After following the threads, I am starting a new one. I am about to purchase a slide scanner and was thinking about ebaying a nikon for 500-600$. A friend loaned me his epson perfection 4990 photo for testing and I was not impressed at all. The scans were dull, grainy and full or white dots and hair lines. Am I doing something wrong? Has anyone used the Pacific Scan products? It is rated at 3600dpi optical at 48 bit. I would like something that can output pro quality files if needed. Shai