The Epson 1680 scanner has an attachment that will scan a 4x5 transparency. Do any of you have any comments on using this scanner for 4X5 black and white negatives?

Thanks,

-- Louis Jensen (jenluc@ix.netcom.com), December 26, 2001

Answers

If you won't go higher than 4x5 you might want to look into the 2450 instead, you'll save (quite) a few bucks. I only wish that I could wait for the 2480.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), December 26, 2001.

Several interesting sites/threads. The only negative that I've read about the 2450 (and don't quote me on it, I/they might be mistaken) is that it cannot have it's focus manually reset. Also (I haven't checked this) but since it's transparency unit is a funky 4"x9" it may not completely illuminate the short side of a 4x5. I shoot 5x7 so my 1680 is on order (watch, the 2480 will be announced next week!).

http://www.virtualtraveller.org/epson2450.htm

http://www.popphoto.com/Film/ArticleDisplay.asp?ArticleID=34

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0067Nv

http://www.lasersoft-imaging.com/silverfast/users-en.html

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), December 26, 2001.

Louis,

I have not used the scanner, but there is a review of this unit with a focus on 4x5 in the current Photo Techniques Magazine.

-- Dave Karp (davekarp@ix.netcom.com), December 26, 2001.

I use the Microtek ScanMaker 4. I don't know your price range, but I believe this model isn't too expensive. It is a flatbed with a drawer underneath the bed that has different trays you can load. From 2 35mm neg strips to 2 4 x 5 sheets to even an 8 x 10, I'm very happy to see what my negs look like when I don't have access to an enlarger and darkroom.

-- Mark Wiens (mark@wiens.com), December 26, 2001.

Where can I get more info on the Epson 2480? What's the differences between the 2480 and the 2450? Any info on line?

-- S Ratzlaff (ratzlaff@ticnet.com), December 27, 2001.

I was just wishing, EPSON hasn't announced a 2480 yet. But like every recent consumer model there is a PRO version that will appear in a few months.

-- Wayne DeWitt (wdewitt@snip.net), December 27, 2001.

I've been using the slightly older Epson 1640su Photo for almost a year and I'm very happy with the performance/price. I use it for 35mm (mounted slides), 645, and 4x5 (transparencies and negs). The results are great for output to the web and for prints up to 8x10.

I get better results with B&W negs by scanning in color mode and then converting back to B&W in Photoshop. There is a good Photoshop Tutorial on the conversion technique titled "Monochrome from Colour" here... http://welcome.to/computerdarkroom

I've mostly used this technique on some of the old glass plates I inherited from my great, great grandfather. You can see some examples on my website here... http://www.naturalorderphoto.com/familygenealogyphotos.htm Someday, I'll get around to some of my own B&W work. :)

-- Scott Bacon (sbacon@naturalorderphoto.com), December 27, 2001.

I guess I swallowed hook, line and sinker. :>}

I have the 2450 and like it. Scans of 4x5 chromes so far have turned out pretty nice for 8x10 printing. Can't complain for $400.

I'm pretty impressed, I can actually scan at 2400 ppi and see grain on old Ektachrome 200.

-- S Ratzlaff (ratzlaff@ticnet.com), December 29, 2001.