Flatbed scanners for MF neg scanning?

[Arne Norris]

I need a scanner only for 120 BW and color negs, as I'm not scanning 4x5 anymore.

I can't afford a dedicated film scanner like a Coolscan 8000 or 9000. I currently have a Canoscan 9900F. Unfortunately good quality film holders aren't available for the 9900F, plus I would need to buy Silverfast or Vuescan software, as the Canon software isn't great. And I would like to find a scanner that gives me better quality than the 9900F.

I had heard about the Epson V700/V750, then just "discovered" that Epson makes the V500. As I don't need to scan 4x5 film, I'm thinking this might be a good choice, considering the low cost. The V500 can take Betterscanning film holders too.

Does anyone have any feedback about using the V500, and the scan quality they are getting, verses scans from a dedicated film scanner or a scanner like the 9900F? Also, any suggestions for software to use if I get a V500, ie Silverfast vs Vuescan?

Thanks!