Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

Customer support [is bad]; the drivers and software that I bought in March 2003 had a 1996-1998 copyright date; and worst of all, scans get progressively darker. A scanner that cant handle exposure settings! its OK until it runs thru its calibration routine, then its the beginning of the end. I went thru two different units, they both were terrible.

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

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 always galling when a product has poor reviews exclusively and a guest reviewer shows up proclaiming the companys virtue as only an employee can. Its obvious Pacific Image sent someone over to perform a weak attempt at spin after so many disappointing customer comments. DONT BELIEVE THEM!!! This product is poor quality compounded with weak customer support. Its ironic that all of the reviews complain about the service yet the company clearly has time to counter opinions they dont like in a poorly composed anonymous review. That employee could have been helping one of these poor people! Nikon and Minolta are two reputable companies in this field - Pacific Image is not.

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.