Need scanner suggestions for MF to 4x5 film...

[Scott --]

Hi, all -

I'm looking to upgrade scanning capabilities, especially for 6x6 and 4x5 film. I have an ancient Agfa Duoscan that (as much as I'd like to dump it) I'll be keeping for 5x7 and 8x10 film. But, while it's acceptable for 4x5 scans, it really fails at 6x6. And I'm planning on using the Yashica-Mat more for snapshots for a while.

I'm on a tight budget, so the higher end Epson-type flatbeds are out of range. I'm looking mainly at outdated technology as a means of cost cutting. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Scott

[venchka]

Epson 4990 used or refurbed from Epson.
Going back farther, Epson 1680. That's what I use for 35mm, MF & 4x5.

The print I submitted for the recent 2010 Print Exchange was scanned with the 1680. Ask Darr for an impartial opinion.

[vinny]

I'll sell you my used epson 3200. It's crap for MF but I'll gladly sell it.

[Heroique]

Epson 4990 used or refurbed from Epson.

Keep an eye on Epson’s Clearance Site (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/BuyEpson/ccProductCategory.jsp?oid=-13268) for refurbished 4990’s, v700’s, and v750’s.

For many years, the refurbished 4990’s have popped up for $279 + 1 year warranty + free shipping.

If it appears, act quick – they always disappear after a day or two.

(And be careful not to mistake the 4490 for a 4990!)

[Peter York]

Epson 4990, though its not great for MF.

[polyglot]

Nikon 8000/9000 for MF, Polaroid Sprintscan 45U for 4x5. The latter is passable (true 2500dpi) for MF.

[Frank Petronio]

I think the Epson 4990 is a significant jump that is worthwhile.

There is always ScanCafe to scan it for you ;-)

[sanking]

My suggestion is look for a refurbished V700 from Epson, should be about $400 or slightly more. Other opinions to the contrary I have owned both a 4990 and the V700, and no question in my mind but that the V700 offers significant improvement in scan quality if you take maximum advantage of the potential.

However, even the V700 is a marginal performer for anything over about 4X.

Sandy

[Leigh]

I'm very pleased with my Epson V750.

It handles 35mm through 8x10.

- Leigh

[Tom Monego]

Epson V700, reviews have it as an improved version of the 4990. Epson clearance center has refurbs at about $150 less than new, but they don't appear frequently, keep looking, if you like long learning curves, and on a budget is a couple of grand + look into used drum scanners, will beat out the V700 any day.

[sully75]

I use a 4870 with the better scanning film holder, which I think is essential. I'd probably spring for the 4990 at this point, I believe it's faster. I got mine for $100 lightly used if that on ebay.

[engl]

Keep an eye on Epson’s Clearance Site (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/BuyEpson/ccProductCategory.jsp?oid=-13268) for refurbished 4990’s, v700’s, and v750’s.

For many years, the refurbished 4990’s have popped up for $279 + 1 year warranty + free shipping.


Have you seen any 4990s there recently? I kept my eye on the Clearance Center for a while when looking for a scanner but did not see any, I eventually went with a V700.

I agree that the 4990 is the best bet on a budget though, refurb if possible, otherwise used. The step up would be a refurb or used V700.

I'm not sure why some people are suggesting 1000-3000$ scanners to someone who says a 500$ V700 is over the budget.

[Professional]

What about Flextight X1 or X5?

[Scott --]

Well, after some impatience and trolling, a 4990 recently came up used relatively locally for pickup for a good price. So, today, I picked it up in a break in the rain (thanks Keith!). Have it installed, but other than a partial scan at archive quality in VueScan (a 4x5 shot), I haven't been able to put it through its paces yet. Seems like it's gonna be great, though, and I think I'll be able to scan 10x12 in two passes and stitch it!

Very pleased so far. Thanks for all the input, everyone.

[Professional]

The first time i bought V750, i hated it, then after one month or so, i accept it as i don't have any another choice, then after 4-5 months i keep looking at Nikon scanners until they are officially discontinued and the price went up but i see the results with V750 getting much better later, now i feel i can get very very nice scans even not so high quality with it, and when i scanned my first LF sheets, ...... mind blowing even for a flatbed.