Wait for Microtex ArtixScan MI or go with Epson V700?

I am looking to purchase a flatbed scanner for 4x5 color and black and white.

Do people who are familiar with scanners expect the new Mircrotek ArtixScan MI

to perform better that the Epson V700?

Should I wait? Will wet scanning be possible with the ArtixScan? I have read

that there are Hi End Flat bed scanners out there, any sources for refurbished

ones? Thanks for your time.

I really would go with the V750M over the V700. primary reason? SilverFast Ai 6.4 which is $40 to upgrade to 6.5.5 with the new multi-Exposure feature is much better scanning software.

i had the epson V750 and used it to scan a large format negative from 1950 that was

improperly washed and in horrible condition. It could not be scanned on my drum scanner

because of the nature of the negative damage(a shinny silver like surface). I wet mounted it

on the epson V750 and got a beautiful image(it needed plently of retouching because of the

physical damage on the negative). Very impressive results. I did one 6x17 negative and it too

scanner well. I did not try 35mm because i use a coolscan 9000 for 6x7 and 35mm. I will be

shooting 4x5 soon and i am also waiting to see how the Microtek M1 will do but it will not

have wet mounting capability.

I'd agree with the above suggested 750 instead of the 700... Better sw will give U better results. As to the M1, that unit will most likely turn out to be the better scanner. However, it's release has been postponed several times. Currently Microtek gives June. Can U wait that long and would U wanna buy one from the early production..?

Has Microtek made any similarly priced scanner that rivaled Epson 4990? Serious question.

 

If not, I wonder why someone would expect the delayed M1 to rival 700 or 740.

Has Microtek made any similarly priced scanner that rivaled Epson 4990? Serious question.

 

If not, I wonder why someone would expect the delayed M1 to rival 700 or 750.

Tim: Wait for the Microtek M1?

Tim, the M1 at this moment does not exist. Preemptive marketing is a technique designed to persuade a prospective buyer like yourself not to buy a competitor's product that exists, and wait for one that doesn't. Tim, the question is like asking a bookie what horse to bet on. So, rather than technical advice, all that can be safely given at this point is marketing advice. The M1 could indeed turn out to be a good machine, but whether or not you choose to wait for it that depends on how soon you need it. The Epsons have proven themselves and Ellis had it right (IMHO)recommending the V750 because of the software.

Indeed, John, the Epson model U mention comes in somewhat better than the Microtek 900i... Both show fairly poor numbers though. 1600 true dpi for the Epson as opposed to 1400 for the Microtek. As tested by the reputed Patrick Wagner in Germany... http://www.filmscanner.info/Epson.html

I'm not surprised by 1600ppi (I suspect the same of my 3200 despite Epson's marketing) but sharpness (lines per mm, not the same as ppi) can be improved upon with a better negative carrier.

Thanks everybody for your replys. Tim

Leo: Please see Ellis Vener evaluation of the Epson wet mounting adapter and of the ScanScience fluid mounting kit for the Epson V750, which he did for Professional Photo Magazine. You can see it at: http://www.ppmag.com/reviews/200701_epsonperfv750m.pdf.

Fluid mounting kits are available for all the Microtek scanners as well and will also be available for the M1. Accordingly, the decision as to which scanner to buy need not hinge on fluid scanning as it is available for both.

 

Julio

 

www.fluidmounting.com