Epson 4990 Questions.

[koraks]

You can install all the versions you want (for any Epson flatbed scanner). If you have more than one version installed you must select your scanner before Epson Scan is started. If you select 4990 it loads Epson Scan 3.04A.

Indeed, this is exactly what happens. If you select the 4990, it loads Epson scan 3.04A. If you select the V800, you get an error that the scanner can't be found.

Hence, it makes no sense to try and install a later version than 3.04 when using an old 4990.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the download utility for EpsonScan requires you to identify the scanner in order to download and install the update, and if you identify something other than the scanner you have, it won't function with your scanner.
Essentially, the scanner driver is customized to your scanner.

I just logged on to the Epson site for 4990 Pro and 4990 Photo with Windows 11. Only Utilities came up to download. No Epsonscan program showed at all. So how do you even download Epsonscan for the 4990?

SPT_B11B175011 | Epson Perfection 4990 Pro | Perfection Series | Scanners | Support | Epson US

epson.com

I wonder what would happen if he downloaded the program for a V600 or V850 which is the same V.3.9.3.5 I'm using just to see if it works with his 4990, or call Epson with his problem.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Indeed, this is exactly what happens. If you select the 4990, it loads Epson scan 3.04A. If you select the V800, you get an error that the scanner can't be found.

Hence, it makes no sense to try and install a later version than 3.04 when using an old 4990.

I just read your post after posting my last one. I couldn't even find the v.3.04 to download. Do you have to have the actual 4990 scanner plugged in (which I don;t have of course.)

In any case, here's the link to the V600 download page which includes the scan program button to download. It does say: This file contains the Epson Perfection V600 Scanner Driver and EPSON Scan Utility v3.9.3.1.

The V3.9.3.1 is the same as for my V850 and V600. So the question is are scan drivers different for the 4990? Does it pay to try downloading this program and trying it?

SPT_B11B198011 | Epson Perfection V600 Photo | Perfection Series | Scanners | Support | Epson US

epson.com

 

[koraks]

Do you have to have the actual 4990 scanner plugged in

Not to locate the download obviously, no.

I just Googled it; it's here: https://www.epson.eu/en_EU/support/sc/epson-perfection-4990/s/s509

So the question is are scan drivers different for the 4990?

Yes, they are. Drivers, by default, are hardware-specific. That's what drivers are for: they offer a software interface for the operating system and/or applications to control a specific hardware device. It's sort of a 'bridge' between those worlds, and as such, drivers rely on very specific hardware implementations on the side of the device. Since the 4990 and the v600, 800 etc. are different devices, the device drivers are also different.

Does it pay to try downloading this program and trying it?

No, it doesn't. That's for the V600. That's a different scanner than the 4990.

It's really very simple: the Epson scan software that works with the 4990 does not have a convenient format setting. All it offers is a marquee tool and options to select which film holder is used.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Not to locate the download obviously, no.

I just Googled it; it's here: https://www.epson.eu/en_EU/support/sc/epson-perfection-4990/s/s509



Yes, they are. Drivers, by default, are hardware-specific. That's what drivers are for: they offer a software interface for the operating system and/or applications to control a specific hardware device. It's sort of a 'bridge' between those worlds, and as such, drivers rely on very specific hardware implementations on the side of the device. Since the 4990 and the v600, 800 etc. are different devices, the device drivers are also different.



No, it doesn't. That's for the V600. That's a different scanner than the 4990.

It's really very simple: the Epson scan software that works with the 4990 does not have a convenient format setting. All it offers is a marquee tool and options to select which film holder is used.

Thanks for finding the link to the 4990 software. This info was not available on the 4990 Pro or 4990 Photo. Please note that the software listed updates Epson Scan 3.04A issued in 2009. There seems to be two updaters BOLDED below from the link including one issued in 2022 only six months ago. The other issued in 2018. So the OP could try the updates to see if the problem remains or goes away and let us know.

