Questions About Buying a Frontier SP3000

[sarang]

 

I am writing from India. I want to purchase a Frontier Sp3000. And the more I get to know how the scanner works and the possible risks associated with it, the more questions and concerns I develop. So if someone can help me answer the following ones it would be of massive help. 

 

1. Scanner Reset/Rebuild : Most if not all vendors I met import the scanner from China. And the way they go about it is they make the purchase of the standalone scanner - get it to India - format wipe out all data - reinstall windows + scanner PC softwares and deliver. From all things I read (source : chatgpt & online formus), wiping out original system configuration, calibration, registry & database from HDD and just reinstalling the softwares is one of the worst ways to do it. The scanner with scan but it won’t be close to true Frontier colors. How true this is? And what is the best way to deal with this?
2. Maintenance: How often do things go wrong in the SP3000? I will be taking a huge loan to make this purchase. So if there are future problems in terms of severe maintenance cost, etc I want to understand those better. 
3. Spares : What are the spare parts that I should keep in back up if I make the purchase.
4. T&C : What all should I be careful of and look for while making a purchase. 

I also want to understand how this will compare to the Noritsu HS-1800 in terms of output quality and risks associated.

[Minilab service]

Scanner computer is inside SP3000 . I think you get scanner with computer. If software will be in Chinese then need to open scanner maintenance and make scanner backup. Then need recovery CDs ( to install Windows ) , upgrade CD ( to upograde Windows ) , scanner system software ( A1, S1, or MS11 ) , connection to server software ( C4/C5, or MS01 scanner ) and optional modules. If during instillation you load backup then have all settings and adjustments.
On external computer need install C4/C5, S2, or MS01 server. On server can be XP, W7 32 bit, or W10 64 bit . 

If all adjustments are correct then need to make light source update and nothing else. If scanner adjusted incorrectly then need to make these adjustments.

Nobody know which parts will fail in the future. On SP3000 had to change or repair computer motherboards, power suppliers, CCD units ( CCD23 ) , image box parts ( RAM, main board, board with DSP ) , micromovement board and other parts. All they are very expensive. Parts from Fujifilm are discontinued and not all can get there. Mainly can get them from disassembled scanner units. 

Scanner software should be working. If doesn't work seller should have backup file with scanner settings - Init.001 . File Init.001 is archive ( can open with Winrar, 7-zip and similar software ) . File can't be damaged. Archiver software should extact files without errors.

On HS1800 is dynamic scanning. Scanner has thin CCD and picture scanned during movement. Scanner has automatic film carriers for 135, 240, 120, 110 films, mounted slides and manual film carrier.  Maximal resolution 4492 × 6774 ( 135F ) , 4824 × 7066 ( 120 6x9 ) . Scanner is small and light. Scanner has CCD, LCD light source, 3 boards and 3 power suppliers. Scanner connected using USB2 to computer with W11,W10 64 bit, or any other.

Similar resolution ( 4988 x 7428 if to scan 135F ) have Konica scanners ( DS1000E, DS1010E, DS2000E, DS2001E, FS3000T ) . Scanner connected using Firewire 400 . Konica scanners - cheaper HS1800 alternative.

SP3000 scanner has big table and it takes a lot of space. On SP3000 is static scanning. Frame goes to position where is CCD and whole frame scanned at the same time. Using micromovements CCD moved and scan the same frame in few positions ( up to 8 ) . CCD resolution is 2048 x 1536 ( proportion 1 : 1.33 ) . When frame has different proportion can use only part of CCD. For example 135F and 120 6x9 have proportion 1 : 1.5 . 120 6x6 proporion is 1 : 1 . CCD sides ( about 50 pixels ) are unused, so resolution will be lower. The best CCD can use 120 6x8  ( proportion 1 : 1.33 ) , so the biggest resolution can get if to scan this film. 
If to scan 135F, or 120 6x9 then on CCD used about 1300x1950
If to scan  120 6x8 then on CCD used about 1466x1950
If to scan  120 6x6 then on CCD used about 1435x1435
If to scan 8 times ( in different positions ) then resolution will be about 4 times bigger ( for example about 5200x7800 for 120 6x9 )  . Of cource this scanning is 8 times longer. Some pixel positions might match, so real ammount of pixels can be lower.
How many times to scan depends on selected print size. Can be 1-scanning, 2-scannings, 4-scannings, or 8-scannings.

Scanner has automatic film carrier to scan 135 films. To scan other films need manual film carrier and mask for exact format. Exists automatic film carrier for 120 films, but it is very rare and hard to find.

 

Edited February 23 by Minilab service

[sarang]

 

Okay thank you so much! Some follow up questions I had!

• The scanner backup that needs to be made before wiping out software & windows is essentially cloning the hdd right? Or just need to copy the scanner backup folder into other hdd? My vendor does have all the softwares for scanner pc and external PC. I am just worried about the scanner backup/original system configuration. The int.001 file I think that you mentioned.
• How fast is the frontier compared to say dslr scanning? I scan and convert one roll at 4000 x 5000 pixels in dslr scanning in under 20 mins. How long does Frontier take to autoscan, adjust and save and export at similar resolution. Does it have problems like slowing down and heating up because of the old pc?
• Is Noritsu HS-1800 a better & safer option?

