Coolscan 5000, VueScan 8.5.23 and Vista 64 bit Compatibility

[Kraus1971]

I just recently made the plunge from digital into film and have been going through some trial and error as I workout my workflow/digital darkroom set-up. Some background:

CURRENT SET-UP:

Film - 35mm ONLY (Slide & Negatives)
Computer - Windows Vista 64 bit
Scanner - Epson V700
Scanner Software - Silverfast Ai w/ IT8
Photo Editing - Lightroom/Photoshop
Printing - Epson 4880

ISSUE:

Current scans with the V700 are fine for smaller prints but I'd like to be in the 240/360 dpi range for larger prints. I'm also not happy with the no auto focus and the so-so 35mm film holder options.

I've determined that I'd like to go with the Nikon Coolscan 5000 and I've got no problem changing scanning software.

I've trolled the internet extensively and haven't found a clear "Yes"/"No" answer from this year (2009) on whether I can get a Coolscan 5000 working on a Windows Vista 64 bit system.

- Silverfast Support has a 2009 confirmed they don't
- Nikon Support has a 2009 confirmation they don't
- Today's VueScan 8.5.23 Release Notes say "...VueScan works on Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2K/XP/Vista ..."

QUESTIONS:

Can anyone confirm that they are currently using VueScan 8.5.23 on a Windows Vista 64bit system and a Nikon Coolscan 5000ED?

Have you had any issues?

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

John

 

[rnwhalley]

Almost. I use VueScan on Vista 64 bit with a minolta scan elite 5400. The minolta software driver won't work with Vista 64 but one the VuScan software has been loaded the Minolta software will also work (but its not as good as VueScan). Before I bought the 5400 I was considering the Coolscan 8000 which has the same support issues. I was able to track down people who tried this with VueScan and claimed it worked fine.

Given my experience I would say its very likely the combination you suggested will work but to be certain why not email Ed Hamrick at VueScan. He usually replies very quickly.

When installing VueScan ensure you take the option to install the Generic driver that works with most scanners.

One other thing to watch out for might be the need to install VueScan BEFORE or instead of the Nikon software. If you install the Nikon software first it will probably register the Nikon driver and this might prevent it from working.

Good luck