Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

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

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!

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

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.

After reading the many negative comments, I was pleasantly surprised at the results. Much better than the flatbed and transparency adapter that Id been using. Good sharpness. Only 1800 dpi, but thats more than adequate for web-work. Tried it with both slides and negatives - color balance required only minor adjustment. No grinding sounds. For what its worth, Im using the current TWAIN driver from the website, and did not install anything from the CD. If you decide to buy one - just make sure that the price is favorable, because there is much better gear available.

The scanner was delivered quickly and in good condition. I was excited to get it hooked up. I loaded the software CD included and I hooked up the scanner to the computer ..... and tried to scan a slide.......a message stated it couldnt find the scanner. I finally called the tech department at Pacific Image and was helped by a very nice young man. I discovered from him that the company stropped making this scanner in 2008 .....it is not compatible and will not work with Windows 8 or Windows 10. The software was impossible to uninstall. I called Pacific Image back and the same young man talked me through recovering my computer at a point before I had installed the software. While Im disappointed it didnt work, it was not the fault of the seller or Pacific Image Electronics and I would highly recommend Pacific Image Electronics as a company to buy another scanner from. I will take time to do more research in the future when I purchase something for my computer.

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.

The first Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner I received was damaged and would not work at all. I returned it and was sent another as a replacement. The scans from this scanner are terrible. This thing is junk. I returned the second PF1800U scanner and purchased a Minolta DiMAGE Scan Dual IV. It cost a little more but was well worth it. The Minolta is wonderful I have scanned close to 9000 slides with it and have had no problems.

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.

For little money the PrimeFilm PF1800U Scanner is a powerful tool. Its 1800 dpi max resolution is very good and the quality of scans is simply superb!