How can I connect a Nikon super CoolscanED, which previously connected to a G4 Mac by firewire, to my iMac 27" (late 2013, running Mojave) so that I can try VueScan to copy 35 mm slides? (There is no firewire port on the iMac)
iMac 27″, macOS 10.14
The above method is the only safe way to connect a FireWire Nikon scanner to a Mac. The cables that go from FireWire to USB do not manage the voltage/current differences and they’ll destroy the FireWire chip in the scanner. I’m speaking from experience.
You need to use the Apple brand dongles or it probably won’t work. It’s expensive, but it works. I use them with my Coolscan 5000 and 4000
There is also a Nikon film scanner group on Facebook and you can confirm it their if you want.
Thank you, den.thed for useful guide and Jeff Donald for corroboration. In your first reply, den.thed, you recommended an adaptor to go from Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 as a first step. However, from the 'System Report' below I assume that my Thunderbolt ports are Thunderbolt 2:
Thunderbolt Bus:
Vendor Name: Apple Inc.
Device Name: iMac
UID: 0x0001000D1824A000
Route String: 0
Firmware Version: 23.10
Domain UUID: 07D399EB-CC56-8C56-AED9-65FB909A744C
Port:
Status: No device connected
Link Status: 0x101
Speed: Up to 10 Gb/s x2
Receptacle: 1
Link Controller Firmware Version: 0.12.3
Port:
Status: No device connected
Link Status: 0x101
Speed: Up to 10 Gb/s x2
Receptacle: 2
Link Controller Firmware Version: 0.12.3
So do you agree that I DON'T need the 3 to 2 adapter but can go straight to Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 and then to Firewire 400? I should have mentioned that the scanner is Nikon Super Coolscan 8000ED.
My first time using this discussion group, so I'm grateful for your help.
No sorry. You would only needed the TB 3 to TB 2 adapter, if you have a newer TB 3 iMac.
You need a Thunderbolt 2 to FireWire 800 adapter.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter
Then you need a FireWire 800 to 400 adapter, if it is FireWire 400
https://www.amazon.com/CERRXIAN-FireWire-Transfer-Adapter-Converter/dp/B06WVQ7DZP/ref=sr_1_7?
Using VueScan with Nikon Super CoolscanED
