The Least Comfortable Solution

Since the current situation is that Silverfast 8 has issues with serious contrast shifts when scanning in higher resolutions in Mac, I resorted into the least comfortable solution; installing the software in Windows 7. Luckily I have Windows 7 installed on bootcamp partition.

According to Silverfast support, apparently the contrast does shift in Windows 7 version of the software as well but it is less dramatic.

They told me that the new version of the software (which should have the issue fixed) will be released in first days of 2013.

Now, looking forward how scanning in Windows 7 goes.

Regarding current version of Silverfast on Mac

Looks like we mac users just need to wait for the fixed software. This is the reply I got from LaserSoft Imaging:

Dear Jaakko,

the framework set we have for internal testing at the moment still shows the issue with
the different exposure value for 7200dpi. We have no installable test version of this at the moment. (…)

The final version that resolves the issue for 7200dpi is – as far as I know – still in development
on Plustek’s side.

Update December 19th:

So I asked to confirm whether they can confirm whether 3600dpi resolution scanning has the same issue. I got a swift reply:

the current driver version shows the different scan speed and the difference in brightness also for 3600dpi scans. We have a driver that works correctly up to 3600dpi, but sometimes shows the issue for 7200dpi.

I asked could I have that driver so I could at least scan with 3600dpi, the answer was no. So I asked when will the fixed software become available and got this reply.

I assume, that we will include it in the next update, or the update after the next one. This may be within the next 3 or 5 weeks. 

I would certainly like if this would be included in the next update.

Therefore it seems that at present, mac users have no access to the higher resolutions.

Response from Silverfast

I got following response from Silverfast regarding the various issues I have had with Plustek Opticfilm 8200i and Silverfast 8. It appears that presently there is no solution other than getting updated driver framework if you are in Mac OSX.

I do feel disappointed because currently there is nothing I can do but wait and the + 50,000 yen scanner is sitting as a paperweight.

I do have to say that the support from Plustek has been excellent though, but if the issue is in the drivers..

Dear Mr. Saari,

like you suspect, this issue is indeed driver related. We are in close contact with Plustek
and are working together with them to get a new framework for this scanner model.

As soon as the new frameworks are implemented, we are going to bring an update that is
resolving this issue. 

Kind regards,