Flat-bed scanner: Epson 4490

[L Gebhardt]

I'm surprised you are not using the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner, if you are doing just 35mm, rather than the flatbed scanner. I wish this particular scanner was available in the US, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

I have seen a few reviews of it and I don't think it is any better than the Epson flatbeds. From the sounds of it it uses the same internals. If you want decent scans from 35mm as well as medium and large format pick up a used Canon FS4000 or Nikon Collscan 4000 in addition to a flatbed (Epson 4870 or 4990). You should decent results with this combo for small enlargements.

[roteague]

I have seen a few reviews of it and I don't think it is any better than the Epson flatbeds. From the sounds of it it uses the same internals. If you want decent scans from 35mm as well as medium and large format pick up a used Canon FS4000 or Nikon Collscan 4000 in addition to a flatbed (Epson 4870 or 4990). You should decent results with this combo for small enlargements.

I've pretty well decided for my own use, that I am going to get the new Konica-Minolta 5400 II Elite, and the Canon for my LF (and future MF) stuff.

[foldingcamera]

I'm surprised you are not using the Epson F-3200 Film Scanner, if you are doing just 35mm, rather than the flatbed scanner. I wish this particular scanner was available in the US, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

My reason for going in for this scanner is that I have a large number of medium format negs, 6 x 6 & 6 x 9 taken many years ago with a TLR & a folding camera. the last of which I am gradually moving back to once I have tested some recent purchases. Also I have an old 5 x 4 Rochester Pony which, hopefully will soon be trying out when its sorted. Incidentally ICE & dust removal do not work on B/W only on colour.

Stephen.

[roteague]

Incidentally ICE & dust removal do not work on B/W only on colour.

That is true. However, I have heard that the Silverfast Ai 6 scanning software has its own dust and scratch removal software, which is supposed to be pretty good. Of course, the ICE limitation doesn't apply much to me, since I mostly shoot Velvia anyway.

[rfshootist]

Occasionally I'll also want to scan negatives, though I'm not really sure why yet.
Is it the 4490?
Specs look a tad better, but I wouldn't really know:
lso seems to come is ICE.
Any regrets with this one?

Silver based negs usually are considered as beeing the acid test for flatbed scanners. If this works well the rest is mostly o.k. too.

This is what I recently achieved with my new 4490 (which has nothing to to with the 4990 tho !!)

Old neg from 1975

I would consider this result as good enuff for web presentation. The tests with prints and 6X6 are not finished yet.

The scanner is sold in Germany for about $ 290, should be cheaper in US

bertram

[vet173]

I bought the 4990. I didn't go for the pro model as I already had monaco color management. After upgrading to the full version of silverfast I only saved about $50.00. If I had it to do over I would get the pro version. My friend would have gladly payed $ 50.00 for the color management part of it. If you don't already have color management ( which is a non option if you want to get into it ) it is well worth the bump.

[rfshootist]

4990 is about the double price of a 4490. Put $100 on top and you get a Minolta DualscanIV AND a 4490 , which I would consider to be the better solution if the focus is on 35mm negs ! If it is on MF then indeed the 4990 is better.
bertram

[roteague]

I bought the Epson 4990 on Friday and spent the weekend scanning. I was surprised at the quality of the scans I was getting; I scanned at 600 dpi. I need the 4990 since I primarily shoot 4x5. I should be getting the Minolta 5400 II Elite in a month or so for my 35mm work; the 4990 will do it, but I want a dedicated 35mm scanner.