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Thread: Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

  1. #1
    Mike Lewis
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Florida Panhandle
    Posts
    83

    Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

    I have a Microtek ArtixScan 4500t dedicated film scanner that I bought in fall 2003 for a reduced price, apparently surplus. The 4500t scans up to 4x5 at about 2500 dpi with an advertised Dmax of 3.9. I think the 4500t was first marketed in 2001 at a price of several thousand dollars, and I think Polaroid sold the same scanner as a Sprintscan 45. I used the 4500t to scan 4x5 transparencies in order to print up to 16x20.

    About a year after I bought the scanner it quit working. I've contacted Microtek about having the scanner repaired but really haven't pursued it yet, so I don't know how much the repair will cost. Nevertheless, given the advance in scanner technology since 2001, should I forego repairing the 4500t and instead purchase a new Epson 4990 flatbed? I understand that the 4990 is not in the same class as a dedicated film scanner, but I was wondering if the advance in scanner technology since 2001 compensates for that. Please spout your opinions :-).

    Thanks.
    Mike Lewis
    mikelewisimages.com

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    184

    Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

    I'd follow up on the repairs, and go with whichever is cheaper. Both will do a fine job, especially if you don't really go over 16x20.

    I think the artix is probably a better scanner... but I don't think it is a significant difference (ie. worth huge extra bucks).

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 1999
    Posts
    1,905

    Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

    Before buying a scanner for sheet film read the article in the current issue of View Camera.

    steve simmons

  4. #4

    Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

    The View Camera article doesn't cover the Epson 4990. It was interesting reading, showing up manufacturer's claims on Dmax and dpi to be exaggerated. I still think a (relatively) cheap flat bed is a useful tool for the amateur; we can always pay (£30 a sheet in London) for a drum scan as required.

    By the way, Steve, I think you'll find that Photoshop's memory limit is 2GB, not 2MB!

  5. #5

    Repair Artixscan 4500t or buy new Epson 4990?

    Hi Mark,

    Out of interest where do you get you drum scans done for £30? I am thinking of getting some of my 4x5 trannies drum scanned. I have used a few places but most in London seem to charge between £40 and £50 a scan. What is the quality of the scan like for £30?

    Thanks

    Julian

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