Hi Bruce,
I've been using the Minolta IV scanner since last August and have
scanned probably close to 1500 slides to date using it. I am generally
happy with it but have a few issues with the machine and the software
provided.
- The Dimage software does a good job with scenery pictures and "dust"
removal (without to me any obvious degradation in the results)
- For sunsets, sunrises and photos that have a predominant and real
color cast to them, Dimage is poor. Vuescan works well here
- For slides of people; groups and closeups, Vuescan is much better at
true color replication.
- Adobe Photshop Elements is provided with the scanner is is great. I
use it for post processing on probably 75% of the scans I do.
- Scanning the slides with either software is never quite as good as
viewing through a slide reviewer or projection. Brightness is never
quite the same and I am unable to set any of the software to correct
for it. Its very close though.
- One developing concern I have with the hardware is that the tray
feed mechanism is developing a problem. when it occurs, it is between
the feed from the 2nd slide scan to the third. The drive mechanism
skips, makes quite a loud noise and fails to feed until a manually
give the tray a little nudge to the side to engage the track. This
occurs mainly after I've used the scanner for a few hours, but last
night occurred earlier. It seems to me to be a thermal expansion
problem. Perhaps the entire case is growing and the track to gear
clearance becomes greater. Between scans I have gotten into the habit
of always removing the tray right away and sliding the entry door down
until I insert for the next run. I have been unable in Minolta site
searches and Google, to find any discussion about this. I have not yet
contacted Minolta directly since I'm be asked to return the unit with
many dollars, etc.
So that's my .02 cents.
Glenn