Bought a used Epson 4990, dumb questions?

[Daniel Scott Smith]

Hey all.

I got a used epson 4990 off of craigslist, but a few issues if anyone could help.
I got the software to seemingly properly install, win 7, it scans etc, but when i go to choices in home use or professional etc I can never choose "film", only photos, and thus my slide I'm trying to scan is completely dark. I've looked all around in the software, but can't see where to turn on the film capability?

Also, it seems from prior usage the glass of the bed is stained, or deposits crossing the glass and mainly over the metal band inside the scanner. Is it possible to remove and clean and/or replace this glass?

Thanks for any info. Unfortunately I didn't see till too late that epson sold refurbished scanners etc. at their website.

Daniel

[Kirk Gittings]

This is a common problem that is caused by outgassing from the plastic components. Cleaning the underside of the glass is simple-a slight PITA though. To dismantle and clean-go to Yahoo Groups>Epson Scanners>Files>Dismantling the Epson Flatbeds for instructions. I have done this on the 4990. It took about 20 minutes.

[Heroique]

Daniel,

Are you using Epson Scan? (It sounds like you are.)

If so, if you select “Professional Mode,” you’ll see the “Document Type” line.

The “Document Type” line gives you three options:

Reflective
Film (with film holder)
Film (with film area guide)

Your choice for a slide, of course, would be for the 2nd or 3rd option. (Since the 4990 has a fixed lens, it doesn’t matter which one you pick. Both will focus on the same plane.)

Are these two “Film” options the ones you can’t select?

[Jon Shiu]

Make sure the cable from the lid is plugged in.

Jon

[photobymike]

When i was a wee wat, i worked for a photographer who taught me the business. Jerry was a chain smoker, 2 pack a day..... The Omega enlargers we worked on had a ventilation system that would draw in and filter smoke into the color heads. I had to dismantle the whole head and lenses, and clean every couple of weeks.

I have seen a Epson scanner smeared with smoke residue... i would be amazed if a quality scan could happen from the scanner i saw. I would be amazed if it could be cleaned satisfactory enough for a high quality scan.

I had some very slight stain on the glass on my v750 Epson. It probably was from the out gas from the plastic.

Oh by the way; the prints from Epson 4800 outgas. i have let the sit for 3 or 4 weeks before i but them under glass and frame. If i don't they deposit a barely perceptible film on the glass.

http://www.mikepic.com

[John Berry]

This is a common problem that is caused by outgassing from the plastic components. Cleaning the underside of the glass is simple-a slight PITA though. To dismantle and clean-go to Yahoo Groups>Epson Scanners>Files>Dismantling the Epson Flatbeds for instructions. I have done this on the 4990. It took about 20 minutes. Thanks Kirk. I had the same problem with haze. Thinking it had to be a cleanroom type of thing I was reluctant to do it. I can see now that it wouldn't have been any different if I had it done. Ion generator made dust a non problem.

[Daniel Scott Smith]

Well, I got it to show the "film" options, yes, I didn't have the cable from lid to body of the scanner plugged in, but now it seems it may have some real issues.
I try to scan for a preview, and there is nothing in the preview window after it scans. Just white jpeg results.
Strange, because it actually scnned an image and picked up the slide when in only "photo" mode but in either of the film modes it produces nothing.
Looks like I may need to go to the epson store after all.
:(

[Jon Shiu]

You also need to remove the white pressure plate in the lid so that the top light can shine through.

Jon

[Heroique]

And if that doesn’t solve the problem, be sure to check-out this thread:

My 4990 doesn’t work (http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=59234)

It’s about power-up – but should help you try to isolate the problem.

(While there, see my post #20 about clicking “Preview.”)

;)

[Daniel Scott Smith]

Well, I am sure glad I started this thread with the Dumb Questions moniker.
It seems this was a sure case of operator error.
Removing the top plate has worked! A scan was produced! Much more quickly, also, may I say!
:o
Thanks for all the help.
Slinking back into Dumbland...
Dan

[Heroique]

Removing the top plate has worked! A scan was produced!

What a thrilling relief that must be. :)

Now we’ll be looking forward to your LF scans...

Enjoy your 4990 – it’s a fantastic scanner for the money + a fine excuse to shoot 8x10.

[Daniel Scott Smith]

Thanks for the help. And in the process, when I was looking around at options/where to buy a newer model, I found this great site for replacement Epson parts, sent to me by a guy who also makes custom replacement scanner parts.
Just posting it for memory sake and anyone else who needs to know
http://www.compassmicro.com/home.cfm
other custom site, where they make custom attachments for rare film sizes:
http://filmscanusa.com/cs-cart/index.php
Thanks again
Dan

[Sirius Glass]

Well, I am sure glad I started this thread with the Dumb Questions moniker.
It seems this was a sure case of operator error.

The technical term is Operated Assisted Failure [OAF]. Usage: "The oaf is this." ;)

We have all done things like this at some time. :D Welcome to the forum.

Steve