Anyone using Epson 4990 scanner?

[pendevour]

If anyone has any experience of using an Epson Perfection 4990 scanner to scan negs (35mm and 120) can you please comment on the scan quality and ease of use. Would you buy one or if not what would you get? Hope to hear from you.

Arfon

 

[m_arch]

I'm also in the market for a good scanner that does multiple formats - I came accross this site with an extensive review:

www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson%204990/Page%201.htm

I'm also considering the Epson V700 - available on line for under $500.

Any thoughts anyone?

MArk

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,
I use a 4990 for MF. I think it is a great scanner. The V700 seems to be even better.
For 35mm my Minolta 5400 beats the 4990 easily. Much sharper, more pixels and better contrast. Again the V700 is better, but as I understood not yet as good as a dedicated 35mm scanner. It all depends on the quality you are looking for.

Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,
I use a 4990 for MF. I think it is a great scanner. The V700 seems to be even better.
For 35mm my Minolta 5400 beats the 4990 easily. Much sharper, more pixels and better contrast. Again the V700 is better, but as I understood not yet as good as a dedicated 35mm scanner. It all depends on the quality you are looking for.

Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema

 

[m_arch]

Michiel,

How are the film holders for the 4990? For those folks who are looking to scan larger format images, this always seems to come up as one of the important points.

A housemate of mine, who was a professional photographer, had a flatbed by Microtech which worked well for him except for the fact that the tray for the 6x7 only held several single frames, no strips. Epson seems to have improved on the tray configuration, but some people still seem to have mixed opinions.

In the end .. Not too many affordable choices if you want to scan larger than 35mm.

Thanks again,
MArk

 

[lZr]

I have it and it is amazing scanner. Its top quality for 120 film is unbeaten. The 120 holder is good performer. I don't like its 35 holders, because it is of no help to flatten the negative/positive. I want to design myself 35 mm holder, that gives me opportunity to flatten the negative and be able to scan the film up to and including the perforation. In fact, the holder crops the negative while scanning in thumbnail mode. If you want full 36x24 mm frame you must scan in Normanl mode and use selection tool before scan.

 

[rich815]

I have it too. Love it for 120. But you might consider the newer V700 model. It does not appear to be enough of an improvement from the 4990 to upgrade but if I did not have a 4990 I've get the V700 for sure.

For 35mm I only use it for my pano-type Holga 35mm shots as those will not scan in my Nikon LS-4000.

For 35mm it will be fine for web scans but not really for good prints. I get GREAT prints from scans of my 120 negs from my Rolleiflex TLR 6x6, Fuji RF 6x9 and Hassleblad 500C 6x6.