Umax,
Heidelberg, Microtek, Creo and now Fuji all produce tabloid-sized
flatbed scanners that cost about $9,000 to $15,000.
We
have the Heidelberg
Linoscan 2400 and get excellent results when we scan photographic
prints or anything 4x5 inches in size or larger. The LinoColor software
is easy to learn for our scanner operator. He really likes this
scanner.
Micotek
makes the same scanner as the Creo Jazz. That and the Jazz+ are
entry level for Creo. We much prefer the Creo EverSmart Pro II,
Select, and Supreme. These three high-end flatbed scanners are excellent.
Fuji
now has a tabloid sized scanner with D-max of 3.7. That rating is
typical for scanners in the $9,000 to $15,000 price range.
To get
the top D-max you need the Fuji
Lanovia or Creo EverSmart Pro II, Select, or Supreme.
Is
the extra shadow detail worth it? In our experience, yes. The 5000
dpi scanners from both Fuji and Creo offer outstanding quality.
The Nexscan from Heidelberg should as well but we do not have experience
with that scanner.
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Fuji FineScan 2750. We have not yet tested this. |
The
first Fuji scanner we found was the impressive Fuji
Lanovia C-550. We also now list the Fuji FineScan 2750 since
this model is easier to find.
Fujifilm originally had three classes of scanners: an outstanding drum scanner, a top of the line C-550 flatbed (my absolute favorite since it
could do 3-D objects too), and two FineScan models.
At PhotoPlus 2003, and again at an early 2004 trade show in the US, the word on the street was that Fujifilm was backing out of flatbed scanners. When we heard this from three sources, we naturally assumed this was the situation, especially considering the statements were very specific.
Thus during May, at DRUPA 2004, a huge prepress trade show in Germany, we were pleasantly surprised to meet a team of Fujifilm scanner people that were showcasing their FineScan 2750XL and Lanovia Quattro professional flatbed scanners.
Since FLAAR is a photography institute for over 30 years, and since we are now also dedicated to fine art reproduction, we are directly and personally interested in any scanner that can handle 35mm, medium format, and large format. We also cover scanning for prepress, proofing, creatives in graphic design, and in-house design departments relative to our emphasis on input for wide format inkjet printers such as Epson. Thus we are considering updating our coverage of the Fujifilm FineScan models as soon as we can have one for in-house testing at our university. So return to this page later in the summer in case we have a Fujifilm scanner by that time.
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Fuji scanner seen at DRUPA 2004 trade show.
Until we have one to evaluate we can't comment, but we surmise it is a good value for its reasonable price. |
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FLAAR offers for you more information about this subject |
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