hello...Am in the process of deciding upon a scanner to buy and am looking at the Microtek 4000TF (35mm) or the 120TF (multi format). Would like to have some feedback on the brand as far as quality, reliability as well as customer service. If anyone has experience with this brand, your input would be appreciated. TKS, hencha

I use to own a 4000T. It was noisy (mechanical) and not that fast, but the scans were pretty good. The lack of ICE is a pain if you have a lot of slides to scan, but before scanning give them a blast with a rocket blower and that will remove most if not all of the dust. Sharpness is similar to the Minolta 5400 (which I own). Electronic noise is fairly low but noticeably worse than the Minolta. It is quite large and ugly, and takes up more desk space than most other scanners. Also you can't rest anything on top. I liked the software but YMMV.

The 4000TF probably has less electronic noise but I think it is otherwise the same.

I would guess that the Nikon LS50 is markedly better (more compact, ICE, and maybe less noise). But if you get a Microtek at a much lower price it might be worth having.

You might want to consider using a digital SLR (if you have one) with a macro lens and light box to get a digital capture.

Leif

I have an old X6el SCSI from abround 1998, and it still makes nice scans. Microtek makes damn good scanners. I'm not looking to replce mine. It was about 300 when I bought it, which put it a a mid level scanner. The company has been good to me. I also owned a Mikrotek before this one which was rock solid.