Glenn I have the Coolscan 5000, and it is a great scanner. However, it is a compromise between this and the 9000. They both have different light sources, and from the extensive research that I have done (i always research until i make a decision, then research some more, get a big headache, leave it for a few months, and then end up buying the item that i had originally decided to buy), the 5000 is slightly better than the 9000 for 135 chrome and colour tranny's, the 9000 is better for 135 black and white with its softer light source, and the 9000 is definately the way to go for 120 film. i wish i could afford both, but in the end the 5000 was the most i could justify.