Best Film Scanner for MF and LF under $1K?

[ssloansjca]

I am looking for a film scanner that will make serious high res scans of mostly black and white negs for less that $1,000. I am considering the Mikrotek Artixscan M1. I like that it has no glass between the scan element and the film and it autofocuses on the film (yes, film curls and does not always lay flat)

This is a serious purchase for me. Any ideas?

~Steve

 

[W.Ray]

You can check out some reviews here:http://www.imaging-resource.com/SCAN1.HTM

 

[Chris101]

You can also look at the Mikrotek i900 which uses the same glassless setup as the M1. I use a Microtek i800 for anything bigger than 35mm, and for contact prints. It has a glass platen, but seems to do a good job. I would estimate it's resolution is good up to about 3200, rather than the 4800 they claim. The Nikon 5000 ED has an excellent 4000 lpi resolution, and is just over a thousand dollars.

 

[ssloansjca]

Isn't the Nikon 5000 ED for 35mm? I am looking for a good one for MF (Medium Format) and LF (Large Format.) I have a Coolscan V which I love for 35mm. I want it for 120 - 4x5 and am not happy with my Epson as dust on the platen is an issue and the colors are blah.

 

[Chris101]

Oh shoot - yeah. I guess I should read closer.

So just skip the last sentence of my last post. Check out the glass-less Microteks.

 

[ssloansjca]

Thanks Chris101. Yes, I am getting closer to taking the leap into getting a Microtek! Oh, you have a nice blog too, I checked it out.

~Steve

 

[W.Ray]

The one downside that I see to the M1 is the lack of Ice for film use. Other than that it appears to be a great scanner.