Potentially wierd scanner requirement

[Nick Zentena]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.