Epson 3200 or 4990

[psychoanalyst]

Hello,

I just started into LF and shot my first 4x5 Ilfords last weekend. I now on the lookout for a decent scanner.

I have a choice between the Epson Perfection 3200 or the 4990. I don't feel I need the V700, both because of money issues as well as because I feel its an overkill for my purposes.

I primarily need it because obviously I need a means of getting the results without printing, but at the same time I don't want to compromise the quality of a 4x5 negative.

I am not too keen on printing right now and even if I do, I don't imagine going beyond 8x10.

If there isn't a huge difference in quality between the 3200 and the 4990, I'd rather save the extra money and get the former, but I thought I should consult with you before deciding.

Thanks!

Avi

[vinny]

I upgraded to the v700 since I shoot 8x10.
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=75524&highlight=epson+3200
make an offer.

[psychoanalyst]

Sorry...I meant the 2450 vs 4990.

Thanks!

Avi

[Brian Ellis]

If I'm thinking of the right scanner, the 2450 was the predecessor to the 4990. Which means it must be something like 10 years old now. I wouldn't buy a scanner that old myself. I'd buy the 4990 as between those two (I have a 4990 and have been very happy with it). But what I'd really do if I were buying today and money was a major concern is look for a refurb or used 700. Not that there's a significant difference between the 4990 and the 700, just that the price difference shouldn't be all that great and you'd be getting a newer machine.

[Doug Fisher]

Definitely a 4990 over a 3200!

Doug
---
www.BetterScanning.com

[Frank Petronio]

I made that move and the 4990 was a lot better.

[karl french]

Still using my 4990 for 4x5 and 8x10. It's a good scanner.

[sully75]

I would scan in now at the highest resolution you can afford. You may get into printing at some point and want to make bigger prints. Scanning takes a long frigin time. You don't want to do it twice.

So. 4990. Definitely.

[Jim Jones]

I did recently retire my 2450, but was still happy with the quality of 4x5 negative scans.

[Robert Vigurs]

I am very happy with my 4990, craislist, $100. As a backup, I bought a 4870 from an ebay seller for $48. The 4870, if I am remembering correctly, has the same definition possibilities, but you can't scan a full 8x10 neg. I plugged it in , made sure it worked, and placed it on a shelf as backup.

[Robert Vigurs]

There is a 4870 on ebay right now at $9.99 with 2 days to go.

[psychoanalyst]

Thanks a lot to all.

Robert....the seller has some negative reviews and besides he gives no guarantees on the scanner. I have been burnt on sales like this before and I'd rather be safe.

Avi