For anyone scanning Kodachrome slides having the scanner profiled with a Kodachrome IT-8 reference slide does obtain much superior fidelity in the scan image to the colors in the slide, and in addition I have noticed that the density curve characteristics are also better particularly getting more detail out of the shadows.

However, my remarks are based on a lot of testing using a Kodak manufactured K3 IT-8 reference slide I purchased from B&H, and as yet have not gotten the new Lasersoft produced Kodachrome IT-8. But I am sure it will be even better, as the batch of Kodak K3 IT-8 targets was made back in 1999, so those Kodak K3 Kodachrome IT-8 reference slides are ten years old.

Personally I am looking forward to scanning and re-scanning my Kodachrome slide library with my scanner profiled with this new Lasersoft/SilverFast Kodachrome IT-8.

Update:
It took a long time to get the Kodachrome IT8 target, due to shortages from the manufacturer, apparently. But it was worth the wait and the cost. The difference in color accuracy is absolutely amazing. I'm re-doing the scans I had done earlier, which all had required a LOT of color adjustment. The re-scans are so much superior I still can't believe it. Highly recommended!
Steve

Kodachrome profile functioning is now available in Lasersoft SilverFast scanner drivers. In addition Lasersoft is manufacturing new Kodachrome ICC IT-8 target slides. Go to: http://www.silverfast.com

I have just finished an extensive series of tests using all of the sources including the old K3 IT-8 target from Kodak (1999), the new Kodachrome option in SilverFast scanner softwares, as well as custom profiling using the SilverFast IT-8 version and their new Kodachrome film IT-8 target slide.

The Lasersoft SilverFast Kodachrome option and new IT-8 target is much better than the 1999 K3 Kodachrome IT-8, and answers why Kodak never officially released the product to the public.

My full report will go to Shutterbug shortly for a future issue.