Epson V750-M Pro or Nikon 9000 for Xpan scans?

[parasko]

Has anyone tried the new flatbed scanner Epson Perfection V750-M Pro?

I am seeking a scanner for my new Xpan kit and I'm tossing up between this new Epson and the Nikon 9000.

How does this new flatbed compare to a dedicated film scanner such as the 9000?

Any other recommendations in a similar price range to the Nikon? I have read that the Epson 4990 is not up to par to a dedicated film scanner but could work well as proof scanner, from which I could pay to have drum scans. Though I personally would prefer a better scanner from the outset and to not go down this path as drum scans are expensive.

Any comments appreciated.

 

[muihlinn]

It depends what you are aiming for. There is no desktop scanner that matches a drum scanner's output. Taking care the price difference all of those scanners have a more than decent output, but if the maiin target is on the 35mm range, the nikon holds the edge, but imho not by much.

 

[srtiwari]

Don't own either, but plan to invest in the V750. Have you seen this review ?

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/Epson V750/page_1.htm

Subhash

 

[wdenies]

If you are a MF user go for the Epson. (For me Xpan is MF.)
As Silverfast AI is included (costing a fortune) the Epson is really a bargain.
Invest the price difference in other gear.
A thing Epson MUST improve is the quality of their filmholders (35mm is a pain in...)
If you want very very high resolution pictures use the mosaic shooting technique (even with the Xpan).
No experience with the V750 but a happy user of the "old" 4870.

Wim

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I'm interested also in the V750 especially at the price. Having got the Nikon 5000 for 35mm already, i'm also considering the 9000 or the more expensive Imacon 636 ( i think this is the correct model)?

 

[ghost]

depends on how big you want to print. 5x? flatbed. 8x? film scanner.

 

[sf]

Big advantage of the dedicated scanner is optional glass holder. The V750 has a glass holder, but it requires wet mounting from what i hear.

The Konica Minolta Dimage SCan Multi Pro comes with a nice glass holder and scans up to 6x9 and "multi format 35mm" which means you can get 4800DPI scans of xpan frames.

 

[parasko]

Wim,

What is the 'mosaic shooting technique'?

If you are a MF user go for the Epson. (For me Xpan is MF.)
As Silverfast AI is included (costing a fortune) the Epson is really a bargain.
Invest the price difference in other gear.
A thing Epson MUST improve is the quality of their filmholders (35mm is a pain in...)
If you want very very high resolution pictures use the mosaic shooting technique (even with the Xpan).
No experience with the V750 but a happy user of the "old" 4870.

Wim

 

[wdenies]

Mosaic technique:
Subdivide the subject into x horizontal / y vertical pictures.
Make a shot for each picture with an overlap of 30%.
Do not change aperture/focus between each shot
Scan each picture with a resolution > 3000dpi
Assemble with a pano tool.
(pay attention that smoke is not coming out of your computer!)
You will end up with a photo covering a wall with the finest details
Works fine even with the XPAN. (90mm)
For the best results use a tripod with a pano head (panosaurus)
For a tutorial in better English visit the PTAssembler site!

Give it a try!

Wim

 

[Jim Watts]

I had a negative scanned by Nikon on the previous 8000ED in comparison an Epson 2450 and although the Nikon was better it wasn't that much better at an enlargement of upto 20" long (my usual legth for XPan pano's. It was much, much slower than the Epson. The Nikon 9000ED by reputation is only slightly better quality wise but a lot faster. There have been some reports of poor reliability of the 9000ED.

The FH-869S Glass filmholder is essential for XPan negatives and in the U.K. this is nearly 300 GBP ontop of the 2K GBP price of the 9000ED. I suppose if you make very large prints and can afford the Nikon package go for it.

I'm waiting for the Epson V750M-Pro and the wet mounting kit, which I hope will a more cost effective option. It's not available in the U.K. yet.

 

[anaanda]

I have the epson 4490 for Xpan scans and quite frankly for the price of $200 its excellent....

 

[parasko]

Thanks all for your comments.

Having read various reviews/ user experiences, I have now narrowed my scanner choice down to the Nikon 9000 or the Minolta Dimage Multi Scan Pro. Hopefully I can pick up one of these two in the next couple of weeks in used but usable condition.

 

[RObert Budding]

Last year my Epson 4990 was touted as being as good as a dedicated film scanner (photo-i and kenrockwell.com). It's not even close. The resolution is about 1500 dpi and the DMax is not very good based on poor shadow detail. Get a dedicated film scanner.

Scanning is labor intensive. But good hardware before dedicating a lot of time.