

Vuescan’s software based approach to dust & scratch removal is utterly useless in my opinion. Lastly, the software is fully licenced to access the scanner’s hardware-based infrared dust & scratch removal technology called ‘ICE’. I was also getting about a stop more detail in the highs with negatives and 2 or more stops of exposure in the shadows on slides than with other software (when using multi-exposure). The manual focus was cruel in its sharpness. I wasn’t satisfied with my results so I did a blind-buy of SilverFast Ai studio 8. I had to start somewhere, so I gave Vuescan a go and used it for many months. By then, Minolta’s own software was long obsolete. A few years ago, I purchased the Minolta second-hand off eBay for about 350 pounds sterling. The Vuescan vs SilverFast debate settled itself nicely. My Epson V550 might be fine for 6×7, it didn’t cut the mustard for 35mm. I also want fine art prints from cameras that I carry around with me all the time. Why not shoot medium format you may ask? Well I do, but many of this site’s readers find a Mamiya 7, Plaubel Makina, press camera or folder camera still too large. The goal is simple and clear: extract the highest quality image attainable from a 35mm transparency, just short of a PMT drum scanner. This brief guide will not focus on scanning grandpa’s vast collection of slides. This article will read very much like a luxury point-and-shoot review, as in, budget is of a low concern. This is a story of ‘SilverFast 8’ meets ‘Minolta Dimage Scan Elite 5400’ and how to get them to make sweet, celluloid love to each other. It’s important to know right here and now that this is not a Vuescan vs SilverFast thread. Have you got yourself a Minolta 5400 scanner? Want to know how to get the most out of it? Well, thankfully Johan Van Huyssteen has taken the headache out of the equation by writing this how to guide.
