Epson 4490

[andrewnelles]

I found a seemingly new Epson 4490 at a Goodwill today for $5, I've been looking for a scanner to do 6x6 negs now that I no longer have access to Imacons. For web and small prints, I'm assuming this flatbed would do alright.

However, it did not come with a power supply, neg carriers, or software. Just the physical scanner and a USB cord.

Any suggestions on a source for a power supply?
Neg carriers, epson or aftermarket?
What should I do for software?

Not a bad deal for $5 if I can get this fired up.

Thanks.

 

[ChrisN]

For power you need 24volts at 1.1 amp.

After-market neg carrier from BetterScanning is excellent (I have medium-format carrier with the ANR glass - wonderful).

For software many would recommend Vuescan. I have been satisfied with the Epson OEM software, available for download here.

Given that you can buy these new and complete from Epson USA for under $130, you might get better value just by buying a new one, rather than chasing missing bits. Even then I would still strongly recommend the BetterScanning film holder.

I've found this scanner excellent for my MF B&W negs, but I haven't been happy trying to scan Velvia with it.

 

[andrewnelles]

Well, i ordered a replacement power supply and film holders. Powered up just fine, and scans alright.

I'm finding it to be alright for color neg most of the time, but slides (6x6) are all having green noisy banding in the shadows. I'm using the Epson software to scan. Anyone else experience this? The histogram and levels adjustments in the software are rather annoying. Any tips to squeeze a little more sharpness out of this? I don't see any height shims on the holders.

I'm not expecting much on this, just web scans for 35mm, and maybe some 8x8 prints from 6x6. I just want to make sure I'm getting the most from it.