Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800U USB Film Scanner

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 .

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.

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.

The scanner was delivered quickly and in good condition. I was excited to get it hooked up. I loaded the software CD included and I hooked up the scanner to the computer ..... and tried to scan a slide.......a message stated it couldnt find the scanner. I finally called the tech department at Pacific Image and was helped by a very nice young man. I discovered from him that the company stropped making this scanner in 2008 .....it is not compatible and will not work with Windows 8 or Windows 10. The software was impossible to uninstall. I called Pacific Image back and the same young man talked me through recovering my computer at a point before I had installed the software. While Im disappointed it didnt work, it was not the fault of the seller or Pacific Image Electronics and I would highly recommend Pacific Image Electronics as a company to buy another scanner from. I will take time to do more research in the future when I purchase something for my computer.

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 .

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

Bought it to bring my pictures into the 21st century. Still have it in case I stumble across more old negatives. (Id sell it, though).

For little money the PrimeFilm PF1800U Scanner is a powerful tool. Its 1800 dpi max resolution is very good and the quality of scans is simply superb!

This was a fine product in its day, but that day was Windows XP and its long gone. The manufacturer is no longer supporting this model. You should purchase something that is compatible with Windows 10.

it is impossible to get tech support for this product. i have a burnt out scanner bulb, and i know that it will be next to impossible to have it replaced, as i have tried all day to access any form of aid. they want to sell them, but look out, if it breaks. i give the device two stars.