Best scanner for Large Format (4x5, 8x10) with the best value.

[eleskin]

I have the large format itch again (I shoot mostly with my Leica M8 but sometimes I like a break from digital) and I would like to scan my negatives. I shoot 4x5 but may also get into 8x10. So what is the best scanner for the price out there for 4x5 and 8x10? Anything decent under $1,500?

 

[Brad Bireley]

I love my epson v700.

 

[cabbiinc]

Epsons do have a reputation that should not be ignored. They should be on your list of possibles. I've never used one though. I have an HP Scanjet G4050 and it can scan up to 8x10 and some have liked the results but honestly if you had a budget for a better scanner I'd get one. I've also used a Microtek scanner and it was decent, but the bulb went out on it and they don't service or sell in the US anymore.

 

[250swb]

Epson V700 plus plenty of RAM for your PC should do it.

Steve

 

[jsrockit]

It seems like anything lower than the V700/750 cannot do 4x5 without stitching two scans together. Is this true?

 

[Particular]

I picked up an Epson 4990 for $200 a while back. For the larger formats I believe the quality is indistinguishable from the v700. It is a real bargain if you can find one.

John: It is a discontinued scanner, but it can scan up to 8x10.

 

[ruby.monkey]

The V700 comes with holders for film up to 5x4 (plus a film guide for scanning larger film directly on the platen); it scans well with the standard 5x4 holder - which could save you a few quid by not having to buy a third-party 5x4 holder.

At least with VueScan it'll scan a 5x4 negative in one go.