Should I buy a V300 or 4490 scanner?

[joecorvaia]

I know the specs on each and have done a pretty extensive search (here and google), but I wanted to hear if there was any feedback from the crowd on the forum.

I realize that neither one is ideal for crucial scans - something along the lines of a high end Nikon would preferable. I am looking to be able to have decent quality scans that would be acceptable for web galleries, as well as small prints (8x10's, maybe 11x14).

Anyone have a preference of one over the either? I am only concerned with 35mm negatives. The 4490 has digital ice and proven, where as the V300 is newer technology and cheaper.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[russianRF]

Is it possible to step up a little bit to an Epson V500? It's less than $100 more...

 

[djonesii]

4490 will scan MF, V300 will not.

check out the Epson site for deals on refubs, they are very attractively priced, and have free shipping.

Dave

 

[joecorvaia]

russianrf: I really don't want to spend more than the 4490 (about $140 from Amazon, less $30 for rebate) or $100 for the V300.

Dave: I have checked out the Epson site. There are no 4490 refurbs, however there is a V500 refurb for $150. I think I would prefer a new 4490 for a little less (or is that a bad idea?). The MF scanning doesn't really concern me. I don't have any MF gear, thus no reason to scan the film from it.

 

[bmattock]

I have the 4490, I like it. Don't know about the V300 or V500.

For me, I am having a small problem, which may not be a problem for you. I run Linux, not Windows, or Mac, and haven't had a problem until recently. The 4490 needs a special driver, available from Epson's "epkowa" website, but it does not work under 64-bit Linux, which I just upgraded to. So unless things change, I may be getting rid of my 4490, it just won't work for me anymore. Too bad, good scanner.

FYI, the holders aren't that great, IMHO. www.Betterscanning.com sells some that are supposed to be better, but they're a bit out of my price range.

 

[ChrisN]

I just scanned a fresh roll from the Hasselblad with the 4490. I continue to be pretty happy with the scans I'm getting, with the Epson software and most of the automatic features turned off (for later adjustments in Lightroom or Photoshop).

Agree with Bill's recommendation on the BetterScanning negative holders - they really help.

 

[scottyb70]

I have the holders for betterscanning and the guy is great to deal with.

 

[joecorvaia]

Well, I actually use Mac OS X 10.5 90% of the time. I dual boot my mac with Ubuntu 8.10 to use Faststone under WINE for web resize/border/watermark. Scanning with Leopard shouldn't be an issue then.

I appreciate the feedback and info.

I have the 4490, I like it. Don't know about the V300 or V500.

For me, I am having a small problem, which may not be a problem for you. I run Linux, not Windows, or Mac, and haven't had a problem until recently. The 4490 needs a special driver, available from Epson's "epkowa" website, but it does not work under 64-bit Linux, which I just upgraded to. So unless things change, I may be getting rid of my 4490, it just won't work for me anymore. Too bad, good scanner.

FYI, the holders aren't that great, IMHO. www.Betterscanning.com sells some that are supposed to be better, but they're a bit out of my price range.

 

[joecorvaia]

Chris,

That scan came out great. I really think that photo is a good example of the ability of the scanner. It shows great detail and contrast.

I was aware of the negative holders, but I think I would probably just give the OEM ones a try first.

Thanks,

Joe

I just scanned a fresh roll from the Hasselblad with the 4490. I continue to be pretty happy with the scans I'm getting, with the Epson software and most of the automatic features turned off (for later adjustments in Lightroom or Photoshop).

Agree with Bill's recommendation on the BetterScanning negative holders - they really help.

 

[Mudman]

B&H has a new 4490 for $95 after a rebate. I recently got the V500, a great scanner, and I've used the older 4990. I can't really see too much of a difference in the scan quality, but the V500 is a whole lot faster.

 

[venchka]

As a minimum, buy the 4490 so you will have MF format capability. Never say never when it comes to moving up in size. Start saving for the Betterscanning holders. They do make a difference.

ChrisN:

If you're reading, fabulous photo! I may buy a 4490 for now and wait for a nice clean V750 later to do large format. Mind sharing the film, developer, E.I., time, etc.? 80mm Planar I presume? You make that lens rock!

One more question: 16 bit grayscale or 48 bit color scan?

 

[ChrisN]

Chris,

That scan came out great. I really think that photo is a good example of the ability of the scanner. It shows great detail and contrast.

...

Joe

Thanks Joe - I was pretty pleased with it.

...

ChrisN:

If you're reading, fabulous photo! I may buy a 4490 for now and wait for a nice clean V750 later to do large format. Mind sharing the film, developer, E.I., time, etc.? 80mm Planar I presume? You make that lens rock!

One more question: 16 bit grayscale or 48 bit color scan?

Hi Wayne - not to hijack the thread, as some of this is relevant to the scanner and how to get good results from it. Camera and lens: Hassy 500C/M with the standard 80mm Planar lens (the old silver non T* version), and shot from a tripod. Film was Ilford FP4+ exposed at 100 iso or thereabouts. Developer: Rodinal 1+50 for 12 minutes at 20c. The scan was made with the standard Epson software, 1200 dpi, with all the automatic adjustments turned off, and adjusting the scan exposure to make sure the histogram showed no clipping. 16-bit grayscale. This produced a very flat-looking tiff file (see attachment), which I then imported to Lightroom. In LR I played with the exposure, fill light, blacks, contrast, clarity and sharpness until it was looking the way I wanted. Easy! 🙂

Yes - the V700 would be nice. The cost of a new scanner is the major obstacle stopping me using the Speed Graphic more often. One day ...

 

[venchka]

Thanks Chris! That is how I am doing things on a friend's Epson 4990 and Lightroom. FP4+ and Rodinal. I have a 120 roll in the bag. It needs to see the light of day.

 

[kuzano]

I have to say this.....

I have to say this.....

Chris,

That scan came out great. I really think that photo is a good example of the ability of the scanner. It shows great detail and contrast.

I was aware of the negative holders, but I think I would probably just give the OEM ones a try first.

Thanks,

Joe

Using the OEM medium format film holders really put me off on scanning 120 with my V500. So much so, that as I prepared to buy the betterscanning holders, I had an opportunity to sell the v500 for what I paid for it and have not been back to scanning. I pay an extra $9 per roll to get high rez scans on a CD from the film processor I use.

I may get another scanner, and it will probably be Epson, but I WILL NOT waste time again on the OEM holders. When I buy a scanner, the better holders will be on the glass before the lights come on.