-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [Fwd: microfilm reader/printer]
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 09:48:01 -0700
From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
------------------
Rich,
For the past year and a half we have been using two Canon 800
digitizers. They are linked to individual laser printers and PCs. We are
quite pleased with them, and they have performed admirably (so far).
Usage is fairly heavy, and patrons appreciate the ability to scan
documents to the PC, where they can either download to Zip disk
(documents are usually too large for floppy disks) or email the document
anywhere. There is no charge for this procedure, but we charge 10 cents
for a laser printout. Both machines can handle microfiche and microfilm.
Even ultrafiche is scan-worthy with our most powerful lens.
The one weak point is the microfilm carriage unit, which slides back and
forth. The unit itself is excellent, but the guide rails tend to loosen
up, so the user is obliged to use both hands in sliding it to and fro.
After a very expensive (and, I was later to find out, worthless) service
call to investigate the matter, I learned that it was something that
didn't even need fixing at all, because the rails inevitably loosen up
again. Planned obsolescence! We tolerate the problem because, after it
reaches a certain point, it doesn't get any worse. Thus we are not
subscribing to any mind-numbingly expensive maintenance scam program.
Sorry to be scathing, but for years we poured thousands down the drain
for existential service from apathetic (and constantly changing)
maintenance personnel. Now we 'pay as we go' when problems are
encountered. Problems are still encountered with our four aging Minolta
RP605Z series, but the Canons have yet to cause anything but the problem
mentione!
d above. And the Minoltas are doing better, because the Canons have
made their lives easier. We actually feel pretty confident that we made
the right choices in this situation, and that progress was definitely
made.
We also thought that the Canons ultimately offered more than the
Minoltas, at least for our needs.
Brian
Brian P. Bach
Maps Specialist
Documents/Maps
Central Washington University Library
400 E. 8th Ave.
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
[log in to unmask]
>>> [log in to unmask] 04/28/03 01:59PM >>>
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: microfilm reader/printer
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2003 09:34:26 -0400
From: "Boardman, Richard" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Hi,
Am looking for some opinions/advice/comments on a microfilm
reader/printer.
I currently have a used Minolta 607z reader/printer. It's adequate for
much
of my needs but an integral part has failed and our contract vendor is
not
anxious to replace it. The machine is no longer in production and I can
see
problems growing in the future. I've looked at both the Minolta and
Canon
digital copiers and both have their good and less than desirable points.
Does anybody have experience with either (or both) of these copiers? As
far
as I can tell, Minolta and Canon are the only two companies that make
microfilm reader/printer combinations. True? I'd welcome any experience
that
users have had, comments, suggestions, etc. Thanks.
Rich Boardman
Map Collection
Free Library of Philadelphia
|
