PrimeFilm XE, Minolta DiMAGE Elite 5400, Nikon LS3510AF Scanner Lens
Pacific Image Electronics sells a line of film scanners that are advertised to scan at a world-beating 10,000 dpi. This puts them at the very top of the heap and at twice the resolution of the excellent Minolta Elite DiMAGE 5400 scanner, the previous king of optical resolution. Real information on these scanners is scarce and it took me a long time but finally I was able to pick up a PrimeFilm XE (PF10K) 10,000 dpi scanner for less than $100. Finally I get to test how an advertised 10,000 dpi scanner lens really performs.
Scanner optics can make great macro lenses since they designed to produce images corrected at a higher level than a typical consumer market macro lens. This higher correction means images with little to no lateral or longitudinal chromatic aberrations, edge to edge sharpness, without distortion, all with minimal corner shading. Scanner lenses have very popular with macro photography enthusiasts over the last couple of years. Are there any high-performance, low cost, undiscovered scanner lenses out there that have not been discovered yet?
Spoiler Alert!
I’m looking at the PF10K lens in the palm of my hand and before I’ve downloaded one test image I can’t help think this lens is going to have to pull off some miracle to generate the kind of resolution that Pacific Image Electronics claims. This is not a high performance lens. How can I tell? You can predict the maximum possible resolution from a certain lens by using the simple fact that a wider aperture = higher potential resolution.
Optical Resolution, dpi and ppi
The terms dpi and ppi are often used interchangeably. Dpi (dots per inch) refers to the output resolution of a printer, ppi (pixels per inch) refers to the input resolution of an image file. Scanner equipment manufacturers typically use dpi and the term “optical resolution” using the definition of ISO 14473 (https://www.iso.org/standard/21435.html). ISO 14473 defines optical resolution as the fundamental sampling rate of the scan sensor, the maximum scan resolution, or sampling rate, of the CCD element used in the scanner. But in the real world this figure doesn’t mean so much since the true optical resolution of any scanner is the combined resolution of lens, film transport and sensor. The XE scanner uses a Toshiba TCD2707D 7450 element, 7 μm pitch sensor. The TCD2707D has a maximum resolution of 5404 ppi (without any optical scaling). In the PrimeFilm XE scanner the TCD2707D sensor active area is 35mm wide and is being used to scan a 24mm wide area so the optical resolution is a maximum of 7881 ppi. This figure is a maximum, Pacific Image claims that this is a 10,000 ppi scanner. Scanner manufacturers typically specify a scanner’s resolution in dpi so I’ll will stick with that for this test.
About this test
All the other equipment on this site, unless otherwise noted, was purchased using my own personal funds, without any sponsors, advertising, site membership fees, or featured product fees. I do not receive any income from affiliate links or selling you any products. All the information I post on this site is to share with friends, colleagues, and fellow macro photographers. Almost all photography equipment sites today are run for a profit by using affiliate links to generate commission and through allowing advertising on the site.
FACTS FIRST: PrimeFilm XE scanner lens
42mm focal length
f/6 forward, f/6.4 in reverse
Full frame coverage
Optimized for 1x
PrimeFilm XE LENS SPECS
Pacific Image PrimeFilm 42mm f/6 Scanner Lens
Type: 35mm film format
Coverage: full frame
Focal length: 42mm
Barrel OD: 16mm
Barrel Length: 19mm
Iris: fixed aperture
Fixed Aperture: f/6 forward, f/6.4 in reverse (measured)
Mounting / Filter threads: None
Magnification: 1.5x (0.69x in reverse)
Optical design: Unknown
Mounting: barrel marking towards the subject
Mounting threads: none
Front threads: none
Source: lens made in Taiwan
Design includes cover glass: yes, 0.5mm
PrimeFilm XE Scanner Specs
Model: Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE Scanner
Type: 35mm type
CCD sensor: Linear array Toshiba TCD2707D
Manufacturers claimed optical resolution: 10,000 dpi
CCD maximum resolution: 5404 ppi without any optical scaling
Maximum optical resolution: maximum of 7881 ppi*
Scanning area: 24.3 mm wide
Production: ?
