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  1. #1
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
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    Question about Digital Ice and Scan Duel IV

    I'm thinking about getting myself a 35mm film scanner. I can't afford to spend a lot of money, but I want something decent. Everything I have to scan is 35mm, so I don't need anything capable of going larger than that. I read an article a few weeks ago about the new Konica Minolta Scan Dual IV, and it sounded pretty decent. The one major thing that caught my attention was that it doesn't support digital ice. So is that a big deal? Would it just mean that I would have to clean things up a bit in PS?

    This scanner sells for around $230 and I would like to keep things in that price range. I read the one review on this site, and it said that the resolution was good for an 8x12 or 11x14 print. Bigger would be better, but not totally needed.

    Any thoughts on this scanner, or something else up to $250?
    Mike

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    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
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  2. #2
    has-been... another view's Avatar
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    Re: Question about Digital Ice and Scan Duel IV

    I have an older 35mm film scanner that doesn't have ICE. I checked into ICE when it came out, but it can't be added to a scanner that doesn't have it. I don't use it enough to replace it, so I spend a fair amount of time cloning out dust even though I try to keep everything as clean as possible. This scanner is an Acer 2720S which is 2700dpi and uses SCSI2 interface. Works great for 8x10's (maybe larger, never tried) but worth next to nothing - they've sold on ebay for under $100...

    First, I blow the slide clean with a Giottos Rocket Air Blower (same one I use for DSLR sensor cleaning). Then the slide is mounted in the scanner's holder (which is kept clean but still hit with the blower before mounting the slide). Make a scan of the image, then save that original scan. Next, I do levels/curves adjustments to get close to what I want and then save that as another copy. On this copy, I start spotting the dust out, usually with the clone tool. Using the navigator, start with the image at about 200% or so and look over the whole image. It'll take some time, but shouldn't be too bad. Once this is done, I save it again then finish (saturation, sharpening, etc).

    If you do a lot of these, Digital ICE could pay for itself in terms of time savings. There is a bit more to scanning the slide and it will take some practice. Check to make sure that this scanner offers 16 bit scanning - it's very important especially if you're spending this kind of time on scans.

  3. #3
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
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    Re: Question about Digital Ice and Scan Duel IV

    Thanks for the info Steve. The Duel Scan does offer 16 bit scanning and from what I read, it sounds like it allows the user to make all the adjustments, levels, curves etc. and preview them before making the scan. That sounds nice to me. I think I took the magazine I read the review in back to the library, so I will have to go back and take another look at it. I will also have to check out some other models and see what's available in my price range.

    Anyone have any suggestions?
    Mike

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    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
    Aldo Leopold

  4. #4
    has-been... another view's Avatar
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    Re: Question about Digital Ice and Scan Duel IV

    With all the cash you'll be rolling in with your publication deal, you should look at the Minolta 5400. Seriously, it looks like a really nice scanner with Digital ICE, ROC, 5400dpi, USB2 and manual focus adjustment. Also heard good things about scanning B&W neg film with it (true B&W, like Tri-X). Think it's about $600. If I had a need to upgrade mine, I'd get that one.

    Digital ROC is restoration of color, or something like that. It's from the Digital ICE people and might come in handy for your collection of old slides.

  5. #5
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
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    Re: Question about Digital Ice and Scan Duel IV

    Thanks for the recomendation Steve. I have a ton Tri-X in the freezer so B&W scanning is something I will be doing as well!
    Mike

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    "I thought that because fewer wolves meant more deer, that no wolves would mean hunters' paradise. But after seeing the green fire die, I sensed that neither the wolf nor the mountain agreed with such a view."
    Aldo Leopold

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