Anyone using an Epson 4990 Scanner for LF

[akimball]

Hi all,

I just got my Epson 4990 scanner which I am "trying out". I've played around with it a bit, and am bugged by something. The scanner comes with a film holder for 4x5 negs, but you still have to scan in full 8x10 mode - or at least I can't find any configuration options (supposed to be in preview->config). When you scan with 8x10 transparency, you don't get digital ICE (no biggie really) but what I am hoping is that I am getting the same focus. With an 8x10, you lay the film on the glass - with the 4x5 holders, the film is elevated. So, something has to be doing a calculation. Am I doing things correctly? Incorrectly?

I forgot how difficult it is to get good scans from film. A real pain.

Best,
Adam

[Bosaiya]

I just got my Epson 4990 scanner which I am "trying out". I've played around with it a bit, and am bugged by something. The scanner comes with a film holder for 4x5 negs, but you still have to scan in full 8x10 mode - or at least I can't find any configuration options (supposed to be in preview->config). When you scan with 8x10 transparency, you don't get digital ICE (no biggie really) but what I am hoping is that I am getting the same focus. With an 8x10, you lay the film on the glass - with the 4x5 holders, the film is elevated. So, something has to be doing a calculation. Am I doing things correctly? Incorrectly?

I use a 4990 with 4x5 negs. What I do is use a negative carrier since the provided plastic thing won't hold Type 55 negs without trimming. Works like a charm.

[kswatapug]

As for the need to use full 8x10 mode when only scanning a 4x5, the software lets you draw a square around whatever you want to scan. Whatever is located within the box of marching ants gets scanned. To get the box drawn, go into the preview mode and you'll note that the cursor turns into cross-hairs when placed over the image preview. Simply click and drag to draw your selection box.

The problem with ICE and large files is usually related to the memory buffer. For instance, with the 4990's predecessor, the 4870, it was not possible to scan a 4x5 over 3200 dpi. That problem has supposedly been fixed with a larger buffer in the 4990. I suspect you'll be fine as soon as you limit the size of your scan to the 4x5 dimensions, though a high resolution scan of a 4x5 with ICE active can take awhile. With my 4870, we're talking five hours! I therefore spend more time cleaning the film, and choosing which images to use it on judiciously.