Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

I purchased that scanner to finally convert my slides to jpeg pictures. It took me over 4 hours to scan only 40 pictures. Why? Because the software was constantly hanging after the second slide. I had to reboot the PC after 2-3 scans. The problem is the driver software called CyberView X-FX.

very good results for an inexpensive 35mm film scanner and scans negatives as well as slides. The scanner only takes 35 seconds per scan and offers very good quality for a very low cost as compared to other film scanners costing over twice as much.

Dont entertain the thought of converting 1000s or even 100s of slides with this . Software is poor , manual is lacking . At best , quality of scans is just OK if the slide or neg is perfect .. and the weather is good .. your mood is not bad .. moon is full etc. etc. Top notch film scanners with Digital ICE run 500.00 to well over a 1000.00 bucks . Most of these require a SCSI interface . When I got mine it was 75.00 MSRP , It was worth it .

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 had the same problem as others with this scanner. i used it for a few days and it worked great. i went to use it again a few weeks later and nothing. I manged to get a new one over the weekend and just plugged it in this am and it burned out. No more items from this company for me.

Its as bad as the other reviewers noted back in 2003. Mine runs properly but the resolution is worse than your kids Barbie camera. If you had Kmart make prints when you had your film developed, scan those paper prints on a flatbed scanner to get better digital images than you can obtain from this. Buy something else. If you are determined to proceed - Recent 2013 edition TWAIN software, SF_ENG_1.3.exe, is available from scanace.com (The manufacturer). This makes the scanner visible to Photoshop, Irfanview etc. But the scanner still wont be visible to MS Paint or Paint.Net since those use a different protocol. Some of the prior 5-star reviews have to be shills who intended to raise the ratings average. This device needs both hands to release the film clamp before your negative is free to move to the next frame.(Or fall to the floor). Clumsy. Then each scan is done individually. I wouldnt have the patience to capture and edit a collection of negatives as was claimed. Your type of film can be specified in a menu. Choosing raw type, then editing in separate software, gave better color balance for me compared to the scanners presets. This devices era has passed. Much better gear is available now. At least I didnt pay too much for it. It had been on the shelf so long that it was marked 75% off from Goodwills original $3.98. It will soon go back.

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

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.

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 .