Price as new: $399 USD
Scanner street price in 1999: $349?
Country of origin: Taiwan
Manufacturer: Pacific Image
Note: The Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE (PF10K) is now out-of-production , replaced by the PrimeFilm XEs super edition. Both XE/XEs models, and the XA/XAs models share the same 10,000 dpi lens.
*In the real world optical resolution of any scanner is the combined resolution of lens resolving power, film transport and sensor sampling rate. So the true resolution is limited by the physical size of the CCD cell site, the scanner optics, and the accuracy of movement of the imaging components within the scanner.
1.1x scanner lens Test: 10,000 dpi lens vs 3100 dpi lens
Pacific Image advertises the PF10K scanner as a 10,000 dpi scanner so a lens rated at 3100 ppi optical resolution doesn’t seem to compare but Nikon is one of the only manufacturers that actually use accurate optical resolution figures so the test results might be a surprise.
PF10K 42mm f/6 Set-up: Barrel paint mark towards subject
Nikon 51mm f/3.6: Barrel paint mark towards subject
Camera: Sony α7R IV, Sony Alpha ILCE-A7R IV (A7R4)
Sensor size: Full Frame. 35.7mm x 23.8mm. 42.91 mm diagonal. 3.76 micron sensor pitch
Flash: Godox TT350s wireless flash x 2 with one Godox X1s 2.4G wireless flash transmitter
Vertical stand: Nikon MM-11 with a Nikon focus block
The sharpest frame was then selected out of a stack of images made in 4 micron steps. Separate images were selected for center, edge, and corner if needed. Each image was processed in PS CC with identical settings with all noise reduction and lens correction turned off, all settings were zeroed out (true zero) and the same settings were used for all of the images. All of the images shown here are single files.
center 100% crop at 1.1x: PF10K vs Nikon LS-3510AF Lens
The good news is that both lenses are CA-free. The 3100 ppi rated Nikon lens is extremely sharp and much more detailed than the 10,000 dpi lens. The Nikon lens is so sharp it looks almost over-sharpened, the PF10K looks under-sharpened yet they were processed at the same time with the exact same settings. The PF10K edge crop was taken from a different frame in the stack, the Nikon crops, center, edge, corner, are all taken from a single image.
edge 100% crop at 1.1x: PF10K vs Nikon LS-3510AF Lens
Both lenses are free of CAs at the edge. The Nikon’s sharpness advantage increased at bit at the edge.
corner 100% crop at 1.1x: PF10K vs Nikon LS-3510AF Lens
The Nikon is fantastic in far corners on the Sony A7R4, very sharp without any trace of CAs. The CA control of the PF10K is very good, the level sharpness is okay, about what one would expect from a f/6 lens.
PF10K vs Nikon LS-3510AF Final Verdict
The Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE Scanner lens is this is not a 10,000 dpi lens, but the chromatic aberrations are very well controlled. Still I would not recommended this lens due to high price / low performance ratio. Your money is better spent elsewhere.
The PF10K scanner lens is very similar to the lens used in the 3,000 dpi PrimeFilm scanner, you can see that was test here: https://www.closeuphotography.com/primefilm-3650-scanner-lens
The star of this test was the Nikon LS-3510AF lens, an awesome performer that costs less than the PF10K!
WHAT I LIKE
The image circle will cover full frame
Very good chromatic aberration control
Lens literally takes a few seconds to remove
WHAT I DON’T LIKE
Expensive for the limited optical resolution
Pacific Image exaggerated 10,000 dpi resolution figures
Pacific Image 3000 dpi and 10,000 dpi scanners use similar lenses
Scanner durability is very poor
Build quality is not very good
Chromatic Aberration Test
Longitudinal chromatic aberration
Lateral chromatic aberration
400% view
Results: Not a trace of LoCAs or LaCAs in any of the PF10K images made for this test. The strength of this lens is chromatic aberration correction.
What are LoCAs?
Longitudinal chromatic aberrations or LoCAs are purple and green fringing seen in the out of focus areas in front of and behind the focus point of an image. LoCAs are common, especially with fast lenses, so chances almost all of your lenses have at least a trace, you just never noticed. The problem is that LoCAs are extremely difficult to correct with complex designs using special glass to fully correct the aberration.
