Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED Film Scanner Review

My product is actually the Coolscan 8000, the predecessor to the 9000. They are almost identical.
I would like to provide solutions for some of the people who have commented negatively about this scanner. First don't even consider using the Nikon software. Simply download VueScan from Hamrick software instead. When considering the cost of this scanner the less than 0 price of VueScan is a pittance to pay for a perfect software that not only masters this scanner but also includes drivers for 1200 other scanners. VueScan is superior to all of the software that comes boxed with scanners. Only one software to learn to become the master of 1200 scanners.
What is more VueScan is available for ALL versions of Windows, MAC-OSX, and Redhat and Ubuntu Linux. I am presently using my scanner with an older Toshiba laptop running Linux. The installation was truly plug and play. Install VueScan, plug in the scanner and begin scanning.
The scanner does run slowly and does make a bit of noise during operation. However, one need only load a batch of film and then walk away until it is finished. I don't find the work flow to be a problem. I can understand that if one has tens of thousands of films and wants them completed immediately that speed is an issue.
My guess is that Nikon are not developing this product any further because the market for film scanners must now be minuscule since digital photography has become a mainstay. If you have a reasonable number of frames to scan over time then this is the scanner to buy, almost regardless of your operating system. Just plan to buy Vuescan for under 0 as well and you will be happy.
Nikon does offer complete servicing for this product but it must be sent to their East Coast facility. They are cordial, communicative, and the repairs are competent.
Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED Film Scanner Feature
- 4,000 dpi optical resolution
- 16-bit A/D conversion, 8 or 16-bit output
- Scan speeds as fast as 40 seconds
- Digital ICE4 advanced suite of image correction technologies
- IEEE 1394 FireWire interface, PC and Mac compatible
Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED Film Scanner Overview
Includes Nikon Film Scanner LS9000 Super Coolscan ED Body FH-835S 35mm Strip Film Adapter FH-835M 35mm mounted film holder FH-869S 120/220 strip film holder IEEE-1394 Board IEEE-1394 Cable (6 pin-6 pin) Nikon Scan Software AC Power Cable Manual.
Nikon Super CoolScan 9000 ED Film Scanner Specifications
A high-performance dedicated film scanner designed for imaging professionals, the Super Coolscan 9000 ED offers high-quality scanning of 35mm slides, 35mm film strips, medium-format film, medium-format slides (with optional 120/220 mounted film holder FH-869M), glass slides for microscopes (with optional Medical Slide Holder FH-8G1), and 16mm film (with optional 16mm film holder FH-816). The Scanner-Nikkor ED glass lens offers a 4,000 dpi optical resolution, while the 10,000-pixel, three-line monochrome linear CCD image sensor and 16-bit per color A/D input (8-/16-bit output) provide true-to-life, brilliant results.
Nikon's own LED illumination technology ensures accurate color separation with no warm-up time or risk of heat damage. Scan times are as fast as 40 seconds including image transfer to display, and as fast as 13 seconds in preview mode. Automatic color/contrast compensation helps you achieve accurate results, while the ICE4 advanced digital image correction suite of technologies, including digital ICE, digital ROC, digital GEM, and digital DEE, helps to restore old slides to their original glory. Additionally, the included Nikon Scan 4 software provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use interface for managing your scans.
The Super Coolscan 9000 ED has an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface, while one-touch scan and preview buttons will have you scanning film in no time. PC and Mac compatible, the Super Coolscan 9000 ED also comes backed with a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Scanner, CD-ROM, interface card for Mac OS and Windows, strip film holder FH-835S, slide holder FH-835M, 129/220 strip film holder FH-869S
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 14, 2010 15:00:04