Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

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.

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 .

This is not a bad item when you need to scan a couple, but its very slow and the resolution is not good. If you need it for your family photos it can be a good product, but you have to think you will need a lot of time, if I could Ill try to get one with autofeed.

Bought it to bring my pictures into the 21st century. Still have it in case I stumble across more old negatives. (Id sell it, though).

My experience with this scanner hasnt been much different from what others have reported. Ive owned mine for about 5 years. From the very beginning, the scanner made a grinding sound, which continued for awhile until it warmed up (while grinding, the scanning mechanism appeared not to be moving). The software which came with the scanner produced less than satisfactory results. I bought Silverfast AI, which provided excellent images from both negatives and slides, but which (unfortunately for me) is specific to this particular device and will not work with my newest (replacement) scanner. After two or three years in the closet, the 1800u scanner was used again for some additional slides and worked satisfactorily (after the usual grinding). Two weeks ago, however, I again attempted to perform some scans -- this time without success. The grinding sound never did stop. Dozens of attempted phone calls to tech support were unsuccessful (the answering machine continuously reports that the staff is out to lunch). I did email Scanace (the manufacturer), and received a reply instructing me to open the unit and apply vasaline to the screw drive and the track bar. I did so, without success. The motor (as has been said elsewhere) lacks sufficient power to drive the traveling scan head. As the unit is out-of-warranty, the manufacturer wants a minimum of $75.00 to service the scanner (more if the problem takes more than one hour to resolve). I was offered a motor to install myself for about $18.00, but without any assurance that this would resolve the problem. I estimate that I have performed about 150 scans. Including the cost of the unit and software to use it, that figures out to about $2.00/scan! Definitely not a bargain!

All of the critical comments on this item are accurate, and many of those involve software. Picked one of these up for a few bucks (new in box with extra bulb) in 2004 or 2005 at GoodWill. The owner who dumped it had good reason apparently. Within a week I discovered updated software and everything was running smoothly. The original scans were disappointing. The original purchase receipt was still in the box and if memory is correct it was $160 or $170. The original bulb was fine so it can be assumed the owner was so exasperated over poor performance they ordered a second bulb - which was not the problem.

I have purchased two PF1800Us over the past 18 months, because it seemed the only option in my price range and I need quality slide scans (flat bed scanners definitely not an option). Both units had lamp failure, the second one after only a couple dozen slides. Customer service is hardly an option; difficult to impossible to reach via their website and not terribly helpful over the phone. I had to locate my receipt and register the product by fax before I was allowed to ask any questions, and I still didnt get any answers. Needless to say this was terribly disappointing. On the good side, the scan quality is quite good, though the process is very slow and you may have to close down most open programs to get it to work. Interfaces well with Photoshop. Would I buy one again? While the new version with the ICE software is quite tempting, Id have to say no. Im looking for another, more reputable brand. Maybe a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual III. About a hundred bucks more, but if it doesnt break down it will be well worth the extra money.

I ordered an A/C Power Supply Adapter and received a scanner without an A/C Power Supply Adapter.

While cleaning up my garage I found a large box with slides from our travels dating back to 1976. The cost of buying a slideprojector and screen surpassed the cost of the scanner. I have scanned about 200 slides already and am currently preparing a show to watch on TV. You really can not get any one to watch an actual slide show anymore. An other beauty of this transfer from positive film to digital is that I have been able to share these pictures over the internet with old friends. The initial quality of the scanned immage is okay, but the included Photoshop software lets you make wonderful restorations. Although I wished that it could scan faster I am very pleased with this product. Speed it up and I will give it a 5 Star rating. Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to share old data so easy with old friends and new ones.

I purchased this product and after it arrived I started to us it. It broke after the 2nd set of negatives. Luckly I got what I wanted in to it before it broke. The motor for the arm to move broke. The motor is to small and does not have the power to move the arm continously. I will not purchase another one. I will purchase the high dollar one with a return policy if it brakes.