What are Lateral Chromatic Aberrations (LaCAs)
Chromatic aberrations (CA) are one of several imperfections, that degrade image quality. Lateral CAs appear in images as purple and green fringing, mostly seen on near-vertical hard edges on the left and right corners of the image. This results in softening of edges in the corners of an image. CAs occur because the different wavelengths of light are magnified by slightly different amounts by the lens.
The Primefilm XE Sensor data sheet
Found the CCD data sheets for the PrimeFilm XE sensor, the Toshiba TCD2707D. This is interesting info because we can figure out the real maximum optical resolution, the maximum resolution at the sensor, and the real magnification ratio used in the design of the scanner.
The Toshiba TCD2707D uses 7450 elements with a 7 μm pitch. The TCD2707D has a maximum resolution of 5404 ppi (without any optical scaling). In the PrimeFilm XE scanner the TCD2707D sensor active area is 35mm wide and is being used to scan a 24mm wide area so the optical resolution is a maximum of 7881 ppi. This figure is a maximum, in the real world optical resolution is the combined resolution of lens resolving power, film transport and sensor sampling rate. 7881 sounds great but then again Pacific Image claims that this is a 10,000 ppi scanner. Toshiba data tells a different story.
CCD Sensor: Toshiba TCD2707D
Sensor width: 35mm
Package: 22-pin CERDIP 400 mil DIP through-hole mount IC chip
CCD cost: $15.00
Sensor Origin: Made in Japan
Click on an image below to see a larger size file.
Removing the Primefilm XE lens
The job couldn’t be easier and takes only a few seconds. Flip the unit over, remove the 5 screws from the bottom. Pop off the lens cover and remove the two fasteners holding the lens bracket. Finished.
PACIFIC IMAGE ELECTRONICS / REFLECTA FILM SCANNERS
Pacific Image Electronics Co., Ltd. (PIE), was established in September 1993, with products manufactured made in Taiwan and sold in the USA under the Pacific Image label and in the EU by their OEM partner Reflecta GmbH of Germany.
These are some examples of the rebranded equivalent models between the two labels.
Pacific Image / Reflecta
Pacific Image PrimeFilm X = Reflecta CrystalScan 10K
Pacific Image PrimeFilm XE = Reflecta ProScan 10T
Pacific Image PrimeFilm XA = Reflecta RPS 10M
Primefilm scanner gets a solid “F” grade for durability
Feeling the weight of the PF10K scanner in my hand for the first time I honestly thought I had been scammed and sold an empty scanner case. Then I shook the scanner and I could hear loose pieces rattling around inside the case. The transport lead screw was loose inside the scanner with small prices of broken plastic. Compared the the last Nikon film scanner I disassembled, I rate the the PF10K a 0 out of 10 in quality, 10 being best.
Pretty sure that lead screw and gear shouldn’t be loose like that.
These parts look like they belong in a child’s toy not in a film scanner.
Nonexistent Pacific Image Customer Service
It appears that Pacific Image in California office and the head office in Taiwan do not answer phone calls. I’ve left phone messages for each department and each extension asking for information how to buy a scanner and I’ve never gotten a single answer or reply. Pacific Image’s office in California is in the same city so I’ve even tried dropping by and all of the doors were locked during business hours, tried using the front door buzzer, no one would reply. I would not recommend buying anything Pacific Image products due to the lack of customer service.
Pacific Image scanner Specs
The PrimeFilm XE and Relecta ProScan 10T are both made by Pacific Image Electronics Co., LTD, Taiwan. If you are thinking about looking into any of the other Pacific image/Reflecta scanners, the list below should help save you time. The XEs and XAs are newer models but the resolution specs have not changed so I did not include them in this list.
You should know that the 3000 dpi models seem to use a very similar lens to the one used inside the 10,000 dpi models!
