Buy Microtek ScanMaker 8700 USB ScannerMicrotek ScanMaker 8700 USB Scanner Product Description:
- USB and FireWire connection
- 42-bit color depth
- 2,400 x 1,200 dpi resolution, 9,600 by 9,600 dpi enhanced resolution
- Scans both reflective art and multiformat film
- Includes software bundle
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful.
By A Customer
I have to add this to my previous review, in all fairness to reviewing. I had to return my 8700 to Microtek. After a phone call to tech support, he determined that my unit may have had a hardware problem due to the inconsistent manner my scanner would or would not work. It would or would not scan the image-it might do a partial scan then black out the rest-or it might scan correctly-I just never knew what it would do.When you would click the arrow in the toolbar to shut it down, it would not respond.I did not get an owner's manual with my first scanner. So I sent it off; the replacement was a different story. It worked! It has not given me any "partial" scans; it has shut down properly everytime, and it had the owner's manual.After e-mailing tech support to find out about the dynamic range, (indicates how a scanner might produce shadow detail) I found out it was a 3.2. This is not so great; I had noticed on more than a few slides that the shadow detail was lacking.For me, this scanner prints better from negatives, as the film I use has very good latitude. 2400x1200 dpi optical for 35mm is okay but if you are serious about your work, wanting enlargements, your negatives or slides better be super sharp, with good contrast-otherwise I would look for a higher dpi output, or try a larger negative format.To wrap this up, I wish this scanner had a better dpi output and a higher dynamic range-I would say the two most important characteristics, besides very sharp scans. Otherwise, the scanner is easy to use; the other features make it enjoyable to use. I would give it 3 stars, but the ability to print from larger negatives-4x5, 6x6-6x9 film negatives or unmounted slides, or 8x10 transparency holder w/glass hopefully will help out the quality of my enlargements-will have to wait and see.
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful.
By A Customer
The product is OK, but Microtek's support options are second to, well, everyone. You can call a toll number, listen to more options than you ever thought possible, and hold for at least twenty minutes, or you can browse their shockingly inadequate website. I'm not sure that it isn't more prudent to go with a different brand that has more comprehensive support options, especially if you are a new or inexperienced user.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
By A Customer
The scanning capabilities from this model are excellent. It comes with a firewire card and cable (in addition to a USB cable) that installed easily in my computer(instructions are easy-remove panel from computer-ground yourself by touching the computer case or chassis to prevent static electricity). WinME automatically recognized it right away. My only gripe is that for what this scanner costs, that it does not include a DETAILED user manual. Customer service is a long wait on the 1-800#. I gave up and worked out my questions myself-like how to get to the PRINT menu from PhotoshopLE-a real pain. Also, the tools in the Photoshop menu grey-out. What is going on here? It depends on what file or folder the preferences (in the edit button) get moved to. I'm not sure how they get moved in the first place. It is hard to get to print from the "MY IMAGES" file or folder; another thing I need to work out. From Microtek's photo scan menu, it depends on where you save the image-then a copy button finally pops on the interface (don't ask me how, I don't remember what I clicked) replacing the scan button. VERY FRUSThttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV781kxOqnsvBb6LNuxmHZBMuO-VV56ZwMUb6uOa8ARYnszg6O6xjjNcottXIpNqBC6PwyJVpqcG-AglhJzVggOOC7l59r2xd-JhoZmOxYkujJa-eZJ5GKdyt3oe71NK-MXBJ5K75ZxRk/s1600/rating+4.png; took this dumbbell forever to figure out. I really questioned this purchase, and considered returning it but I will keep it, as I am a serious photographer and need the control for my printing. The slide and film holders for DIRECT scanning (no distortion from glass), 42bit color, legal size scanning, 2400x1200, 9600 interpolated dpi are GREAT accesories and qualities for the PRICE. My printer is a 1200x1200dpi inkjet that came w/the computer. The results are ok-color rendition fom scanner is TRUE & EXCELLENT (5 STARS!!) that is important for me, but I see some graininess, so I will upgrade to a higher dpi printer in the future. The software includes Adobe Photoshop 5 LE-this takes some working with, as there is not much in the way of a manual for this. The additional software lets you create a web page, & share photos on the web. There is an icon on the desktop menu bar with a green arrow that when you scroll over it says unplug or eject hardware-DON'T click this-it does not shut the scanner off, it uninstalls something, then you have to re-install the scanner. Useless button that should be talked about or explained in the non-existant user manual. When I first installed the scanner and used it, it worked fine. When you shut down or let the computer sleep, THEN you can turn off the scanner-don't do it before, because then windows won't be able to find the scanner when you go to turn it back on. I have had to uninstall and re-install this scanner twice because windows could not find it. Maybe others have not had the problems I've had, but once you work your way through the menus, it does get better. I would give it 5 stars, but technical support is a toll number-you have to call customer service; hopefully they will help. Also, easier scan to print or copy menus and a thorough user manual would help. But image quality is nice, color is great, even Microtek's scan interface with imaging controls are very good.
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Three (NOW SEVEN!) years and running great!