Scanning 645 Format Film.

[snegron]

After hearing about Mamiya's announcement about going out of business I went out and purchaced a PDS Prism for one of my old 645 J's! I have been bitten by the 120 film bug again and I want to scan my negatives. My problem is that I currently own an Epson 4870 Flatbed Scanner and it does not recognize 645 format frames. It does recognize square format though. I guess I have a three part question then:

1. Can anyone recommed a decent scanner for 645 format 120 film that I won't have to refinance my house or sell one of my kidneys in order to purchase?

2. Would it be more cost effective to buy a used Hassleblad system solely for the square format compatibility with my scanner?

or

3. Is there any way I can "trick" my Epson 4870 into scanning my 645 format negatives by either factory or third party software?

P.S., I had this issue the first month I purchased my 4870 about two years ago, but I was to naive to admit that it was not user error on my part that was not letting me scan my 645 frame negatives but the manufacturer's lack of mentioning this little detail when they advertised it could scan 35mm and 120mm film.

[mcgrattan]

Just turn off the automatic thumbnail feature in the Epson software. It'll scan it as a single strip and you can draw in your own frame lines.

[Dave Parker]

I have never had a problem with the 4870 scanning 645 format, you have to tell the machine what to do, and not let the machine tell you what to do, it will scan virtually any size negative or positive up to 8x10 that you want it to, you will have to go beyonded the predifined paramaters in the software they give you, but you can scan 645 with no problems at all.

Dave

[snegron]

Just turn off the automatic thumbnail feature in the Epson software. It'll scan it as a single strip and you can draw in your own frame lines.

I have looked for that option but have not been able to find it. Also, the plastic film masks that are supplied with the scanner can only fit two frames per line. Is there another optional plastic film holder that will let me fit three frames per line?

[Pinholemaster]

Nikon 8000. Should be used ones in good shape since the Nikon 9000 came out.

[MattKing]

I have looked for that option but have not been able to find it. Also, the plastic film masks that are supplied with the scanner can only fit two frames per line. Is there another optional plastic film holder that will let me fit three frames per line?

Try Doug Fisher's site:

BetterScanning.com

[thebanana]

I've used both the Epson software and Silverfast with my Epson 4180 with no problems scanning my 645 negs. Only 2 frames at a time though.

[Drew B.]

as others have said, I use the same scanner and 645 is no problem. In fact, it is easier than the 67 format.

[Troy Ammons]

Upgrade and wait for the Epson V750. Looks promissing, but i dont know if it will auto frame 645.

[P C Headland]

Your 4870 will do the job fine, as long as you turn off the automatic thumbnailing (as previously mentioned).

I use a 3170, and have turned this feature off. I don't have the software in front of me at the moment, but (from memory), using the Epson software, you need to be in professional mode, and turn off the auto-thumbnail under either the preview button or the scan button options.

Doug's holder will hold the film flatter, and allow you to scan more images at once. You can also download and try Vuescan.