venchka
Veteran
Many of you are looking for a budget priced scanner. I was in the market for a scanner. I was ready to buy the Microtek M1 when Microtek bailed out of the N.A. market. Thank goodness I delayed.
After Christmas I was really anxious to buy a scanner. My focus was on a used Epson 4990 or new/refurbed Epson V700 or V750.
Out of the blue an Epson Expression 1680 with the full film scanning hardware and software accessories was listed on another Forum. I wasn't first to reply but I was first to say "I'll buy it" after the seller listed the shipping costs. OUCH! The 1680 is a big chunk of hardware. The selling price was $150, very reasonable. Shipping from L.A. to Houston was another $75. Ouch! No worries. The scanner arrived yesterday. I am very pleased so far.
Things I like so far: The MF and 4x5 film holders hold more film than the Epson 4990 I had been using. 3 strips of 3 6x6 frames or 4 sheets of 4x5. That is a huge plus. The really cool thing: I set up 4 sheets of 4x5 this morning. Selected all 4 sheets. Selected Batch Scan. Left for work. I will have 4 140Mb+ TIF files waiting for me when I get home.
How are the scans? It's early, but based on the few 4x5 scans I made last, the 1680 holds it's own with the 4990 scans I made in 2008.
The Epson 1680 is big. Solid. Well made. Has 2 FireWire ports. A very professional package. If you find a nice one at the right price, Go For It!
Cheers!
Wayne
After Christmas I was really anxious to buy a scanner. My focus was on a used Epson 4990 or new/refurbed Epson V700 or V750.
Out of the blue an Epson Expression 1680 with the full film scanning hardware and software accessories was listed on another Forum. I wasn't first to reply but I was first to say "I'll buy it" after the seller listed the shipping costs. OUCH! The 1680 is a big chunk of hardware. The selling price was $150, very reasonable. Shipping from L.A. to Houston was another $75. Ouch! No worries. The scanner arrived yesterday. I am very pleased so far.
Things I like so far: The MF and 4x5 film holders hold more film than the Epson 4990 I had been using. 3 strips of 3 6x6 frames or 4 sheets of 4x5. That is a huge plus. The really cool thing: I set up 4 sheets of 4x5 this morning. Selected all 4 sheets. Selected Batch Scan. Left for work. I will have 4 140Mb+ TIF files waiting for me when I get home.
How are the scans? It's early, but based on the few 4x5 scans I made last, the 1680 holds it's own with the 4990 scans I made in 2008.
The Epson 1680 is big. Solid. Well made. Has 2 FireWire ports. A very professional package. If you find a nice one at the right price, Go For It!
Cheers!
Wayne
Last edited: