I'm migrating from a Windows 10 desktop to an Apple iMac all-in-one desktop. According to my research, the Nikon Coolscan IV can be used with the iMac using ViewScan software, however the scanner-pc interfaces are incompatible and require a complicated cable configuration.
Can someone please explain how to get the Coolscan IV properly connected?
Thanks in advance
iMac 24″, macOS 15.6
All you need is the USB cable that came with the Coolscan IV and a USB to USB-C adapter to plug it into for a connection to the new iMac. Then current VueScan Professional software.
Apple makes a USB to USB-C adapter cable, or for a fraction of that pricing, you can just get a USB to USB-C adapter (dongle). I use the latter. This scanner uses USB 1.1 and either adapter should fall back to support that older version of the USB standard.
Otherwise, the Firewire 400 cable that came with the scanner paired with a Firewire 1394 (400) 4-pin to USB-2.0 cable on Amazon that probably would work when used with either adapter link. Can't guarantee this as I don't have any Firewire devices.
All you need is the USB cable that came with the Coolscan IV and a USB to USB-C adapter to plug it into for a connection to the new iMac. Then current VueScan Professional software.
Apple makes a USB to USB-C adapter cable, or for a fraction of that pricing, you can just get a USB to USB-C adapter (dongle). I use the latter. This scanner uses USB 1.1 and either adapter should fall back to support that older version of the USB standard.
Otherwise, the Firewire 400 cable that came with the scanner paired with a Firewire 1394 (400) 4-pin to USB-2.0 cable on Amazon that probably would work when used with either adapter link. Can't guarantee this as I don't have any Firewire devices.
Hi David!
Getting your Nikon Coolscan IV to work with a modern iMac is a complicated process due to the incompatible connection types of the two devices. The Coolscan IV uses either a USB or FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394) interface, while modern iMacs have Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports. USB to FireWire adapters are not recommended because they can damage the scanner's motherboard.
Hope this helped, if you wish to go ahead with the process inform me and I will tell you of all the steps required, but like mentioned it is not recommended.
Otherwise, the Firewire 400 cable that came with the scanner paired with a Firewire 1394 (400) 4-pin to USB-2.0 cable on Amazon that probably would work when used with either adapter link.
No, that won't work and could possibly damage the scanner and/or the Mac. Unfortunately there many inexpensive "FW-to-USB" cables and connectors on the internet; none of them will work.
There *ARE* Firewire to Thunderbolt adapters, even ones that have USB-C connectors, but they are actual Thunderbolt adapters, not merely cables with FW & USB connectors.
The OP should just use a good USB cable to connect to his/her Mac.
USB to FireWire adapters should be avoided at all costs!
USB is too different from FireWire to support USB 2.x or USB 3.x to FireWire adapters. The adapters that you may see online typically consist of two connectors glued together – possibly with wires connected together in random ways which may permanently damage your equipment. Despite this, these bogus adapters continue to be offered online, year after year.
Thunderbolt to FireWire is a different story. It is theoretically possible to build an adapter to go straight from TB3, TB4, or TB5 to FireWire, even though I've never heard of anyone building one.
Connecting Nikon Coolscan IV to iMac M4
