mmcgavin

I have just received word that my beloved Nikon Coolscan V could not be resuscitated and has died. It was completely unresponsive electrically. I sent it to an independent repair agency as I did not know if Nikon would repair it. They replaced some type of power supply unit which was not successful and then determined that the motherboard was the problem and it also could not be repaired. The repair agency offered to buy the unit for $275 to obtain parts.

I would really appreciate advice.

There would appear to be 3 possible things I could do-

1. Accept the offer and sell the present unit for parts. This would avoid return freight charges.
2. Attempt to have the present unit repaired and if so who would be able to do it?
3. Attempt to buy a replacement unit.

What is the best procedure to buy a replacement unit?

They seem to vary in price enormously from five hundred up to over $2000, as listed online.
Where could I get one which was refurbished and had some guarantee?
I wonder if I would be better to stay with the “devil I know” in other words this unit and have it repaired, rather than acquire another- “the devil I dinna know”. My non functioning unit is about 15 years old and has scanned about 5000 slides.

If it is to be replaced, do I stick with Coolscan V or go to the 5000 or another model. I only do simple scans.

Appreciate any advice you can give.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

They replaced the power unit to later discover the MB was faulty?

Is this a peanut crew?

Bill_de Loc: US

Since it didn't occur to ask Nikon first, maybe you should ask them last.

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burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I'd let them have it for $275 and simply buy an Epson flatbed.

I'd also configure a rig with a slide holder, color correct light source, a macro lens or an enlarging lens on a bellows, and digital camera.

The image below was macro-photographed from a 1983 Kodachrome 64 slide. The rig used is shown below that, set up to copy B&W negs. Camera is a Panasonic Lumix GH4 with 30mm macro lens. The slide holder is cardboard, popsicle sticks, and a few magnets to hold it onto the rails (which were made from PC slot covers left over from adding cards to old computers). Most of the rest of it is scrap wood, except for the Omega B22XL enlarger negative carrier.

© 1983, 2017 Bill Burkholder

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Kuzano

Was it the coolscan guy on eBay. He fixed mine and was a wealth of information on software and the hacks to use the oem sw on other than XP. He also sell refurbed.

His ID on eBay has supercoolscan or similar in the name

Very good feedback. On his advice I used Vuescan with no hacks on both windows 7 and 10. His refurb prices were very reasonable.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Are you thinking of
nikon-scanner-pro?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-Coolscan-LS-2000-LS-30-Service-and-Repair-FREE-RETURN-SHIPPING/261438403022?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
He's the one I purchased my LS-2000 from in 2009, and I've had him CLA it {our basement seems to be filthy - I had to clean the inside of the computer that supports this scanner} since then for a very reasonable price. I believe is day job is as a software developers

NOTE: the Nikon scanners are much much better than setting up a copy stand and much better than a scanner from Epson. Getting this one fixed, or purchasing another, would make great sense.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have a new one in a box that I never used. Unfortunately it is up North and I will not return their until it stops snowing in 2018, usually about the middle of May. Send me a private message if your interested.

FotoPhreak Loc: Whittier, CA

I know UHH members really love their Coolscans. When I finally got around to scanning my slides, Nikon had stopped selling them. I started scanning my slides with a flatbed scanner and I got decent results, but I was never happy with them. Since a majority of my slides are medium format slides, my options for a real film scanner were limited. But a few years ago Plustek released their OptiFilm 120 scanner that will scan 35mm and medium format slides. Last year I purchased one and I am very happy with the quality of my scans. I am really love with their slide carriers. They are very robust and I wished there was something similar in the old days when I was printing my slides.

I have a couple of thoughts based on my experience with my Plustek scanner. First is that the technology in its innards is probably light years ahead of what was available when Nikon made their Coolscans. Plustek sells a number of 35mm scanners that cost in the $300-$500 range and most of them include SilverFast. Rather than being stuck in a Coolscan mindset, you might want to look into the latest film scanners. I have nothing to compare scans made with a Coolscan versus a more modern scanner, but I suspect the scans will be as good or better than the Coolscan scans. As far as I know, Plustek is the only company (outside of Hasselblads outrageously priced scanners) that still manufactures a good film scanner. I would suggest looking into a new film scanner. A flatbed scanner is another option, but my experience is that I am getting much, much better scans with my film scanner.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I just got an Epson V600 refurb from Adorama through Amazon for $183, delivered. Great scanner.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I use Plustek for B&W but Nikon for color usually; Nikon mechanism may be antiquated, but their multi-angle is best approach to my slides with surface issues.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

The on/off switch quit working on mine. Shipped it to Nikon and they fixed it. It was expensive, but SOOOO worth it. I'd call Nikon.