[Leica] Film/slide scanner recommendations? Samples? Anyone use Braun?

[ISILVERMN at aol.com (ISILVERMN at aol.com)]

Luis, Charlie, Tina, et al...
 
I've got to share my experiences with a Minolta Scanner with you.
 
I've had a Minolta Scan Elite II since 2002.  Almost exactly a year  ago, 
after scanning about 3500 slides and negatives, it stopped working  
properly, 
 Sony said hey could repair it, issued me return authorization,  and had me 
ship it to Precision Camera Repair in Enfield, CT.
 
They held it for a month.  Then, through Sony they sent an e-mail  saying 
it could not be repaired, and rather than return it, they would give me  $36 
credit (yup- 36 bucks) towards another Sony product.  I told them to  return 
it.
 
Upon its return, it still appeared not to work.  In the interim, I had  
upgraded to a Vista system from XP, so I set up the old computer using 
different  cables, and it seemed to start working OK.  A year and 4500 scans 
later,  
it's finally acting up again, and I have an Epson V600 on order from  B&H.
 
I'll see if new cables solve the problem this time, but from the sound of  
things, it appears the stepper motor drive may have lost a few  (plastic)  
gear teeth - not an uncommon problem on such hardware.
 
The points are:'
(1) there is no support for Minolta scanners in the US, particularly if  
parts are required.  A scanner CLA - maybe.  
(2) Sony will not support this Minolta product, and may have even been a  
bit deceptive in saying they would.
(3) If you are looking for used film scanner, stick with Nikon, but be  
absolutely certain of its condition before you buy it.
(4) For a new decent quality scanner, unless you are ready to pay the big  
bucks (and I wasn't), you're pretty much limited to a flatbed.
 
Sorry for the rant.  But if I could save somebody from going through  what 
I did.....
 
Best regards,
 
Ira Silverman
Irvine, CA
 
On Saturday, 5 June 2010 At 19:00:24 +0100, Charlie Chan wrote"
 
>>I had my Minolta Scan Elite 5400 serviced by the UK  distributor/service 
agent (Johnsons Photopia) 3 >>years ago - no  problem.