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Epson 4990 in 2025 - Windows 11 Compatibility / Experience

The lens in the 4990 does not move. The focus is fixed. The focal plane is ca 1.5mm.above the glass. The story about the 8x10 scans is simply that Epson assumed resolution requirements wouldn't be too critical since the negative is so large anyway.

I've always used this scanner with the Epson Scan software, currently under Windows 11. I don't see a clear advantage to VueScan personally. I've tried it on a few occasions and just found it clunky.
 
VueScan is apparently the option if you are on Linux. I haven't used my Epson since I switched over.
 

Great, thank you, what would you suggest for a shoe in negative holder for 4x5, I was thinking of placing it between 2 pieces of acetate but that might cause too many reflections? The resolution so far is fine for contact prints but would be great to maximise if I wanted to print, are the better scanning guys still going?
 
You could rig up a holder similar to the original one using bits of plasticard or stiff cardboard, and/or 3D print some items. You could also use some bits of glass (AN glass if you're fancy/rich) to sandwich the negative between. Unless you use AN glass, Newton rings will likely be a problem (I've never been able to really work around them in any case) esp. on the backside of the film.
I generally use either the holders that came with the scanner, or (for sheet film) just plonk the negatives onto the platen and call it good.

acrobatic_citron said:
The resolution so far is fine for contact prints
Click to expand...
For small prints scanning right on the glass is fine. You only need 300-600dpi for that anyway - and even that is generous. Actual "contact prints" of course do not involve a scanner!

acrobatic_citron said:
are the better scanning guys still going?
Click to expand...
If you refer to the 'betterscanning' company that used to sell holders - no, I think they went out of business several years ago.
 
No worries; I make such proof sheets from scans as well btw. Works great for a handy preview of what's on the negatives. I file them with the negatives in a folder.
 
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