Advice Needed re Minolta Dimage Scan Dual 35mm Film Scanner

I have been offered an early version of the Dimage Scan Dual 35mm Film
Scanner (e.g. pre-USB), which will require me to purchase and fit a
suitable SCSI card to my computer.

However before I go to the time trouble and expense, I was hoping that
someone may be able to offer some advice on potential compatibility
problems I may encounter with this installation (especially now that
Konoica Minolta has withdrawn from the consumer photographic field), as
follows:

The scanner was originally intended to operate under Windows 95 /98; so
am I likely to encounter any problems in trying to run it under Wndows
XP (SP2) using the original drivers. If so, are suitable drivers
available from any source or is this a lost cause?

The SCSI cards recommended by the manual include Adaptec AHA-1505
series, AHA-1520 series, AHA-1540 series or AHA-2940 series. Does
anyone have any experience as to which of these might be the best, what
the likely cost would be and where would be the best source of supply?

Any info on the above would be gratefully received.

 

Or you could go with a usb to scsi adapter. These work under Linux without
even installing a driver.

As I understand it, they have not 'withdrawn' they were bought by Sony.

Or you could use Linux and not worry about any drivers.

Again, it should also work with a USB to SCSI adapter. SCSI is SCSI.

 

Another solution would be to purchase an old used Mac computer with the
built in SCSI. This scanner came with drivers and software for the Mac
(OS8 or OS9).

 

Personally, I think you are investing in old technology.

I had the dual scan, with the USB. This was before it included Digital ICE.
It developed a serious banding problem, and was sent back to Minolta under
warranty. Over all, I had some difficulty getting good, sharp scans, partly
because the slides in paper mounts were not always flat. Noise was another
problem, and I needed noise reduction software.

I already had the SCSI card, but didn't use it. I believe the SCSI
interface is on the way out, too.

You may well have to get new drivers to make it work under XP, or the New
Vista, when it is released.

If it were me, I would buy a new unit, and avoid all of the potential
expense and headaches that may come with the older unit.



--
You can take good photos with a bad camera, and horrible photos with a good
camera.

Stan Beck > From New Orleans to Brandon MS
To reply, remove 101 from address.
***

 

I had one of these, used it via a SCSI to USB converter, and it was
crap when it was working properly - don't do it.

 

I have the Minolta Scan Dual III (USB version) and it works great with
Windows XP sp2. The drivers loaded right up with no problem. The
images I get from scanning negatives are outstanding - absolutely no
problems. If you can get the scanner for a good price I would recommend
that you give it a try. Worse comes to worse you can always sell it
on-line.

 

Many thanks to all those who took the time to post a reply on my query.
I now have a clearer idea of what i need to do.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!