Epson 2450 for scanning medium format

Can anyone comment on how good a job the Epson 2450 flatbed does

scanning medium format film. I understand it will scan film up to 4"

x 9"

Besides resolution, How would the the scans compare to those film

scanner, the Nikon 8000 say.

The 2450 (now obsolete, but possibly still in stock some places)is excellent for 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 and 4x5 negatives. I'm not sure of it's density range, most important for transparancies, since I have few medium format slides, but it does very well on B&W and color negatives. I use it at 16 bit/color and the results are stunning. It is not the fastest scanner around at 2400 dpi, but for the money it is fine. See Norman Koren's site for comments on several user's experiences (http://www.normankoren.com/index.html)

 

Photo-Guy

There's a difference between 'just discontinued' and obsolete. And it is available in considerable numbers at many stores -- B&H, for example, has new models in stock for $379, and refurbished models for $299.

 

J., the 2450 does a very good job. Type in '2450' (without quotes) in the search box on this page and you'll find many discussions about the scanner.

I got one of those refurbs for $299 from B&H and I'm very happy. The new 3200dpi successor doesn't have enough additional resolution to do me much good. 2400 is already more than enough to get me a non-interpolated print from a 6x6 neg as large as my P2200 can handle paper-wise. I also have a Polaroid 45 (the original 2000dpi model)and it is a bit better than the 2450 but not by much. I would venture a guess that the Polaroid 120 (4000dpi)would be better if you're scanning files to be commercially-printed to poster sizes--but then again, for that I'd just get them drum-scanned.

Any clue when the successor will be available?

I'm considering buying the Epson 2450 to augment my services

offered here:</P>

 

<P><A HREF="http://www.saugus.net/Photos/scanning.shtml">http://www.saugus.net/Photos/scanning.shtml

If you are talking about using the scanner for "professional" (aka "paid") results, I would seriously consider a Nikon 8k. Many professional photographers will not take you seriously if you say you scan medium format and then they walk in and see a flatbed. I wish it were otherwise, but that's my impression. And I say this as a diehard Epson user, my only scanner is a 2450. Scanning film with a flatbed always, always yields lots of post-scan work.

 

The 8k is much more expensive but I think you will be able to recoup the cost. The faster workflow, more available resolution, and digital ICE will gain enough more customers to make it worth the trouble.

 

Just my opinion, of course...

Much depends on how large your prints are going to be. I use the 2450 to scan my 6x6 transparencies at 2400 dpi and in 16 bit. The scans benefit from some tweaking in Photoshop, but there again what scans don't? Curves adjustments can bring out the shadow detail beautifully and correct for any colour casts. The correct amount of USM sharpens things up a treat.

 

I normally print 12"x12" at 2800 or 1400 dpi using the Epson 2100/2200. The results are really exceptional and I doubt at this size you would see any difference using the Nikon 8000.

The Epson 3200 hs been available in Japan for a short while and

will soon be available in the UK. One might assume it will eventually

make it's way over the pond...

 

Please see the following for info about the new Epson Scanner.

 

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/

Thanks for all the input. I found a dozen old large negatives, from my childhood. Kodak, Approx 2" x 3" in size so I was looking at options for scanning these. I'm in need of a new flatbed anyway. (My HP4P is outdated and needs a cable too). I'm enjoying a successfull in-home business scanning slides with the Nikon 4000 ED. Thought if I had the 2450 I could offer medium format scanning. I'd certainly make customers aware it was and Epson flatbed and charge accordingly. In the meantime I'd have another tax write-off and a high quality flat-bed, when needed.

Hi all, I too plan on getting the new Epson scanner. While jumping from 2400

dpi res to 3200 may not seem so much, from what I have read the actual res of

the 2450 is more like 1800. If the new scanner just brings the actual res up to

2400 I would be happy, and with new technology it may be even higher,

approaching the 3200 as claimed. Now the waiting game ...

Bill

As an addition to my previous post, today I used the Epson 2450 to scan a 5x4 transparency of one of my paintings. After the usual Photoshop adjustments, I printed it on an Epson 2100/2200 and the resulting print was outstanding. Every detail in the painting has been retained with absolute fidelity to the original.

 

For medium and large format the combination of the Epson 2450 together with the Epson 2200 printer is simply breathtaking.

Bought the Epson 2450! Still "learning." High resolution, 2400 DPI, 6x6 film scans are SLOW, but look great. The Firewire (1394)connection is giving me trouble. Limping along with the USB for now.

 

Won't try to fool anybody who needs, larger than 35MM, film scanned. They'll be informed about the 2450.

I've heard good things re scan quality of 6x6 & larger formats. I'm interested in feedback regarding the scan quality of 6x4.5? Especially transparencies. And better with Twain or SilverFast? Thanks.