Epson v500 vs Nikon LS 4000

[equalizer]

Hello all

I have a Nikon LS 4000 dedicated film scanner but I'm thinking of selling it and instead of it, buying an Epson V500

The reason is that I want a scanner that can handle both print and film (now I have a separate cheap flatbed scanner) can scan both 35mm and 120 format plus Nikon does not support NikonScan anymore on my operating system (Mac OS X Leopard) - yes I know, I use Vuescan but I hate it...

I shoot mainly black and white, some colour, I have a darkroom and my scanning is for web view mainly... Ok I want to have good quality and speed but as far as I see Epson V500 is alright for my needs. What do you think? Is it wise to replace the nikon ls4000 with the V500?

 

[IK13]

I won't do it. You already have a cheap flatbed. V500 can't come even close to the Nikon as far as quality is concerned.

 

[rogue_designer]

You could always track down silverfast for the LS4000 to run on Leopard.

The V500 will be a large step down in quality.

 

[JeremyLangford]

Im wanting to sell my Epson V500 and get a Coolscan V. Buy it for $175?

 

[JeremyLangford]

(perfect condition, box and all accessories included)

 

[kuzano]

Two problems with the V500 per your requirements.

Two problems with the V500 per your requirements.

I had the V500, and agree that for the 35mm, you are going to get less quality on scans compared to most dedicated 35mm scanners. However, the bigger problem for me is that the 120 film holders that come with the V500 are totally worthless. So, I considered the Better Scanning holders, and am still in a quandry, since buying both the scanner and then additionally the holders (which are said to be a large improvement) was something I would have to purchase before finding out the results. I decided against that. It only costs me $9 per roll on 120 to get HD scans on a CD. So, that's what I am doing for the present time.

As far as I am concerned, based on my experience, inexpensive flat bed scanning is still very murky water. The only people I have talked to that have been happy with both 35mm and 120mm in the same scanner have been dedicated scanners along the lines of the Nikon ED 9000 scanner, which can be found around $1500 occasionally.

I guess I should add that I did find the V500 quite adequate for scanning prints, but that is not of any interest to me.

I think the problem here is related to the need to try to do dual duty with one scanner... ie. both prints and film with requirements for high image quality on both formats.