Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

Ive had this unit for several years, giving it light duty. Ive been happy enough with the scans it produces. Color and contrast are plenty good enough, especially considering Ive used it on slides some of which are 40 years old and some with inferior off-brand film. I had a bit of trouble with the software that came with it, but I was able to get a newer version from the web site, and that one works fine. Recently the sensor failed. I think Ill try a different one next time. Solid state components should last decades. 3.5 stars

Its not even worth pulling out your wallet. Results are about as good as trying to draw your photos with a very blunt crayon. I get far better results using a flatbed Epson with the film adapter. Not that using a flatbed is the best idea but it is 100 times better than the 1800u. If someone gives it to you consider them a mean person and dont take it. Unless you need a rather ugly 2lb piece of plastic to clutter up your desk and spill coffee on. Even then, theres probably something better to accidentally caffeinate .

Before buying this scanner, Id had some of my 35mm transparencies professionally scanned, which produced great results but was an expensive approach. I bought this scanner in the hope that it would allow me to produce reasonable-quality scans at a lower price. Unfortunately, although the software worked fine for me, the quality of the scans is so hideously bad that I gave up in disgust after a few scans. Here are some of the problems: 1) strong pink tint to every scan. Although this can be corrected to some extent in software, there is a significant loss of color spectrum that cannot be restored. 2) Poor dynamic range: rendering of shadow detail is nonexistent. The most astonishing thing is that I bought my unit several years ago, and theyre still selling this piece of junk now!

I had read critical reviews before purchasing. When I first tried it, the color was badly distorted and I was not able to adjust to compensate. However, as a last effort, I tried scanning in the raw setting. This largely solved the color distortion problem. So, overall, I am pleased with the scanner. When you consider how inexpensive it is, it is a real bargin.

Not the most practical to use. If you can save up to buy a more quality one then I would recommend you do that.

Works food, bit lacks quality and misses the ICE chip that is very importante if you are an amateur without large knowegde (or time) in to photoshop.