V750 or BetterScanning for 1680?

[Benjamin Marks]

I currently own an Epson Expression 1680 with OEM plastic film holders, purchased new in 2000. It does an OK job on MF and LF scans.

Question for the scanning gurus among you: is the V750 enough of a step up in resolution/quality to warrant purchase, or should I spend a smaller amount of money on BetterScanning wet-mount holders for the 1680 instead? 35mm is a non issue. I have searched RFF and the web generally, but since the v750 and 1680 were produced at least two generations (in scanner-life) apart, there don't seem to be any direct comparisons available. Alternatively, if any of you know of a reasonable on-line discussion of pros and cons, I would be most interested.

Ben Marks

 

[thegman]

Hard to say, as like you say, hard to find direct comparisons. the 1680 reckons 1600dpi, what it gets in reality, is hard to say. The V700, the prevailing opinion seems to be that despite claims of 3200dpi, the reality is 2400dpi.

That's a step up, but for MF or LF, unless you're printing *huge*, I'm not convinced you'll see a big difference. However, I would question investing in a scanner that's 12 years old, and probably spring for the V700 or V750.

The V700 is great, not that expensive, and will get an enormous amount of detail out of MF negs.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Thanks, Garry. Anyone on RFF made a similar switch? I know that the v750 has a lot of fans.