Pacific Image Electronics PrimeFilm PF1800S Scanner with SilverFast SE Software

I bought this as an entry level scanner, not willing to shell out the $550 for the Nikon. The SilverFast software is a joke. It can't handle the output from the scanner. I got VueScan and viola... works like a charm. Scans are better than a flatbed and of course tweaked in Photoshop. Get the 1800u instead and save 10 bucks.

The SilverFast SE Software is the worst software I have ever used. The directions a vague and difficult to follow. The program is next to impossible to use. It is very difficult to get any help as it is only available (by phone) while I am at work and costs $1.99 per minute. No response yet from email attempts to get help. DON'T BUY THIS!

Reading some of the below reviews, I am reminded with I use a Mac (17" iMac 1.25ghz, 768 RAM): things usually work. The PF1800 is actually a good, if not outstanding, scanner. I am scanning all my Dad's slides in and it produces good, easy to use results. I use about 1200 to 3000 dpi which produces printable good quality images in manageable file sizes. Previously I was using an Epson flatbed scanner w/ slide attachment which was much slower and could not reliably reproduce quality scans. The PF1800 does though although not perfectly: it has trouble with darker slides which come out very grainy despite various manipulations. Also its CyberView 35 driver in Mac OS X (Panther) is not glitch free: it often mysteriously retrieves an old scan while posting a NEW slide and freezes up occasionally. I've had no problem with it overheating during EXTENDED scans. But it's MUCH cheaper than the rest and it DOES WORK. I've done about a thousand slides with it so far... I should know. Also check out Costco.com for a better price and a cool software bundle that includes Adopre Photo Elements. Happy scanning!

This little scanner works. After I got the new drivers, it worked fine with Windows XP. It's a one at a time scanner, and it takes about 5-7 minutes per slide. Problem: It overheats after 3 or 4 slides. You have to turn it off and start over after a half hour or so.

What a joke Pacific Image's customer support is. No help, all they say is we are aware of the issues. This was over a year ago. You have been warned