" The hardware for this scanner is very good but the software is very poor. It is difficult to navigate and yields limited results. Adobe Photoshop is not much better.

Wouldn't install properly on either Mountain Lion or Windows 7. Was not even usable on OS, and on Windows, it would only scan negs as a B/W photo of the whole setup. Will be returning tomorrow.

Just got an email saying that the two items ordered are not going to be arriving. That, in spite of the fact that Amazon.com still says that the pricier item is in stock. So why did I NOT GET my most important Christmas gift? Will not do business with this company again. Just too disappointing.

I bought this scanner two years ago to digitize all of my old 35mm pictures & negatives. I had to let it sit until last month when I finally started using it. Installation was a snap and the software was well thought out. The scans were high quality - especially on my 35mm negatives.

Doing my Internet searches found the Epson Perfection V500 at a best price of £176.99 including free delivery from the first link below.

For photographers looking for a serious scanner to help bring their old prints and negatives into the digital age, then the Epson Perfection V500 Photo scanner is a fantastic option. It's aimed at the enthusiast who is after quality, without the professional price tag and at £199; you get quality in...

I got this right after Xmas, mainly for scanning negatives. So far they have all come out great. If the negative is a little bowed, put the 'crown' up, if you don't, you will get some distortion in the image. Make sure to select the size you want prior to finalizing the scan.

Easy to use; one button operation

No negative feeder; a little slow

The scanner seems versatile and easy to use. The digital Ice program seems mostly useless hype -- why bother to offer. I'm not convinced this Epson scanner produces as high quality scans as my old Canon 9550F. I have a feeling I should have bought the Canon 8400F instead of this Epson.

Easy Installation/Good Instructions; easy to use

scan quality

Not having to adjust the color of the lamp is a major advantage, and I'd assume LEDs last longer than fluorescents, though it doesn't matter because with scanners, the software usually fails to keep up with operating systems more than the hardware itself fails.

Easy To Setup; Good Bit Depth; Good Resolution; Widely Compatible

Poor Software

I have used the Epson V500 for several years, but also have experience with both the Nikon Coolscan V and 8000 ED. The Epson is a tremendous value and comes very close to what the Nikons can do at a fraction of the price.

-Scans of certain MF films can rival that of top-end scanners; Results will vary with native film contrast, development, and lens used; Recommended films: Acros 100, Plus-X, Tmax 100/400 II, -Quiet and reasonably fast, --Very inexpensive

-Don't have big expectation for any 35mm; Close examination will reveal lots of artifacts, poor shadow detail, lack of finest details; Don't use this scanner to show off you latest Summicron aspherical baby, -Scans almost always (except with high-contrast negatives) come out very flat, necessitating...