[Minilab service]

Here is not HD image file. File Init.001 ( not int as you wrore ) is archive with scanner settings. Settings are on scanner board and on Fuji software. Backup can make on scanner software maintenance menu. Of cource you have do it before to wipe HD. Backup is made to disk "A" . By default it is floppy, but it is possible to change it. Backup archive can't leave on floppy. Need to copy this file to more reliable place. Also need test file - extract it using archiving software ( should be extracted without errors ) . Software will need  Init.001 file. You need recovery CD, install scanner system software ( during instillation load Init.001 file ) , connection with server software and optional modules. Also need install software on server.

Do not know frame which can have 4000 x 5000 resolution. Closest resolutions  can have 120 4.5x6 ( 3750 x 5000 ) , 120 6x7 ( 4000 x 4667 ) and 120 6x8 ( 4000 x 5333 ) .

On SP3000 with 4 scanning maximum can get 2932x3900. Bigger resolution can get only when used 8-scanning. That means scanning would be slow. 8-scanning resolutions on SP3000 would be 4320x5760 ( 120 6x4.5 ) , 5760x6720 ( 120 6x7 ) and 5864x7800 ( 120 6x8 ) .

Noritsu HS-1800 is old S4 scanner, where changed one board. On HS-1800 fails light source, board where connected scanner CCDs, main board and power suppliers. Light source is expensive. Main board is discontinued and can't get it from Noritsu. Light source and boards can be repaired, but it is not cheap. To get similar resolution need select HIGH . Scanning would be slow, but it would be faster than on SP3000. HS-1800 has automatic carriers, so 120 film scanning is more easy than to scan manually ( frame by frame ) .

[sarang]

The more I understand this, the more I feel HS-1800 would be better option even though it is expensive. 
Are there things like backing up system configuration and original calibration data in Noritsu as well? As it is there in Frontier SP3000? Because this might also come from China, it will be formated and I want to understand if I will face the same concerns with purchasing HS-1800.

Is there anyway for me to know what all I need to check before buying the Noritsu HS-1800? And what spares are absolutely necessary. 
 

Thank you so much.

[Minilab service]

Backups can make on any scanner. Backup has all settings. 

When have backup file then very easy to restore settings. When do not have it need to install scanner from 0 . To do it need special tools. SP-3000 adjustment tools are rare, expensive and hard to find. So better to have scanner backup.

If to buy HS-1800 look how good is light source. Can see it on scanner sensitivity check menu. Ask to send these graphs with two zoom rates. Also check film carrier ( rollers and sensors ) . Ask how many film carriers are included ( 135, 240, 120, carrier for mounted slides ) .

In advance do not need to have any parts. Usually on HS-1800 fails film carriers, light source, board which is at the top of scanner unit, main board and power suppliers. Light source can buy new, but it costs about 5000 . It is easy to get power suppliers, but can do it if any of them stops to work. Boards can't get from Noritsu. If will need can find used boards, but they are very expensive. Boards, light source, film carrier, power suppliers can be repaired. I had to repair many of them.

Cheaper HS-1800 alternative are Konica scanners. Maximal resolution is a little higher than on HS-1800 . Scanner size is similar with HS-1800, but weight is double ( 20 kg and 40 kg ) . HS-1800 is made of plastic and Konica scanners good quality Japanese metal. Konica scanners never have problems with light source ( because there used standard 5 mm LEDs ) . HS-1800 light source made using bare LED's ( crystals mounted on ceramic board ) . 

[sarang]

Which Konica scanners in particular would you recommend? Are they better than Noritsu in terms of quality and speed, or just as good?

As for the Noritsu check you said in scanner maintenance. Could you explain it I didn’t understand it the “graphs with two zooms”.

thank you!

[Minilab service]

If to open scanner sensitivity check menu there see 4 curves ( Red, Green, Blue and Infrared ) . You need to see them. Ask to make screenshots with 0.621 zoom rate and 1.34 zoom rate.

Konica scanners are older than HS1800. On other hand HS1800 is based on Noritsu S4 scanner and it is not a new.
Noritsu is light scanner ( 20 kg ) and Konica is heavy ( 40 kg ) . Size is similar.
Noritsu and Konica has similar maximal resolution ( Konica resolution is a little bigger ) .
Broken, or weak light source is typical problem on Noritsu scanners. Konica scanner light source is very reliable. Sometimmes need replace internal mirror ( if surface is damaged ) .
Noritsu HS-1800 connected using USB 2.0 ( speed 480 ) . Konica connected using firewire 1394a ( speed 400 ) . Noritsu scanner just a little faster.
Noritsu HS-1800 pas automatic film carriers to scan 120 films and mounted slides. Konica has only manual film carriers.
Noritsu HS-1800 is expensive. Konica scanners are cheap ( about 5 - 7 times cheaper ) .
Konica scanners are discontinued. Can get parts only from used disassembled scanners. For HS-1800 can get new ligth source. All boards can get only used ( can't get from Noritsu ) .

