Epson 1680 vs. 2450/3200

Hello!

 

Apologies to those on Tony Sleep's list who have seen a similar post.

I am curious if anyone has a reasonably informed opinion on the

virtues of the Epson Expression 1680 as opposed to the "consumer"

2450/3200 models for MF and 4x5 negs and chromes. The 1680 claims a

significantly higher Dmax value (3.6 vs. 3.4) and seems to be a lot

more solidly built. Still, one can get a used MF camera for the

difference in price between the 2450 (about 280-300 US street) and the

1680 (1000 street).

 

TIA,

Les

The two main differences between the 1680 and the 2450/3200, except for resolution, are the size of the film you can scan and focusing. The 2450/3200 is restricted to a 4 x 9 inch window, and it has a fixed focus lens, relying on depth of field for adequate sharpness. The 1680 has a mechanism for focusing.

 

I've been using the 2450 for medium and 4 x 5 format, and I am fairly well satisfied with it. It is clear I could do better with a scanner capable of much higher resolution and with better optics. I don't have any personal experience with the 1680, but I suspect you have to go to over $2000 for a scanner that can do signficantly better for medium format or 4 x 5.

 

You can look at

 

math.northwestern.edu/~len/photos/pages/e2450.html

 

for some examples of what the 2450 can do with 6 x 7 film

 

I scan primarily negative film (b/w and color). It is true that with transparencies I get close to the limits of the 2450, but it seems able to handle it. I am going to do some more testing with transparency film. I doubt if the difference between 3.4 and 3.6 is going to be that significant except in marginal circumstances.

 

I haven't seen the 2450 advertised for under $300, and the newer 3200 ppi scanner is supposed to sell for $400. If the newer scanner really is noticeably better, it would make sense to wait for it. Undoubtely, there will be reviews and user comments to refer to shortly after it appears.

I just looked at the Epson site, and on the 1680 Pro, under focus control, it says N/A.

Hi!

 

The 1680 has what Epson calls a "dual-focus" mechanism, meaning that the focus is raised to a predetermined point aboce the copyglass when the film holders are in use.

 

Les

I have had good success with the 2450 by taping the 4x5 trans to the glass instead of using the holders. A friend encountered Newton Rings, I have not. I only tape at two points to prevent movement, and don't sandwich between plates like a glass carrier. The holders Epson provides crop too much and let the film sag (curve). .. t (3M's Magic Tape (MMM810) leaves no residue and it's adhesive is inert acrylic.)

I use the 2450 for 2-1/4 negs and have had good results with no problems. I made my own film holder to hold strips of three 6x6 negs vertically for previewing all three using VueScan - much faster than one at a time.