I hold a huge archive of B&W film from my father - real enthusiast and keen photographer, which I want to transfer into digital format.

To my disappointment I was told that most of the image enhancing software doesn't work properly with old "silver" B&W films.

It is also quite difficult to make an informed choice: for example Nikon Supercoolscan 5000ED with 4000 dpi resolution costs nearly 5 times more than Plustek Opticfilm 7200 with 7200 dpi resolution.

Would you please advise, I really keen to scan my dad's films as close to original as possible!

You get what you pay for as the old saying goes.

Here's a review of the Plustek: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1765491,00.asp

I'd buy the Nikon.

If you are really prepared to take on this project yourself, the Nikon scanners are the logical choice. There is a less expensive Nikon the Coolscan V, which B&H sells for $550. Another option is used. If you are not experienced in this area, and do not wish to travel the learning curve, you might also consider paying someone else to do it.

There is a lot more to any piece of photographic equipment than basic numbers, such as a dpi number of a scanner.

Good luck.

Eric

First, I 'm not sure what you mean by image enhancing software relative to your scanning qustion. Second, Walter is right on regarding the Plustek which has been universally panned. Second, if this is your only reason for a scanner you might be able to rent time somewhere on an high end flatbed such as a Screen Cezanne or Creo IQSmart 3 or Supreme. Any of those scanners will give you better results than the Nikon 9000 and far better than the Coolscan V. It will also take you less time. I can setup my ScreenCezanne in batch scan mode and scan 20 to 40 35mm slides in an hour. The others can do the same. The routine for B&W negtives would be the same with a bit more time for the initial setup.

The only "image enhancing" I can think of would be IR dust removal, which doesn't work with B&W film.

Thank's a lot for useful replies!
Yes I have no experience in film scanning at all. My idea was to put the film in, have correct software & consider it done!
Also concerning image enchancing, you right - it was about dust remover.
Looks like Nikon or high end flatbed rental will be better choice.