I've read every thread I can find on this ... Epson vs. Epson ... Microtek, Nikon etc. vs. Epson ... but haven't found what I need to know: I'm an average new LF shooter (4x5 up to 8x10) and would like to have a capable scanner for negatives. In the 4x5 to 8x10 range ... is there a large enough difference between the Epson 4990 ($198), 700 ($415), and 750 ($600) to warrant the extra $$ for the newer scanners. The largest prints I do are 16x20.
In my opinion, not. There is a marginal improvement between the 4990 and the 700/750, but for scanning 4X5 to 8X10 negatives and prints up to 16X20 size I would recommend saving your money and going with the 4990. At $200 the 4990 is very good value for your needs.
Sandy King
Originally Posted by Jim Graves
Sandy ... thanks ... and enjoyed your article on Carbon Printing in the recent View Camera.
where is the 4990 you found ? the ones I have watched on the auction site, get to close in price to a refurbed v700. not to metnion how badly they might ship or the real condition.
you typed 4490, which is not the same, so is that a typo?
Hi Jim,
Glad you enjoyed the article on carbon printing. Carbon is a lovely and highly unique process. I have an upcoming exhibition of carbon transfer work, and a workshop on carbon printing, scheduled in May in Jalapa, Mexico as part of a symposium on alternative printing. I understand that some very influential Mexican photographers will attend the symposium and hope to do another article on the event for publication somewhere.
BTW, I assumed you were asking about the Eposn 4990 compared to V700 and V750, but on second reading I see that you mentioned a 4490. My comments were directed to the 4990 as I don't have any knowledge of the 4490.
Best,
Sandy
The 4490 only has a transparency path up to medium format film. It does not do 4X5 or 8X10 negatives/transparencies. It also has a lesser Dmax rating than the 4990, 700, or 750.
Epsons large format transparency/negative scanners are:
4490-discontinued....available only as NOS if you find someone who hasn't sold all their inventory. Available from Epson only as refurbs when available
V700 currently sold new, some refurbs starting to be available from epson occasionally. Some slight improvements over the 4990. Can't tell you exactly what.
V750... I think the most significant plus is a dual scan head technology, implying dual focus.
4990's were very adequate for your needs as you state them here. However, the options are usually used, or refurbished.
Sorry for the mis-type ... I did mean the 4990 as in the body of the message ... not the 4490 in the title.
Epson's last new price on it before being discontinued was $415 but the lowest street price was around $370. I recently (within the last couple of months) saw a refurbished one for $198 ... that's where I got that price. Don't know if they can still be found at some retailers or not.
I think the V700 has the dual scan head as well.
Indeed. The only difference is an optically coated glass on the 750 to minimize reflection.
I got an Epson Expression 1680 Pro with transparency attachment, FireWire ports, holders, software, etc. yesterday.
Prior to this, I was using a friend's Epson 4990. I had time to make a few scans last night. The 1680 holds it's own with the 4990. The 1680 holders accept more film (4 sheets of 4x5 and 3 strips of 3 6x6) than the 4990. It also batch scans 4 4x5 sheets. In fact, it's scanning for me right now & I'm at work.
Long winded way to say, "Be on the lookout for an Epson 1680 with all the film accessories."
Wayne
Deep in the darkest heart of the North Carolina rainforest.
Wayne's Blog
FlickrMyBookFaceTwitSpacei
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks