Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
08-26-2018, 09:44 PM
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Your problem sounds more like a driver/Windows problem. I would try updating the software to the latest version. for the V500/550/600. Epson has had to deal with some Win 10 compatibility issues with their software recently after Windows 10 did a big recent update during the late Spring.
In terms of resolution, it is highly likely you will be hard-pressed to see any true real-world resolution gain from the 4490 to the V550 so I would try to get that working again and then do the cleaning you mentioned!
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
07-27-2018, 11:52 AM
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EpsonScan is easier software to use so you might find that you don't have to invest in Vuescan and thus save a good chunk of money. Additionally, that Epson scanner has a standard film suspension height that is slightly higher than the Canon's so there is a slightly lower chance of Newton Rings occurring.
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
06-17-2018, 08:30 AM
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The biggest problem with the 3170 is the light source in the lid of the scanner. It is usually uneven in coverage and is so weak that it limits the ability of the scanner to "see" into the denser areas of the film. When people come to me asking for a film holder for that scanner, I advise them to take the money they were going to spend on a film holder and apply it toward a V500/V550/V600 if money is tight or a V7xx/V8xx if the budget allows. A used unit in good condition can be a great investment and sometimes refurbished units are available on the EpsonStore website plus I think it is Adorama that started selling Epson's refurbs.
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
09-06-2017, 08:22 AM
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If the 4870 is in decent working order, it will perform about as well as a V7xx/V8xx in terms of optics if you obtain or make some holders that will place the film at the optimum height above the glass bed for sharpest focus (the V8xx will have better Dmax performance). At this age, the scanner most likely needs to be opened up and have the underside of the glass cleaned. There probably is a haze/fog from the outgassing of the plastic parts over time. Exploded diagrams are archived at the following link. You can also search Youtube for video instructions for the 4870/4990. How To Dismantle Epson Scanners |
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
03-06-2017, 10:10 AM
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From your description, are you sure you had the correct software setting "Film with Film Holder" on your V700? If you were getting sharper scans off of the bed of the scanner, that indicates that the setting was wrong when you were using the film holder. This settings switches between the two lenses which have different set focus points.
As the other poster said, you also need to calibrate the height of the film holder to get optimum sharpness.
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
09-18-2016, 07:54 AM
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If you are only_scanning 35 mm, you will probably want to invest in a dedicated film scanner. Research the selection at B&H or whatever is your favorite mega seller. Flatbeds do a good job with larger formats and offer versatility but a good dedicated film scanner for 35 mm has a slight edge and start to make sense if you only plan to scan one format.
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
12-13-2014, 10:39 AM
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>>35mm slide and film strips.<<
If you are only doing 35 mm film and slides, go for one of the decent dedicated film scanners. Especially if you are used to the output from a Nikon. Look at Plustek, etc. The V8xx is a nice flatbed (same optics as a 750 though) but for the smaller formats like 35 mm the decent dedicated film scanners have an edge.
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
11-07-2014, 08:10 AM
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If you are only shooting 35 mm and for publication, don't go for a low-end flatbed. Definitely get a dedicated film like a Plustek, Prime Film, Pacific Imaging or used Nikon, Minolta.
Doug
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
10-20-2014, 09:29 AM
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Aristophanes makes a good point. HP is notorious for not updating drivers, or if they do, charging you to obtain them. Additionally I do not think the software for their scanners is very good.
I think you would find it very difficult to see any noticeable difference in scan quality between a V500 and a V600. If you can find a V500, it is usually the better value. You might check the Epson website for your country. For many countries, Epson has an EpsonStore with a clearance center. There are often great deals on refurbished scanners in the clearance center.
Doug
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