Summary:

(4 out of 5 stars!)

This slide and photo-negative scanner continues to be a proven workhorse, giving users A+ results.

With today’s ever-changing technology and upgrades, scanners usually last only a few years on retail shelves. That’s why we’re always pleasantly surprised to keep finding the Nikon CoolScan 5000 – a proven industry slide and negative scanner – still on major online shopping sites.

The Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED was introduced in 2003 and has performed well for users through the years – many of whom have used the 35mm slide scanner for literally thousands of heavy-duty slide scanning jobs.

The CoolScan’s SF210 auto-slide feeder is what makes this machine stand out from manual-loading 35mm scanners. NOTE: We have found several instances where individuals have experienced the auto-loader jamming at times, particularly if left unattended. However, the good news is that many of these same individuals have found ways to prevent the jamming (see the videos we found – under our “video tab” on this page). To give you perspective, one user wrote he scanned approximately 1,500 slides per week – with only about five jams – once he adjusted the plate for thickness of slides, and ran all the same types of slides at the same time.

Slide Scanner Speed

Speed-wise, another individual who tackles large slide conversion jobs said he routinely scans approximately 14,000 slides in six-months.

Product specs say scan times start at 20 seconds, but we believe it takes an estimated 45 seconds to one minute during production runs with the software active.

• Reliability for this 35mm slides to digital scanner is very high.
• Speed is above average and continues to outperform other 35mm and film-negative scanners (with the auto-feeder).
• Scan output/quality is excellent, once you’ve tweaked the ICE software settings to your preferences. It still outperforms many other scanners in this area – thus it’s longevity in the market.

We were happy to note that the Nikon CoolScan 5000 uses a USB connection to connect to a PC, which allows the throughput to keep up with the actual slide scanning.

Also, the ED in the product’s name is a reference to Nikon’s “ED-type glass,” which is obviously a part of the scanning mechanism. Just so you know, Nikon loves using ED glass to ensure that colors all focus at the same point. A big benefit to all users.

Nikon CoolScan 5000 | Set-up and Maintenance

We also noted that this Nikon film scanner takes up relatively little space for such a high-production scanner (see the “specs tab” for its exact size). Its small footprint means you can store it easily as well. Overall set-up is as simple as installing the ICE software suite and hooking up the USB cable (PC or Mac).

Our “No B.S.” Recommendation:

We give this scanner a huge thumbs-up – particularly for anyone who needs to convert slides to digital images on larger scales.

Best Place to Buy the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner

Still considered one of the best slide scanners on the market – particularly for larger jobs. | 135-IX240 film scanner

Pros:

• Performs large slide scanning jobs, saving you loads of time
• Excellent color and clarity with 4,000 dpi optical resolution, 4.8 density
• Slides to digital with east, including 16-bit A/D conversion, 8 or 16-bit output
• Up and running quickly – preview scans in 11 seconds, full scans as fast as 20 seconds
• Connect to your PC or Mac via USB interface
• Smaller footprint – requires little space

Cons:

• Individuals are saying the system’s software (Digital ICE4 with image correction) is a bit cumbersome and takes a little getting used to – but provides excellent output once you tweak to optimal setup.
• The auto-feeder is priced separately, and there’s several people who have reported that it jams if left unattended. However, other have figured out it’s all about running slides that are of the same “thickness” (based on the paper or plastic sleeves that hold the actual slide).  See our video tab to see the auto-feeder in action.
• Considered a pricier model, but well worth it for large slide to digital jobs.

Best Place to Buy the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner

Technical Details:

Best Place to Buy the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner

Nikon CoolScan 5000 Videos | Brochure | Troubleshooting Link:

Nikon SF210 How To Prevent Jamming

• Also, see permanent fix for SF-210 slide feeder | NO MORE JAMS
• Nikon CoolScan 5000 Brochure
• Nikon CoolScan 5000 Manual

Best Deal on the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner

User Reviews:

– (4 out of 5 stars!)

• Love the product, but suggest you use VueScan software instead of the ICE software that comes with the slide scanner. Likes how the system auto-names the slides to fit his file-naming system.
• You MUST clean the dust off your slides first, but then the scanner works like magic and converts slides to digital images with superb results. Software is a bit clunky.
• …have used several other film/slide scanners in the past…the 5000ED really performs. I highly recommend this scanner for archiving slides and film, and for getting a good digital image to work with in Photoshop. I have no problems producing 16×20 prints from scanned image. Quality in and Quality out. Quick scans for such high resolution with very consistent work flow.

The best place for reviews is from people who have actually used this product. See More Reviews for the Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner