Epson Scanners Discounting

[RayPA]

I noticed Epson scanner prices are being discounted, probably preparing for new model release (?). For instance, compUSA slashed their 4870 price and sold out their stock (locally). The 4180 is reduced $50 via rebate ($199 to $149). I'm considering the 4180 just to get started on scanning. I've got a bunch of b&w negs. The specs look good on the scanner. Anyone using this one, or have an opinion on Epson scanners in general?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

If you are going to be scanning mostly B&W negatives, the column-to-column uniformity of the scan is badly affected by the RGB mask of the sensor. In other words, the 2400DPI sensor has a red-green-blue mask in it that makes very uneven scans of black and white images.

If you can find a scanner that uses a color wheel or is set up for black and white, it will do better. I am basing this on my use of the epson 3170.

 

[GeneW]

Ray, I have a 4180 I picked up mainly to use for MF negs -- it replaced an older Epson 2450. The difference in quality between the 4180 and 2450 is noticeable (and the 2450 was pretty decent).

I tested out some 35mm scanning with the 4180 and was amazed at how good the scans were for a flatbed scanner. I know several photographers who use a 4180 for 35mm and they're very happy with it. I think it's the best scanner bargain on the market right now. It appears to use the same scanning engine as the 4870, or one very similar to it.

Gene

 

[RayPA]

I plan on using a scanner for mainly, b&w 35mm and 120 negs. I'd probably end up using it for color negs as well. Gene, I conversed with a online seller that was offering his unused 4180 with a 120 aftermarket holder, as sort of an inducement. I saw from the box that the 4180 has 3 holders, a 35mm, a 35mm slide, and a medium format. Will the MF holder take 120 (6x6/2.25x2.25), or do you know of a source for one? The cost of this scanner fits my immediate budget and need. I'll probably end up getting it. I've a feeling that one with the color wheel, or a black and white only setup, as Brian suggests, may cost more than I can afford. The mask issue makes sense, though.

 

[Solinar]

I picked up one of the last Epson 4870 scanners that were at a local store. With rebate, the scanner is now $349. I've been running some medium format 6x6 color negs through it. It's slow and the supplied film holder is a joke. GREAT SCANS , so it's a keeper. At 2400 dpi a 6x6 neg hits Photoshop with a resolution that is over 25 megapixels. The TIFF file is humongeous. I'm waiting to get a Hoderä film holder for some 6x9 negs I need to scan.

 

[GeneW]

Ray, it comes with a 120 strip holder and the Epson software can be set to recognize 645, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. The MF holder will hold a 6x6 strip of 3. There's a diffusion plate that fits over the MF holder to spread the light evenly across the neg while scanning. I've been getting excellent scans of my Rollei 6x6 negs. As Andrew says, it's slow and the TIFF files are huge (even worse, I always scan to 16-bit TIFF). But for the price I can stand the wait 😀

Gene

 

[Gordon Coale]

I'm still using my Epson 2450. I had been lusting after the 4870 but will hold out for the 4990 since it is supposed to scan 5x7 and 8x10 and I have a pile of 5x7 negs I made 30 years ago as well as now having a newold 5x7 Burke and James negative generator.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to get a copy of Silverfast AI. It transformed my 2450. It has a lot of controls that let you get at those pesky shadow details and highlights. Great scanning software for the Epson. It's $119 for the Epson scanners.

Good scanning!

 

[RayPA]

Ray, it comes with a 120 strip holder and the Epson software can be set to recognize 645, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. The MF holder will hold a 6x6 strip of 3. There's a diffusion plate that fits over the MF holder to spread the light evenly across the neg while scanning. I've been getting excellent scans of my Rollei 6x6 negs. As Andrew says, it's slow and the TIFF files are huge (even worse, I always scan to 16-bit TIFF). But for the price I can stand the wait 😀
Gene

I picked one up today! I've got it set up. I'll be up late. 😱

 

[Pherdinand]

Any place in Europe where they are discounting too?