Optical vs. Digital Comparators

[josher89]

I know this may seem backwards, but my department is looking at purchasing a fingerprint comparator. We currently do not own one and all of our comparisons are with glasses and a ridge counter or computer/scanner. I am asking for everyone's help: what is the best comparator (price isn't an object but only a consideration) out there? Something that provides great lighting (even adjustable if possible), stage height adjustment, good visual acuity, noise level from fans, resolution of cameras if digital, etc. Any help would be a benefit. We don't have the time to try out a bunch of different units so I am relying on you guys for assistance.

[ashepherd]

Our agency has a comparator from Sirchie (FC281) and I hate it. No one really uses it we tend toward digital. I would also like some recommendations for an optical comparator.

[David Fairhurst]

In our office we have four comparators, well-liked and well-used.
"The Collator" model FC911 fingerprint comparator is what we have, and now "The Collator II" is being made and marketed here in the UK by ACO Electronics.
I can highly recommend this product. It features high magnification onto a large, flat screen which can be viewed from more than just one angle (a problem with some other comparators I have used), variable focus and light intensity, and a screen that takes water-soluble unipen markers and wipes clean with a little water.
They are quiet but do not have any height adjustment feature (though this has never been an issue with us).

[Angie]

I have the Sirchie FX8B and use it every day. If you do any plotting on the screen you HAVE to use wet erase markers as no other markers will wipe off. I agree about the Sirchie FC281. I've used it too and totally agree that it's awful!!

[josher89]

Right now we are torn between the FX8B and the FX10AC (optical vs. color video). With the color video, we would purchase a nice glass-front LCD monitor for the point marking and we could then use it for other things, like tape-end matches, etc. I guess you could even record exams for future use (although I don't know yet what for). So, we're torn between those two. I like the stage height adjustment (slap a cigarette pack or a gun on the stage and a 10-print card) but it sounds like the lighting it pretty ordinary. It would be nice to attach a circular ring light with side lighting controls for greater contrast and that might be something we can rig up.

Thanks for everyone's input and if you still have some pros/cons, please feel free to keep them coming.