I need a Scanner.

S

Stephanie Brim

Mental Experimental.
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I don't need a Canon 7 OR a Speed Graphic...what I need is a scanner.

I sold my Scan Dual III a few months ago and regret it now more than anything, but I think I did the right thing. I need something that can do relatively well with medium format as well now that I'm taking my Agfa folder out more and more to shoot. I just need something that would give me relatively decent 35mm and 6x9 scanning for web use, not for printing.

I'm looking hard at the Epson 4490 PHOTO. Seems to be what I want. Do I have any other options that would get me into an under $200 price bracket?
 
Going from a dedicated film scanner to a flatbed is going to dissapoint you, Im pretty sure. I have the 3590 photo from Epson and its ok, but compared to the stuff I see on here done with dedicated scanners... it isnt nearly as good. The epson software does ok for automation ( I like it better than Vuescan) and I've made prints up to 9x12 from neg scans (actually just one... I dont print much though) and it looks great. You should have similar results from the 4490 (probably better). I think you will find that its slower than a dedicated scanner as well (though I havent had any experience with a dedicated scanner myself)

I guess that doesnt help you much because I'm assuming lots of things but thats what I've got for you.

Tom
 
For web use, and printing up to 10x10 or so, an Epson flatbed for MF negs will be just fine. I got REALLY good results from my Epson 2450 and 4990 with my 6x6 and 6x9 negs. And I have a Nikon 4000 for my 35mm work to compare against.

That said REALLY good vs. AWESOME is relative. I just got a Nikon 9000 and there really is a difference. But for small prints and web use the 9000 is NOT needed.
 
Hmm, I happen to have a Dual III and an Epson 4990 (ok, not the same model of the latter). The Epson is not that far behind. The dynamic range of the dual seems to be really bad, but maybe it's just that I haven't found the right knob to tweak. The Epson seems much better in this regard, and scans Velvia pretty well which is always a good torture test for this.

This flickr set were all scanned on the flatbed, apart from the last two. Probably need to view large to see anything much. I find the Epson scans perfectly acceptable for posting small on the web.
 
I purchased an Epson Perfection Photo 3170 off the bay late last year, the price was great and the scans are wonderfull. There is also a film insert for medium format.
 
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