Konica scanners are DS1000E, DS1010E, DS2000E, DS2001E, FS3000T ( from oldest to newest ) . The best choice would be 2000/2001 . They are newer and most popular ( more easy to get parts ) . DS1000 and DS1010E are oldest models. DS1010E is rare. FS3000T is the latest, but it is rare model also.

[sarang]

Okay thank you! 
Some follow up questions.

- I am not able to find any video/scanned samples etc of the Konica scanners on the internet. Any source where I can read more see how these scanners operate and how the results look? They are not even listed on ebay Aliexpress Alibaba anywhere. So I am worried if parts would be available.

- Does it not have auto carrier for 135? Is even 135 manual? 
 

- How does it compare to Noritsu in terms of colors, look and feel of the image. 
 

Thank you 

[Minilab service]

All Konica scanners have automatic film carrier for 135 films.
Also can be universal film carrier to scan films manually - frame by frame. With universal film carrier can use masks for 120, 110, 240, 135 films and mounted slides. Also can be automatic film carrier to scan 240 ( APS ) films, but nobody use it.

Never saw these scanners on Aliexpress. Saw them on Ebay. Now do not see offers. How looks DS2001E can see here :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385026494826
https://www.fotronix.uk/product/konica-r2-film-scanner-35mm-and-120-capable/
More images and videos can find on Google. Use Konica scanner picture and Google Lens.

Scanner can get from someone, who had Konica minilabs ( R1-1000, R1-1400, R2-700, R2-1000, R3-1000 ) . Many minilabs stoped to work, but scanners still work. I think you can find them locally.

To scan need Konica Phenix software and USB dongle to run it. 

Here can see information abut R2 series minilabs and scanners :
https://footprintsequipment.com/images/brochures/Konica/digital/R2_super_series.pdf 
R2-700 has DS-2000E scanner and R2-1000 has DS-2001E .

Konica scanner parts can get only from disassembled scanners. The same is with Noritsu HS-1800 ( most parts can't get from Noritsu ) .

All scanners work as good as they are adjusted. The same can be with Fujifilm, Noritsu, Konica and other brands.

 

[matros]

Hello, just wanted to jump on this topic as well about Frontier SP3000. 

I'm using a FE (S1, S2, etc) version that was found in China. They claimed that MS (MS1 - MS11) is virtually not used there. Hence the reason I am stuck with FE. 

I see many users discussing about MS as a version of software with better overall usability. And the general idea is workstation with FE cannot be easily converted to MS. 

Please guide me if there is a method to change to MS (even if it will be comprehensive method, its okay for me). 

[Minilab service]

To have MS software instead of FE need reinstall both computers - scanner and server.

With SP3000 can use :
FDIA : A1 + C4/C5 + optional modules ( on scanner and server )
FE : S1 + S2 + optional modules
MS : MS11 + MS01 scanner software ( for W2K ) + MS01 server + optional modules

On scanner computer should be Windows 2000 PRO.
MS01 server can be installed on XP, W7 32 bit, or W10 64 bit. It depends on MS01 version. 

[matros]

Thanks for posting reply! 

I'm going to make backups with floppy disk for scanner, and clone SSD for the workstation CPU and server CPU, before I try to reinstall MS into my current.

[MS : MS11 + MS01 scanner software ( for W2K ) + MS01 server + optional modules]
Could you kindly share more what optional modules mean? 
Comparing MS with FE, will it be really improved experience for me by using MS? I think MS unlocks more UI choices on edits and even to export in TIFF directly are good reasons. 
 

[Minilab service]

When make scanner backup then transfer backup files from floppy to some other place. Then using Winrar try extract file .001 . Archive should be extracted without errors. If have errors then archive is unreadable and need to make new backup.

Optimal modules are MS12 - MS21 . For example MS16 ( 6 frame view ) , MS18 ( skin tone customization ) and others. Also are MSP modules to connect various printers ( for example MSP47 to connect DL650SA, MSP80 to connect DE100 and many others ) .

FE and MS have different working interface. S2 ( FE server ) looks like other Fuji software ( for example S1 on scanner, or S9 on FMPC ) . To FE can connect only older minilabs ( 3xx and 5xx ) and stand alone scanners . FE software has optional modules ( S3 - S30 ) . For example S5 Professional Color Correction Software , S4 Tone Selection Software , S12 Red-Eye Correction Software and others.
MS01 server has absolutelly different working interface. MS01 is universal. Can connect dry printers, minilabs, stand alone scanners
When installed FE, or MS01 you can scan .tiff . 

FE software works on XP. MS01 server can be installed on XP, W7 32 bit, or W10 64 bit ( depends on MS01 version ) . Computer can be real, or virtual ( on any virtual machine ) . 

If you want reinstall software write private message and I can help to do it.