Epson Perfection 4990 Support | Epson Europe

www.epson.eu

Product Setup
Epson Software updater (v4.6.5.0)
v.4.6.5.0
02-Aug-2022
5.55 MB
.exe
Epson Software Updater allows you to update Epson software as well as download 3rd party applications. Please Note: To use this updater, your Epson product must be turned on and connected to a computer with Internet access.
Download
Drivers
EPSON Scan Updater (v1.0)
v.1.0
13-Jul-2018
0.72 MB
.exe
EPSON Scan (v3.04)
v.3.04
12-Nov-2009
17.12 MB
.exe
Other Software
Event Manager (v3.11.53)
v.3.11.53
14-Sep-2020
18.10 MB
.exe
EPSON Copy Factory Updater (v4.91)
v.4.91
15-May-2020
60.20 MB
.exe
EPSON Copy Factory (v4.91)
v.4.91
15-May-2020
60.37 MB
.exe

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I just noticed that the koraks link he provided is from Europe for the 4990. The data I found was for the US under 4990 Pro and 4990 Photo. I don't know what this all means.

 

[MattKing]

I just noticed that the koraks link he provided is from Europe for the 4990. The data I found was for the US under 4990 Pro and 4990 Photo. I don't know what this all means.

It means you can only buy a small car version of the software, and it comes with a manual transmission, not an automatic.
The Epson Canada site provides no download options of any type for the 4990 and Windows OS's.
There are two Epson Canada options for a couple of Mac OS choices, and a general Linux option.
If they can't or won't support an option, they probably won't provide it.
There may be small differences between the products that were released in the different markets, which might be part of the reason that different software is offered and supported in different places.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

It means you can only buy a small car version of the software, and it comes with a manual transmission, not an automatic.
The Epson Canada site provides no download options of any type for the 4990 and Windows OS's.
There are two Epson Canada options for a couple of Mac OS choices, and a general Linux option.
If they can't or won't support an option, they probably won't provide it.
There may be small differences between the products that were released in the different markets, which might be part of the reason that different software is offered and supported in different places.

If the OP can get to the site that Koraks furnished and download those two updates, he ought to try them to see what happens. At the worst case he might get a bonus coupon to upgrade his scanner to something like a V600 or V850.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

If the OP can get to the site that Koraks furnished and download those two updates, he ought to try them to see what happens. At the worst case he might get a bonus coupon to upgrade his scanner to something like a V600 or V850.

Honestly, The 4990 is a fine scanner. I use it every day. I drive it with Vuescan. Ed Hamrick charges $25 for Vuescan — much cheaper than dropping $500 into a new scanner.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Honestly, The 4990 is a fine scanner. I use it every day. I drive it with Vuescan. Ed Hamrick charges $25 for Vuescan — much cheaper than dropping $500 into a new scanner.

I was just being humorous. I'm sure the 4990 is a fine scanner.

 

[MattKing]

Honestly, The 4990 is a fine scanner. I use it every day. I drive it with Vuescan. Ed Hamrick charges $25 for Vuescan — much cheaper than dropping $500 into a new scanner.

You are showing your age Sanders - the Professional edition is now $139.95 Cdn
I'm sure glad I bought mine when it was $25.00.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

$25.00? You can't even get a roll of color film for that today.

 

[koraks]

Please note that the software listed updates Epson Scan 3.04A issued in 2009. There seems to be two updaters BOLDED below from the link including one issued in 2022 only six months ago. The other issued in 2018. So the OP could try the updates to see if the problem remains or goes away and let us know.

The Epson Software Updater does not recognize the 4990's version of Epson Scan, which currently is 3.04E. I know, because I tried it.

The Epson Scan Updater is only a bugfix, no additional features were added.

Honestly, The 4990 is a fine scanner. I use it every day.

Same here; perhaps not everyday, but very regularly. I use the Epson Scan utility, the old 3.04E version, which works just fine as it is IMO. I tried Vuescan many, many years ago, but didn't find it offered any benefits for my own use.

 

[MTGseattle]

Ok folks. I'm throwing myself at the mercy of those more versed in scanning than me. Same Epson 4990, Epson scan 3.04a Is there a way to get a "thumbnail" or small enough to post in here scan of an 8x10 negative? I've just jumped into 8x10, and I have a couple of issues I would like another set of eyes on. I also took a couple of iphone shots of the neg on my light table for want of something to post. Is it as simple as saving my "preview" scan?

 

[koraks]

Just do a regular scan at very low dpi. For an 8x10, if you select the entire negative and scan at 100dpi you'll get an image that will conveniently display on most web sites.

Alternatively, scan at higher dpi and then downsize (resample) in your photo editing tool of choice.

 

[MTGseattle]

Thank you. I'm not sure why I thought lowering the dpi would be weird. I really need to get Lightroom or something other than microsoft photo running.

