Potentially wierd scanner requirement

Nick Zentena · Aug 31, 2007

Howdy,

I need a scanner that can handle 8x10 down to 35mm. Not needed for printing just pretty pictures on the screen So I guess I don't need the highest quality output.

The weird part. I'd like one that is either powered by the USB cable or comes with an universal voltage power connector [110V/220V 50Hz/60Hz] Failing that something I can easily replace the power connector with a 220V one later.

Or does anybody have an idea of the price differences between Europe and North America for something like this?

Thanks

Anonymous · Aug 31, 2007

My experience is that things in Europe (Italy) are about 30-40% more expensive than the US when compared equally. This is for both photographic and non photographic purchases. The only exception that I have found is Harmon Matt Paper which is about equal in both places.

Nick Zentena · Aug 31, 2007

I was worried that would be the answer If I could find something that was USB powered I wouldn't have to worry about the voltage difference. Thanks

toyotadesigner · Sep 1, 2007

The Nikon CoolScan 9000 and 5000 can be accepts 110 up to 230 V. As fas as I remember the Imacon as well, so this shouldn't be the problem. But the price tag for the Imacon for A4 size film is a bit high

David A. Goldfarb · Sep 1, 2007

It seems fairly common for electronic products these days to have automatically switching current adapters. Look at the scanners that interest you, and check the specs. Then you only need a simple adapter for the plug--the ones that come with voltage converters usually work. I often travel to Europe with my laptop, and I do this all the time.

It's also not such a big deal to use a voltage converter, if you need one. They're used for things like blow dryers, which draw more current than a scanner.

Another option, easier to transport than a scanner--digital camera and a thin lightpad. Use a lateral arm on your tripod to turn it into a copy stand. Once you get the hang of adjusting the files that the camera produces (they will usually be lower in contrast than what a scanner generates), the quality is plenty for screen display.

Nick Zentena · Sep 2, 2007

There are some ScanMaker ones that seem to handle universal voltage. The Epsons OTOH seem to come with 110V adapters but I guess they could get replaced.

All my computer stuff is universal voltage so I'd like to avoid getting a step transformer for this. OTOH I'm getting a few for the other things so adding one more could be done.

Nick Zentena · Sep 2, 2007

Microtek Lab ScanMaker i800? Some of the commentary on this one are nasty. Failing units. Etc. Is anybody happy with this? Seems it's got all the features I need.

donbga · Sep 2, 2007

Nick Zentena said:
Microtek Lab ScanMaker i800? Some of the commentary on this one are nasty. Failing units. Etc. Is anybody happy with this? Seems it's got all the features I need.

Epson is selling refurbished 4490 scanners for less than $90.

Don

Nick Zentena · Sep 2, 2007

Looks like it's only Epson USA. Even if they shipped it to me I'd be back looking at the voltage issue. So I'd have to add the cost of a transformer. Between shipping from the states and the step transformer I think I could get the i800.

Potentially wierd scanner requirement

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