Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
Hi everyone, I thought I'd share a "hack" I tried out this weekend. I ordered some spare parts from epson, specifically their MF and 4x5 holder for the new Epson V850 and used them for my Epson V750. They are much cheaper than the betterscanning alternative(BTW I also have the betterscanning holder). It has a pretty easy adjustment mechanism(adjustable thumb tabs in 5 possible positions) for calibrating the optimal height.
Pros:
No taping or creating masks to the glass as compared to the better scanning holder
Much easier to find optimal holder height(only four tabs to adjust) compared to using a mini allen key to make 8 adjustments for the betterscanning holder
Keeps the film much flatter than the V750/700 holder
Cons:
Its a bit tricky to get the film flush into the holder especially for the medium format holder as there are slots to fit the film under. I've found a couple of tricks(which can be googled) but either involves modifying the holder or touching the emulsion side...therefore I would really recommend thin gloves. It would have been such a minor design improvement to rectify this.
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
Thanks for the tip Deval. How much did the 4x5 holder cost for you?
-Pali
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
A great idea! Any problems using the Epson scanning software (especially due to the dot code at the top of the holder)? Also, does the 800/850 120 holder accommodate a 6x17 negative?
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
Quote:
Originally Posted by
djdister
A great idea! Any problems using the Epson scanning software (especially due to the dot code at the top of the holder)? Also, does the 800/850 120 holder accommodate a 6x17 negative?
The Epson web site indicates the holder should accommodate 1 frame up to 6x20, so it looks like 6x17 should be okay.
I have to admit this is tempting. I use the betterscanning holder, and it clearly gets better results than the standard holders, but it is kind of a pain to use. I put off scanning stuff because of it.
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
That is an awesome deal - ordered two :) Thanks Deval!
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
Its the same epsonscan software as far as I know. Nothing hardcoded or anything...The nobs fit into the same exact place on the V750. At first the film won't seem like its flush. There are retainer slots jutting over the the ANR "glass"(which is really plastic) to slide the film under. Once you open the packaging, it takes a few tries to loosen this slot up easy enough to fit the 4x5 film. This applies to the 4x5 version as well as medium format, but is more challenging with the MF because there are more to align with. With a little practice, its pretty easy to get the film in.It creates an absolute flat film plane which was always a problem with the 7 series holders. Perhaps could have been designed a little bit better, but I already like it loads over my other holders and am contemplating rescanning a lot of my work.
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
I'm looking at the Compass Micro site and don't see a holder listed as "medium format". They do have one for "Brownie", which I always thought was 127. Is that the correct holder for 120? And is the "film guide" also required?
In the bottom diagram here http://www.compassmicro.com/files/Pe...V850%20Pro.pdf the "Brownie" holder is #10 and the film guide is #17.
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
The film guide is for aligning larger sheets of film placed directly on the platen.
Re: Betterscanning altternative: Epson V850/800 holders work for V750/700
I bought the brownie one for medium format. It fits 120. I believe it's mislabeled because that isn't a holder that epson makes