Plustek 7200 Film Scanner

MCTuomey · 01-15-2005

Any experience with this scanner, folks? At $199 it seems way to good to be true. I'm trying to get scan-capable as economically as possible, so it's either this Plustek or a flatbed like the Epson 4170/4870s. TIA.

peter_n · 01-15-2005

Mike I've posted what references I could find for you below. I don't think anyone uses this scanner here on RFF. A generalization you could make from these posts is that it may be a bit of a dodgy scanner, the performance claims are not wholly believed and Plustek is known for cost-cutting in its products.

Consider the Konica-Minolta DS IV. It costs around $250 (only $50 more than the Plustek) and before Christmas you could get it shipped free from Adorama (don't know if they're still doing that). 3200dpi in a package from a reputable company and a lot of members here use that scanner and like it.

On the Plustek:

From photo.net:
Plustek OpticFilm 7200 dpi scanner (35mm)
Plustek 7200 neg scanner

From the Leica Forum:
Plustek 7200 dpi film scanner for £169 - $310?

From the LUG:
[Leica] Plustek scanner

MCTuomey · 01-15-2005

Thanks very much, Peter. Too good to be true apparently, although only one poster actually had used Plustek (and was positive). I think I'll be deciding between the KMDS IV and the Epson flatbed, per your and Doug's advice. Cheers.

peter_n · 01-15-2005

You're welcome Mike. I must admit to a personal bias - I bought the Konica-Minolta DS IV myself before Christmas, but only plugged it in and started using it this week.

I'm using the bundled Minolta software that a lot of users criticize, but I have found it pretty good. One feature I really like is that it does an index scan (very quick) of a 6 neg strip so you can get negs developed without any contacts or prints and this software will let you take a pretty good look at what you've got from a roll very quickly. I'm attaching my very first scan below so you can take a peek.

MCTuomey · 01-16-2005

Peter, nice shot, btw. Ease of use counts for me. Really don't want to spend time 'putering instead of shooting, either. I'm going to start pricing them online and, if available, around town. (I prefer to buy local when possible.) Have a great weekend!

Scarpia · 01-16-2005

I believe PC magazine which I subscribe to had a recent brief review of the Plustek 7200. At the moment I can't find it, but I did read it and it was not particularly favorable. For one thing the bit depth is less than other scanners and it does not actually produce scans with anywhere near the quality of a true 7200 ppi scan. They felt it was worth the price, however, if one could live with its limitations.
I second peter_n's opinion of the Minolta DS IV.
Kurt M.

MCTuomey · 01-16-2005

Thanks for the reference, Kurt.

Scarpia · 01-16-2005

Mike, You are welcome. I seem to know your French quote, is it Baudelaire's L'invitation au Voyage or La vie Interiyoeur?
Kurt M.

MCTuomey · 01-17-2005

Right you are, Kurt. Well done. It is from "L'Invitation Au Voyage," as you noted. One of my favorite couplets, in an ironic way, relative to photography.

Thanks again for your posting. I'm new to galleries and RFs and want to take part in the fun.