
light lid?)

2) How can I justify ditching my perfectly good working UMAX scanner to get 
one of these babies?

Thanks,

-pd


--------
                              Peter Davis
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