question about using the 4x5 Epson scanner lens to scan 5.9" wide and stitch 8x10

[Michael Roberts]

I've been reviewing the scanning threads but have not found any posts from anyone who has actually done this--so if you have experience with it, I would appreciate hearing from you.

From what I've found, the actual resolving power of the 8x10 film area guide lens on the Epson 4990/V7xx/V8xx scanners is only around 1,600-1,800, but the dual higher resolution lens used for 4x5 and smaller on the V7xx/V8xx modesl is about 2,300. The higher rez lens only scans 5.9" wide, however.

A few have suggested the higher rez lens could be used to scan two sections of an 8x10 and then the two scans could be stitched together in PS to achieve a 2,300 8x10 scan.

I have also shot quite a few 5x8 and 4x10 images--two of each on one 8x10 sheet of film--and theoretically could scan these with the higher rez lens in one pass if it's possible to rig up a holder to position the film for the higher rez lens. Similarly, I could do a 60% crop of an 8x10 in one pass (5.9/9.8).

Anybody have experience using the higher rez lens with an 8x10 sheet of film? If so, would you please share your process? Is it even possible to "trick" the scanner into scanning part of an 8x10 sheet of film using the higher rez lens? Doug indicates in this post that it is possible simply to select the high rez lens with the software, but that still leaves open how to get the correct calibration: https://www.largeformatphotography.i...=1#post1487198

I have an older 4990 that only has the lower rez lens. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to upgrade to the V700 or later model. I would only want to upgrade if I can use the higher rez lens for scanning 8x10 in sections (assuming stitching).

Thanks!
Michael