Buying a new scanner in 2017

[m00dawg]

So I read up on this (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?140103-What-are-the-film-scanner-options-in-2017) post but the conversation quickly went to using the DSLR method to scan the film. I do that for 35mm and 120 currently (though the latter I think I'd rather scan) but for 4x5 I'm rather set on using a scanner.

The V700 is getting harder to find (I keep missing the boat on epson.com and the ones on eBay seem to be banged up or lacking good description of quality). Thinking the answer is really V800 unless I do happen to find a 700 soon (or a 4990 - I think to start that would probably be fine for me).

Any other options out there for 4x5?

[faberryman]

Any affordable options for scanning larger than 8.5 x 11.5, or do most people just do multiple scans and the stitch?

[Jim Andrada]

I guess that depends on the definition of "affordable"

A refurbed IQSMART 2 in perfect working order that will scan 12 x 18 is probably in the $5k neigborhood. You can find IQsmarts or Eversmarts in reasonable condution from maybe $1k or $2k from individuals if you're lucky. But you may have to hunt up various parts on your own. Maybe the same story for various drum scanners.

[jp]

Any affordable options for scanning larger than 8.5 x 11.5, or do most people just do multiple scans and the stitch?

There are epson flatbeds bigger for scanning 14x17 xray film.

[sanking]

Any affordable options for scanning larger than 8.5 x 11.5, or do most people just do multiple scans and the stitch?

The most affordable option would be a large Eversmart or Cezanne flatbed, or perhaps a Howtek 6500/7500 drum scanner. But these scanners are very large and heavy, and may require old software and operating systems. Image quality would be very high, probably more than you would need.

You could also scan larger than 8.5 X 11.5" with an Epson 11000 XL or 12000 XL, with the accessory transparency unit. These units will scan up to about 12X18" and would cost about $3500 new, perhaps half that used. Earlier units that would serve you well if in good condition would be the Epson 1640XL and the 10000XL, probably in the less than $1k range. But they generally allow use of modern drivers and operating systems. Image quality would be about what you get with the V700/V800 after stitching, but the larger units give slightly better results in general since they use auto-focus for the lens.

For scanning in that size I think the V700 or V800, with careful positioning for best optical plan, stitching, is a very good option.

Sandy

[EH21]

I've tried two 1640XL units with the optional transparency units and both made marginal scans that had banding. Maybe a service issue or dust inside? Anyhow, I wouldn't recommend them. I've used the 10000 XL which is okay but wow is it slow. Maybe the 11000 or 12000 are faster? Recently we bought a very old Linoscan 2650 and a computer to go with it for $400 and its really quite amazing for the price. Very nice scans so far. Probably not at the same level as the Eversmart, IQsmart or Cezzane but price was right. Significantly better than my 1640XL.