Comments about Microtek Microtek ArtixScan M1 Dual Media All-in-One Flatbed Scanner, 8.5" x 14", 4800-Dpi, USB Interface for Mac & Windows:

Used primarily for 35MM and medium format film scans, it achieved great results, even without calibrating. The colors are accurate and saturated and it produced very low noise 50+ Meg files immediately. However, the SilverFast SE Plus software has refused to work properly since the first day and I've given up using it from Photoshop CS3. Great care must be taken to allow the minute+ it takes to warm up the scanner prior to opening the software or you will be required to "Force Quit" (Mac OSX 10.5) the SilverFast application. There was considerable dust UNDER the reflective glass when it was received and the size and weight of the unit makes this a less than friendly cleaning process. Between the huge desktop unit size and the fact that the film drawer must be pulled out about 16" to load the glassless carriers makes this scanner a less than diminutive addition to the work table. Though it does not produce fast scan times, the results are worth the wait. With clean, high quality 35mm negs, we are producing some 16 x 20 fine art prints. Overall scan results have been excellent.That being said, there is one potentially big problem . . . Microtek has chosen to close their US support facility. I received a notice from them a few days ago. They are apparently going to offer only web based support for their products from now on and appear to be withdrawing from the North American market in favor of OEM agreements. The notice, [@], had I heard of it prior to purchasing the M1, would have altered my buying decision.