Microtek ScanMaker 6100 Pro Flatbed Scanner

Rating:
Summary: Good scanner for the money
Review: Here are a few impressions from a rather novice scanner. I bought the machine to do mostly 35mm slides, and 35 and 120 negatives, both color and black and white. I didn't want to invest in a dedicated Nikon 35mm scanner yet, because I just don't have the time right now to do enough scanning to make it worthwhile. Nevertheless, this scanner seemed to me at the time (4 months ago) to have the best software package: the full Silverfast version and have very good resolution.

The scans of 35mm slides are pretty good. One can use the Microtek software or Silverfast. Frankly if the slides are in pretty good shape, I would use the Microtek software since it is the faster than Silverfast in batch processing. On the other hand, when the slides are in bad shape, Silverfast really shines. In fact, Silverfast almost makes using Adobe Elements unnecessary. Oh, and Silverfast can do levels, unlike Elements.

As for negatives, Silverfast is wonderful. I scanned and printed some 30 year old TriX, dust and scratches, and what Silverfast could do for those brought tears to my eyes. What would have taken me hours in the darkroom, took only about 20 minutes. Overall, I have had not trouble with the unit so far.

Rating:
Summary: So far, so good!
Review: I've had the 6100 Pro for a little over a week now and so far I am pretty happy with it. Setup and install was fairly simple and so far I have had no problems with it. I am especially impressed with the included Silverfast AI 6 software included with the unit. My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and I have to scan a bunch of old family photos and create a slide show. When I scanned a picture of my parents wedding using Silverfast, the results were better than the original!