Wanted - 2nd, 3rd or 4th hand Nikon Coolscan V ED (LS-50) 35mm Film Scanner

[ted_smith]

Does anyone know where in the UK, other than on eBay, I might be able to pick up a second third or fourth hand 'Nikon Coolscan V ED (LS-50) 4000 dpi 35mm Film Scanner' for a reasonable affordable price? Wherever I look they cost quite a lot. They are retailing for £449 brand new at Microglobe and £550 on Amazon so I don't want to pay over £200 for a second hand one. But on eBay they always creep up to the dizzy heights of £300+.

This link is what I want : http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog...coolscan-v-ed-ls50-4000-dpi-35mm-film-scanner

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Your best bet would probably be to buy from the US.

 

[RobC]

Does anyone know where in the UK, other than on eBay, I might be able to pick up a second third or fourth hand 'Nikon Coolscan V ED (LS-50) 4000 dpi 35mm Film Scanner' for a reasonable affordable price? Wherever I look they cost quite a lot. They are retailing for £449 brand new at Microglobe and £550 on Amazon so I don't want to pay over £200 for a second hand one. But on eBay they always creep up to the dizzy heights of £300+.

This link is what I want : http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog...coolscan-v-ed-ls50-4000-dpi-35mm-film-scanner

I have a coolscan III which is only 2700dpi which I don't use anymore but is fully functional. Runs off a SCSI card which I also have and software as well. In very good condition as rarely used. I've had it from new. £100 plus shipping. PM me if interested.

 

[ted_smith]

Thanks Rob - this is food for thought. I read that the Coolscan III has a maximum output of only 8 bits? Does that have much effect on the image?

 

[RobC]

Thanks Rob - this is food for thought. I read that the Coolscan III has a maximum output of only 8 bits? Does that have much effect on the image?

Yes and no. 16bit is better for editing but virtually all final output is in 8bit so you have to convert to 8bit anyway if you want to print digitally.

The question is whether my scanner gives you enough pixels from a neg to print at the size you want to print at. For 10x8 print yes. For a full 20x16 then you would probably need to print at 200dpi so not the best quality but OK. Really depends on what you want it for and quality level you are seeking.
But note that no consumer grade scanner is going to get the best out of any negative. Only a drum or highend flatbed scanner can do that.

 

[RobC]

It also occurs to me that my software is for windows 2000. You would need to check drivers / software are available for your operating system. The Nikon software downloads pages should have them if they are available.