Microtek ScanMaker 8700 Flatbed Scanner

Pros: Many negative format choices, Adobe Photoshop 5 LE, firewire connectivity
Cons: 3.2 dynamic range, 2400x1200 resolution

I bought this scanner because it scans direct from the film plane-no glass to interfere with the scan. The Adobe Photoshop 5 LE software is powerful, a helpful tool with many options and features for editing and saving images.
For those not ready...

Pros: Excellent scanner for the money, fast, great quality
Cons: Higher resolution would be nice

I'm been shooting film for quite some time and decided to give digital a try. I consider myself to be a professional and wanted a professional scanner, but not something that would put me out. After reading a bunch of reviews I came up with the 8700 Pro. Came with Silverfast which I have heard great things about and this software that lets you blow up a 35mm slide to near poster size without pixelation occuring. Scanner also comes with calibration software that allowed me to plug in my ICM profile into the software for the correct color on everything. Next step is to obtain a great printer.

Pros: Excellent advanced controls, pristine quality
Cons: None

The scanner itself has what I value most: dependability. I need something that works everyday as I have no down time in my digital photography and design business. I can't tell a customer to hold on while I'm trying to get a product in for service. Needless to say this has not broken down on me since. It has metal rails which is nice when everything else looks like they have gone entirely plastic. With that being said I like the fact that they give you an advanced menu bar, not treating you as if you are to incompetent to know what color curves and descreening are used for. For those of you who do not know what I am talking about don't worry, they have a simple version of the software that comes with the scanner.