Negative Scanner Mac

Brand: Pacific Image Electronics Model: PF1800U Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 3.00" h x 11.00" w x 7.00" l, 3.50 pounds 35 mm film scanner 1,800 dpi maximum optical resolution 36-bit color depth Linear array color CCD image sensor USB interface, PC and Mac compatible

Most helpful customer reviews 58 of 62 people found the following review helpful. One star is overrating this thing By Bernie Spencer Customer support [is bad]; the drivers and software that I bought in March 2003 had a 1996-1998 copyright date; and worst of all, scans get progressively darker. A scanner that can't handle exposure settings! it's OK until it runs thru it's 'calibration' routine, then it's the beginning of the end. I went thru two different units, they both were terrible. 53 of 57 people found the following review helpful. WORST computer peripheral I ever bought! By David Hodgson Before buying this scanner, I'd had some of my 35mm transparencies professionally scanned, which produced great results but was an expensive approach. I bought this scanner in the hope that it would allow me to produce reasonable-quality scans at a lower price. Unfortunately, although the software worked fine for me, the quality of the scans is so hideously bad that I gave up in disgust after a few scans. Here are some of the problems: 1) strong pink tint to every scan. Although this can be corrected to some extent in software, there is a significant loss of color spectrum that cannot be restored. 2) Poor dynamic range: rendering of shadow detail is nonexistent. The most astonishing thing is that I bought my unit several years ago, and they're still selling this piece of junk now! 34 of 35 people found the following review helpful. There must be a better scanner available at a modest price. By A Customer I have purchased two PF1800U's over the past 18 months, because it seemed the only option in my price range and I need quality slide scans (flat bed scanners definitely not an option). Both units had lamp failure, the second one after only a couple dozen slides. "Customer service" is hardly an option; difficult to impossible to reach via their website and not terribly helpful over the phone. I had to locate my receipt and register the product by fax before I was allowed to ask any questions, and I still didn't get any answers. Needless to say this was terribly disappointing.On the good side, the scan quality is quite good, though the process is very slow and you may have to close down most open programs to get it to work. Interfaces well with Photoshop.Would I buy one again? While the new version with the ICE software is quite tempting, I'd have to say no. I'm looking for another, more reputable brand. Maybe a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III. About a hundred bucks more, but if it doesn't break down it will be well worth the extra money. See all 30 customer reviews...