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OldProfessorBear
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« on: January 16, 2007, 08:39:01 PM » |
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What in your opinions is the best flatbed scanner, with at least MF negative capability, that I can get for $300 or less?
I currently have a Microtek 5900, which is about 5 or so years old now, and getting a bit long in the tooth (for one thing, the underside of the glass needs a good cleaning due to outgassing, but Microtek discourages opening the case because they say it takes a trained tech to get it back together right).
I'd been hoping to take advantage of my supposed Epson store rebates from the class action suit, but it seems appeals were filed last week, so I guess the "settlement" that supposedly was heard and approved in August and announced in October, wasn't.
However, a kind relative has promised me a "grant" for the purpose of upgrading, and I want to spend it wisely.
I actually got relatively decent negative scans, even 35mm, from the Microtek, but would like something better.
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Bill Phillips, N.D., Sexagenarian Boy Genius and SUPREME NERD GOD!!! (score=98):eek:
Down in the Bear Cave under Cantabrigia Castle
Geekhaven, MA, US (currently in hibernation)
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P C Headland
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« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2007, 01:56:16 AM » |
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Maybe an Epson 4990 (refurb?), or a Microtek i800?
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jtzordon
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« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2007, 08:36:33 AM » |
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The i800 has a $50 rebate going on right now.
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xvvvz
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« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2007, 08:49:14 AM » |
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Paul's idea about the Epson refurbs is a good one. They had 4990's for something like $310 (including shipping) not too long ago. If you really want to buy new, look at the 4490 or the new Canon 8600. If you really search, you might be able to find a Canon 9950F for pretty close to $300. Doug --- www.BetterScanning.com |
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Rick Oleson
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« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2007, 06:11:57 PM » |
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I've been very happy with my Epson 3200, which is now discontinued - I guess the current equivalent would be the 4990. It takes from 35mm up to 4x5, and you can easily make holders for 127 and other odd sizes (which i have been MEANING to get around to)
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People used to see me with my Contax and say "Oooh, is that a Leica?"
.... now they say "Oooh, is that a film camera?"
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jtzordon
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« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2007, 07:36:27 AM » |
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Talking about Epson refurbs, they have the 4180 for $100 bucks. That's quite a deal. Can't handle 4x5 though.
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joho35mm
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« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2007, 10:41:18 AM » |
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I have an Epson 4180 Photo - handles both medium format and 35mm negs and slides very well, once you get the hang of it (overexposed or dense negatives don't do so well, but everything else turns out great). I got mine a few years back for about $190 or so. And as jtzordon says, it's going for about $100 - I'd go for it.
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jtzordon
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« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2007, 11:31:51 AM » |
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Question on the 4180. I used to have the 3170 that would scan one frame of 120 at a time. Does the 4180 holder do the same?
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JRJacobs
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« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2007, 12:23:02 PM » |
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Another vote for the Epson 4490. I own it and the expensive Sprintscan 120, and the Epson is not that far behind the dedicated scanner. It does very well amd can handle 35mm and 120mm.
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OldProfessorBear
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« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2007, 03:30:50 PM » |
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Do you think the 4990 is worth the difference in price over the 4490?
(Refurb 4990 @ $309.99, incl. shipping;
vs. Refurb 4490 @ $173.00, incl. shipping;
vs. New 4490 @ 199.99 at my local Micro Center store - was in stock as of the other week
oh, and the 4490 is $179.99 @ Best Buy, but dunno if it will be when I have the $ in hand.)
What do you think?
I scan prints and slides and negs, the negs being anywhere from 35mm (lots) to 120 (lots), 116 (a fair number) to 122 (just a few) and possibly even the occasional 4x5 now.
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Bill Phillips, N.D., Sexagenarian Boy Genius and SUPREME NERD GOD!!! (score=98):eek:
Down in the Bear Cave under Cantabrigia Castle
Geekhaven, MA, US (currently in hibernation)
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JRJacobs
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« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2007, 02:57:50 AM » |
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The only real difference between the 4490 and the 4990 is that the 4990 can handle large format negatives, whereas the 4490 can only do 120 and 35mm.
I don't have a LF camera, so I went with the 4490.
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Michael_I
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« Reply #12 on: January 23, 2007, 11:42:00 AM » |
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I myself am leaning towards Epson 4490 - but Amazon has some awfull reviews(repeating complaints on rechating sound and distorted negs).
What do you say guys?
Thanks
Mike
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« Last Edit: January 23, 2007, 11:44:09 AM by Michael_I »
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Andre Reinders
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« Reply #14 on: January 24, 2007, 05:50:49 PM » |
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I have a 4490 as well and while I haven't used it a whole lot yet - I like it so far. I couldn't justify the extra$$ for the 4990 - I don't shoot 4x5 anyway....
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