 

[MattKing]

Thank you. I'm not sure why I thought lowering the dpi would be weird. I really need to get Lightroom or something other than microsoft photo running.

Try FastStone Image Viewer - among other things it has a great image re-sizer. It is donation based. Windows only, unfortunately.

 

[David Reynolds]

I have been using the Epson 4990 Photo for so many years that I cannot remember how long. Probably since I bought an Apple G5 desktop and Photoshop version 8.-- that was 2004 or 2005? I am still using this setup today. The whole system still works perfectly. It keeps me from upgrading especially Photoshop which I do not have to pay rental or licensing fees etc. I paid once for the software and that was it. Version 8 has all the features that are needed to produce great photographs. At the time I purchased the Epson 4990. it came with Epson Scan 2.68A and Silverfast Ai. I have used both scanning softwares but prefer Silverfast. I can scan with the holders or flat on the glass. I believe you can still purchase a used 4990 and I would recommend it. Whether it would work with up to date softwares I have no idea.
PS : I have located a company in Mass. that will recondition and maintain both this scanner and older Epson printers. PM me if you need further info.

 

[koraks]

I believe you can still purchase a used 4990 and I would recommend it. Whether it would work with up to date softwares I have no idea.

At least on Windows, the 4990 drivers and Epson scan utility that are available for download from Epson still work.

 

[MTGseattle]

Do I have the proper 120 film holder? If you cut 120 6x6 into 4 strips of 3 images, I have a holder that lets you scan 2 frames of 6x6 per "opening" in the holder. My preview scan then is comprised of 6 frames. This seems really weird to me.

 

[MTGseattle]

I am also seeing newton rings when using the above holder. I'm not a fan of the digital side of the hybrid workflow so far.

 

[brbo]

Yes, that's the OEM 120 holder for 4990. Although, newton rings can be avoided if you don't follow Epson recommended film orientation in the holder (which is absurd and contrary to every other scanner and enlarger). Put the film in the holder with emulsion side down so the emulsion is facing the sensor.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Do I have the proper 120 film holder? If you cut 120 6x6 into 4 strips of 3 images, I have a holder that lets you scan 2 frames of 6x6 per "opening" in the holder. My preview scan then is comprised of 6 frames. This seems really weird to me.

My Epsonscan program for Epson's V600 and V850 requires you set medium format to the appropriate film format such as 6x6 or 6x7. Click on Configuration at bottom and select the right tab at the top when that window opens and then select the film format size.

 

[koraks]

Do I have the proper 120 film holder? If you cut 120 6x6 into 4 strips of 3 images, I have a holder that lets you scan 2 frames of 6x6 per "opening" in the holder. My preview scan then is comprised of 6 frames. This seems really weird to me.

Yeah, that's a bit odd, but it's indeed how the stock film holder works. I've never had issues with Newton rings with this holder, even if used as per Epson's directions (emulsion up). I suppose with very limp/thin film this can be an issue, and in this case it will be accompanied by somewhat lower resolution especially around the rings since the film will be out of the focal plane there.

My Epsonscan program for Epson's V600 and V850 requires you set medium format to the appropriate film format such as 6x6 or 6x7. Click on Configuration at bottom and select the right tab at the top when that window opens and then select the film format size.

Be that as it may, it changes nothing about how many frames can be scanned with the stock holder of the 4990, or how the film strips are arranged in that holder. That's a physical thing; software doesn't have anything to do with it.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Yeah, that's a bit odd, but it's indeed how the stock film holder works. I've never had issues with Newton rings with this holder, even if used as per Epson's directions (emulsion up). I suppose with very limp/thin film this can be an issue, and in this case it will be accompanied by somewhat lower resolution especially around the rings since the film will be out of the focal plane there.




Be that as it may, it changes nothing about how many frames can be scanned with the stock holder of the 4990, or how the film strips are arranged in that holder. That's a physical thing; software doesn't have anything to do with it.

MTGseattle said:
Do I have the proper 120 film holder? If you cut 120 6x6 into 4 strips of 3 images, I have a holder that lets you scan 2 frames of 6x6 per "opening" in the holder. My preview scan then is comprised of 6 frames. This seems really weird to me.

The software frames the pictures with auto marquee settings based on the film size. Medium format 120 film format has to be selected unlike the other formats. There are five different settings.
See picture below.