Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual II Film Scanner
The Dimage Scan Dual II offers first-time users as well as advanced users an economical and versatile way to scan 35mm and Advanced Photo System film with the optional APS adapter AD-10. This new scanner combines three main features: simple USB connectivity, easy scanning operation, and high-quality images. It offers high-resolution scans up to 2, 820 dpi with 12-bit A/D conversion plus Minolta's newly designed Easy Scan Utility software, continuous scanning, and automatic image correction. These features combined with Minolta's Color Matching System and precise auto-focusing make the Dimage Scan Dual II an ideal choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable scanner.
If you're serious about image scanning, don't give the job to just any old scanner. With its high resolution, 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion, and a 2,820 dpi maximum resolution, Minolta's Dimage Scan Dual II is poised to render sharp, satisfying images from a wide range of film types. Give it positives and negatives in either 35mm or in the Advanced Photo System format--or on mounted 35 mm film slides. The scanning itself is easy: just load your film into the scanner using the included holder or adapter and make a few quick selections on the scanning software. Whether you're scanning for e-mail, a Web page, or a color print, the scanner automatically prepares the data format for you--and even optimizes image quality. Efficient continuous scanning saves trips to the scanner. The Dimage Scan Dual II is a handy, high-class companion for USB-ready Windows and Macintosh computers. What's in the Box
Scanner, driver software (Windows TWAIN_32, Macintosh Adobe Photoshop Plug-in, ColorSync profile), 35mm film holder FH-U1, slide mount holder SH-U1, AC adapter (AC-U1), USB cable UC-1, Adobe Photoshop LE, CD-ROM for Dimage Scan Dual II
Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual II Film Scanner Accessories
Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual II Film Scanner Reviews
Sony (Consumer) does not have any online resources, updates, or any other type of support for this device. It then kicked the slide holder out an eighth inch at a time. I found a refurbished one, and was able to get that with my limited budget. You have to rely upon hearsay materials from the internet. I sent it back, and took the bath on the restocking fee.
Other knocks: the transport mechanism is all plastic. What's worse is that Minolta has gone out of this business, and Sony (Consumer) is now in charge of parts and service. I was suspicious, but continued anyway, because I need to get the family's stuff done. Somebody else can risk their money on this useless, time-sucking box. I bought this scanner to do several hundred family slides. They're designed to mate only once; if you have to unplug them, you throw the cable out and put in a new one. I suspect that's the case with my 'refurbished' unit.
No amount of re-installs, re-initializations, or gently "helping" the slide tray into the scanner did any good. The scanner initialized correctly, but when I went to insert the slide holder, it just sat and rattled loudly. The scanner came in an old box, and without the original packing - unlike other refurbished items I've bought before; which came in new boxes and with new packing. I hooked it up and installed it per the instructions. I used to repair broadcast video gear for a living, but this is cheaply made inside with cheap connectors and cables. I wasted three whole days in fiddling with it.
Scanner gives Great Color and Contrast but the setup seems to take forever, under Win2000 scans terminated if IE/NS Browsers are used.,
Accurate colors and 8x10 prints are very sharp. However, I tried Viewscan software and the results became very acceptable and fast. 4 slides at 2800 dpi in about 10 minutes. I have scanned about 600 slides without a malfunction. Focusing was often inaccurate. I had some difficulty obtaining quality scans with this scanner, and the software wasn't very efficient.
If the Nikon IV wasn't so much money, I would have dumped it and went with it. It is currently in the shop being repaired. I bought this scanner and while pleased with the some of the scans, the software always seems to be locking up and is quite a nuisance.
The scanner is a decent , affordable package for low volume scanning of 35mm film (APS users add $200 for the APS adapter), but the software is a letdown for any volume scanning. One of the few USB and Macintosh compatible scanners, although more appear to be on the horizon. The software is not fully automated to do volume scanning, requiring manual intervention when saving (e.g. selecting filename and file format). When you want to scan 80 rolls of film, I'd rather just skip the preview and get straight to the scan. This sometimes results in upside down or flipped scans as I would have forgotten what orientation each frame was in. However, my biggest gripe is that the software does not show you the orientation of each frame without doing a 90sec preview first.
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