buying a used scanner - any suggestions? (Epson V750)

[mrbigstuff]

I've been meaning to scan my negatives and slides for... a long time. Any specific things to look for in a scanner and how to evaluate its condition when I look for it. I'll probably buy it first hand, rather than online.

[jdc]

how many? have you thought about a service?

V750 was a sweet scanner -- whats a used one going for?

[mrbigstuff]

in the 1000s, but not 10,000s

[rz]

I bought a used V500 off CL for $20. I have the fantasy of scanning in all my old negatives and prints, but haven't yet. I did take it with me when I visited my sister at Xmas and scanned some old pics that my 100-year-old aunt had. I was amazed at how well it "restored" some of the prints. Colors you couldn't see in the print really popped on the scanned version. But some prints actually came out looking worse. So it was hit or miss.

[rjmacs]

It's astonishing how well the V750 has held its value (technically appreciated, ignoring inflation) over the last 14 years. The machine retailed for $800 new in 2006. It retails now for >$1K.

Stunning for a Firewire/USB 2.0 device.

[rjmacs]

rz wrote:
I was amazed at how well it "restored" some of the prints. Colors you couldn't see in the print really popped on the scanned version. But some prints actually came out looking worse. So it was hit or miss.

Remember - scanning is a form of digital photography. Getting really high quality scans can be as frustrating as getting your print just right. It takes experimentation, calibration, and patience!!

[jdc]

rjmacs wrote:
It's astonishing how well the V750 has held its value (technically appreciated, ignoring inflation) over the last 14 years. The machine retailed for $800 new in 2006. It retails now for >$1K.

Stunning for a Firewire/USB 2.0 device.

Im seeing lots on ebay for $350ish.

I have a 4870... sitting on a shelf idle for years. (also has firewire) Ive thought about getting rid of it for years, but its gonna take $50 to ship anywhere.

[rjmacs]

jdc wrote:
[quote=rjmacs]
It's astonishing how well the V750 has held its value (technically appreciated, ignoring inflation) over the last 14 years. The machine retailed for $800 new in 2006. It retails now for >$1K.

Stunning for a Firewire/USB 2.0 device.

Im seeing lots on ebay for $350ish.
New? I meant a new V750 retails for >$1K. Sorry - using the term "held its value" might have implied that I meant individual devices, but I meant the whole model. And yes, I realize it's no longer manufactured and that affects the market value, but still - you can find a V750 listed for sale new at multiple outlets. If no one bought them, I doubt they'd be listed....

[jdc]

huh, given their age, I never even considered there would be new ones left.

I paid near $1000 for my Epson Expression 636s (one with film scanner cover). They were SCSI. =)