Microtek closes sales and marketing operations in North America

[paul_kent2]

<p>Sad news for those considering an M1 scanner: unfortunately Microtek is withdrawing from "selling a portfolio of consumer and professional scanners" in the North American market. They aim to collaborate with OEMs in the future. A press release states that support operations will continue.<br /> <a href="http://artixscanm1.com/">http://artixscanm1.com/</a><br /> Press release: <a href="http://www.noydcom.com/press_release/microtek/new_focus/">http://www.noydcom.com/press_release/microtek/new_focus/</a><br /> (Apologies if I missed a previous announcement here)</p>

 

[ellis_vener_photography]

<p>http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN/M1/M1C.HTM</p>

[William Kahn]

<p>Not good! I guess I'll have to take the M1 off my B&H wish list. I've been toying with the idea of selling off my film gear and going for a high-end DSLR. Maybe this is an omen....... :-))</p>

[richard_ilomaki7]

<p>Hi there<br />Just 2 minutes before reading this I received my sub copy of View Camera magazine which contains a very positive review of the Microtek M1- a very glowing, positive review. I got one a few months ago and can confirm it is an excellent, but quirky device.<br />Oh well: "The only constant is change".<br>

Cheers</p>

[eric_brody]

<p>This is unfortunate. Having choices in the marketplace is a benefit for consumers. No one seems to know if Nikon will continue to produce scanners into the future; Epson is still there. My Microtek 1800f still works, most of the time. Microtek product support has never been outstanding but I do regret the loss of another brand in a shrinking area of photography.<br>

Eric</p>

[alan_rockwood]

<p>Repeating a post I made on another thread (which is dead) to this thread (which is active):</p>

 

<p>I was thinking about buying a Microtek M1 or comparable Epson model some time in the next few months for scanning large format film and some old glass stereo slides. This news will simplify my choice.</p>

<p>Interestingly, some sources have said that Microtek couldn't make the infrared cleaning system (digital ICE) work on the M1, but somehow they were able to put it in the nearly-identical F1. Obviously it was not a technical problem... probably an intellectual property problem with Kodak.</p>

<p>After all the delays and hype leading up to the M1, and the subsequent lack of enthusiasm by some reviewers (what few reviewers there were), apparently because the M1 has few if any clear advantages over Epson, it is no wonder Microtek failed in this market.</p>

 

 

[anthony_lewis1]

<p>It's not the end of the world. The F1 is still available, and anyone in North America can buy it from any European outlet just as easily as buying an M1 on mail order. I know it will cost more though, but it does has Digital Ice. This is how all those who live outside of Europe, some Asian nations, and North America have had to buy the M1/F1 at any rate - and for that matter most of their photographic gear. </p>

[custom film holders for fl]

<p>Hehehehe... you are kidding, right? An F1 from UK Amazon sells for 825 pounds or $1227 PLUS shipping. That may not include VAT although I am guessing VAT might be refundable if shipping to the U.S. The F1 is heavy and will cost a lot to ship - I am guessing at least $100. Then you have a scanner with no in-country support. Once it is out of warranty in a year, they will not fix it for you (they don't even fix them now and instead give a previously returned unit which they have supposedly tested to make sure it is OK).</p>