First time posting. Epson Perfection 4990 Photo flatbed scanner problem.

[Baker Rawlings]

How do I switch from "Reflective" to "Film" on my flatbed scanner? "Film" is greyed out. I've bought this scanner new and all of function worked in the past. Using Windows 10 on a two year old Cyberpower desktop. Can't recall scanning negatives since I switched to the new desktop, but have scanned many photos using the "Reflective" document type. Tried all modes and messed with configuration. Nothing seems to light up the option "film".

 

[MattKing]

Welcome to Photrio.
Have you removed the white document mat, to reveal the overhead illumination for scanning film?

 

[Graham06]

How do I switch from "Reflective" to "Film" on my flatbed scanner? "Film" is greyed out. .

Check the seating of the cable that goes from the lid to the base at the back of the scanner. I have had the plug come loose before.

 

[Kino]

Check the seating of the cable that goes from the lid to the base at the back of the scanner. I have had the plug come loose before.

+1

I would also carefully check the plug on the cable from the transparency adapter lid. The "film" option will not appear in the software until the computer senses this option installed.

Also, don't be afraid to uninstall and re-install the scanner with a freshly downloaded version of the latest scanner software from Epson.

 

[removed account4]

I have a similar vintage scanner, besides the crack-advice given thus far, you need to make sure your negative holder's notch is oriented the right way (towards the back of the scanner).

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Welcome to Photrio.
Have you removed the white document mat, to reveal the overhead illumination for scanning film?

+1

 

[winger]

I have the 4870 and had this problem once or twice. It's always been the cable that goes from the base to the lid. I think I've had to make sure it was off, unplugged the cable then replugged it in, and then turned it on.
I can switch over with the white cover in place in the lid, FWIW.