PrimeFilm XA / Reflecta Filmscanner RPS 10M
Claimed optical Resolution: 10,000 dpi X 10,000 dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 4300 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 24.3mm x 36.5mm (H x W)
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=38
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.774~nm.68/reflecta-RPS-10M.html
Scanner Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaRPS10M.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaRPS10M.html
PowerSlide X / Reflecta DigitDia 7000
Claimed optical Resolution: 10,000 x 10,000 dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 4880 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 37mm x 37mm
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=49
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.874/reflecta-DigitDia-7000.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaDigitDia7000.html
PrimeFilm XE / Reflecta Filmscanner ProScan 10T
Claimed optical Resolution: 10,000 dpi X 10,000 dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 4100 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 24.3mm x 36.5mm (H x W)
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=39
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.734~nm.69/reflecta-ProScan-10T.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaProScan10T.html
PowerSlide 5000 / Reflecta DigitDia 6000
Claimed optical Resolution: 5000 x 5000 dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 3300 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 37mm x 37mm
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=36
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.477/reflecta-DigitDia-6000.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaDigitDia6000.html
PrimeFilm 120 Pro / Reflecta Mediumformat Scanner MF5000
Claimed optical Resolution: 3200dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 3050 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: Medium format (6 x 4.5, 6 x 6), 6 x 7, 6 x 8, 6 x 9, 6 x 12 )
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=8
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.425/reflecta-Mediumformat-Scanner-MF5000-incl.-SilverFast-Ai-Studio-8.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaMF5000.html
PrimeFilm 7200 / Reflecta CrystalScan 7200
Claimed optical Resolution: 7200 x 3600 dpi
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 3300 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 24.3mm x 36.5mm
US Model: http://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=9
EUR Model: https://reflecta.de/en/products/detail/~id.15/reflecta-CrystalScan-7200.html
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/en/ReflectaProScan7200.html
PrimeFilm 3650u / Reflecta CrystalScan 3600
Claimed optical Resolution: 3600 x 3600 dpi resolution
Filmscanner.net Tested Resolution: 3300 ppi (combined resolution of lens and sensor)
Scan Area: 24.3mm x 36.5mm
US Model: Discontinued
EUR Model: Discontinued
Filmscanner.net Test: https://www.filmscanner.info/ReflectaCrystalScan3600.html
USING A DIGITAL CAMERA WITH A LENS MADE FOR FILM
Lenses made to handle film were designed with nothing more than air between the rear lens element and the the film. Air as a refractive index of one, glass has a refractive index higher than one. When you use the same lens with a digital camera, the cover glass in front of the sensor will shift the light rays passing through it with the amount of spatial shift being dependent on the rays incidence angle. Film scanners usually have a thin cover glass in front of the CCD sensor. I measured the XE scanner CCD sensor cover glass at about 0.5mm so there shouldn’t be any issues working with a digital camera sensor cover glass.
MOUNTING THE LENS
RafCamera makes mounting very easy with an adapter that fits a PF10K lens and other 16mm diameter lenses like the Plustek scanner lenses.
https://rafcamera.com/clamp-16mm-to-rms-m
2020 USED SCANNER PRICES
It’s hard for me to believe I’ve purchased so many scanners but this is a list of what I’ve paid for units over the last year. Most of these scanners were sold as-is, for repair, parts-only condition.
Nikon LS-10 25mm f/2.8: $25 + free shipping, November 2020
Nikon LS-30 38mm f/2.8: $50 + free shipping, late 2020
Nikon LS-1000 25mm f/2.8: $18 + shipping, late 2020
Nikon LS-4000ED 45mm f/2.8: $50 + free shipping, late 2020
Minolta AF-2840: $20 + shipping late 2020
Minolta AF-3200: $30 + shipping late 2020
Microtek ArtixScan 4000T: $29 + free shipping late 2020
2021 USED SCANNER PRICES
Nikon LS-3510AF 51mm f/3.6: $40 + shipping in May, 2021
Agfa Vision 35 (LS-3510AF) 51mm f/3.6: $80 + no shipping. May 2021
Links for more info
XE scanner on the Pacific Image site:
https://www.scanacedirect.com/product-p/pfxe.htm
https://www.scanace.com/scan_pd_1.php?id=39
PrimeFilm XA (Reflecta10M) test on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2096226@N24/discuss/72157653891467076/
Comments, questions or a tip to share, send me an email. Thanks in advance.